One factor that has long weakened Christian witness is
Christian disunity, as manifested in thousands of denominations, conflicts
between churches and within churches. In the last century and into our own,
there have been considerable strides toward greater visible unity between the
various Christian Churches. Many of these gains have taken place at the official
level of commissions, bishops meetings, and the like.
These
are all very significant and I encourage you to explore the ecumenical efforts
within your particular denomination and between denominations (for example in the
work of the World Council of Churches). But what can you do to foster greater
Christian unity and greater realization of the true “Lord’s Prayer” as found in
John 17:21, that we all be one? Here are some simple steps for
individuals, small groups, and local churches.
1. Pray. Pray regularly for Christian unity. Put some teeth on
it by praying for friends, family, and co-workers who are members of other
Christian Churches. Pray for the other Christian Churches in your community.
Have your local church do this on Sundays (that includes the local churches you
don’t like).
2. Connect with
other Christians. Whether among your
friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors, or wherever, there are other
followers of Jesus all around you. They may be Roman Catholic, you may be
Methodist. But make a connection on the basis of your shared Christian faith
first and foremost and explore tribal differences on a secondary basis.
3. Think beyond
your tribe. Think of the “Church” in
your city, county, or region. So much can be done more effectively on a
regional level versus the congregational level. Yes, you need to do certain
things rooted in your local congregation’s distinctive identity, but there are
plenty of things you can do more faithfully and more effectively by partnering
with other Christians. NEWS FLASH: You do not need to agree about every matter
to partner together for the common good.
4. Stop bad mouthing
other Christians! This is a cancer
within the body of Christ. Progressive Christians make their snide remarks
about fundamentalists. Conservative Christians make their jabs at liberals.
Having been trained in and ministered across the theological and denominational spectrum,
I can assure you that every stripe of Christian sub-culture faces this problem.
Sadly, it is often taken for granted. In fact, some churches or individuals
have made it a point of personal identity and pride to stress how unlike other
Christians they are. Praise everything you can about other believers. Stress
all the common points you can. When appropriate, share graciously your points of
disagreement.
5. (This is directed particularly to pastors and other
church leaders). Think Kingdom increase,
not just your local church’s increase. Your interest in people shouldn’t be
merely to rack up attendance numbers for your local church. If in the course of
your personal witness or church’s outreach ministry individuals become
interested in Christianity, but end up attending another church. That is still
a “win” in the Kingdom. Care about people and their spiritual well-being more
than you care about increasing your membership rolls.
6. Observe the
week for Christian Unity which
happens every year from January 18 through January 25.
What else would you
suggest? What are you doing? What have you seen done that is faithful and
effective in developing visible church unity and witness? (Speaking of
denominations are they bad? Click here. Or maybe being non-denominational is
the answer? Click here. Finally, know the difference between religion and denomination. Click here.)
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