On the way to church this past Sunday, my family and I saw signs for several fall festivals. That’s not unusual until you realize the fall festivals were in the same neighborhood. And even that’s not astonishing until you realize the neighborhood’s fall festivals were all organized by churches within a few blocks of each other.
I’m sure all these separate fall festivals will do fine. However, the churches involved still lost an opportunity to work together for their neighborhood and for the glory of Christ.
Why does any of this matter?
Well, it all comes down to being effective sharers of the Gospel. More people (and potential new believers) can be served when churches work together for a purpose than when churches work in silo. But more importantly, our separateness clouds the visibility of Christ while our togetherness points directly to him.
Related Post: Unity Within the Body of Christ; A Body of One
It’s simpler than all that though. While it might be difficult to work on things together, we can certainly praise each other and lift each other up.
Romans 12:10 – Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (ESV)
Ultimately, this brotherly position is the best place to reside. It keeps envy from causing us to make counterintuitive decisions.
Wisdom in Togetherness
For example, what’s the usual response when a new church plant comes to a city? The news is usually met with jeers and fears. That’s counterintuitive though because new churches reach new believers more effectively than established churches. Romans 12:10 Christians should be overjoyed about new churches instead of opposing them.
If you’re in a church that works in silo or scoffs at new churches, bring it up to your church’s leadership. It’s possible they weren’t aware of this blind spot and will steer the congregation towards repentance.
Pray and fast for your leadership to right the ship. Pray and fast for the Holy Spirit to warm cold hearts.
Great Message! Stir our hearts Lord!!!!
The Church is the Body of Christ, it is international. So along with communities / churches working together more locally, the Church needs to unite more throughout the world. ‘ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST’.
Love this!
Man this is so good. It’s always so upsetting to see churches not work together. We spread ourselves thin for no reason. This is a great post I’d like to get in front of all pastors!
Be my guest. Share share share.
I have noticed this too. I believe some of this stems from us allowing the worlds mentality to creep into our churches, mainly social media. With all the divisiveness in our country, it’s a perfect opportunity for churches to stand out when we work together.
Well said. When unchurched people see churches working, they recognize that something special and uncommon is happening.
Good stuff. This is my prayer most every weekend “Church unite!”
Thanks, Jon. Always admire your wisdom.