“For the sake of Jesus and the world He loves, let’s lock hands and hearts and scatter the seed of the gospel together.”
Throughout my ministry years I think our Christian churches and ministries felt a sense of competition with other Bible-believing and Jesus loving congregations. The only way we can move forward as a powerful force for the gospel in our is together. I mean all believers praying, serving, and reaching out in partnership. There is something beautiful about the diverse styles and unique characteristics of mega-churches, rural churches, urban, suburban churches.
We should never lose this. We are family. We are the body of Christ not independent of one another. We are not in competition with one another. We are still ONE church!
Here are some simple ideas I’ve come up with that can make us that powerful movement of the church.
- Thank God for HIS church. Let’s get in the habit of actually thanking God for our brotherhood of churches and their ministries. Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Pray passionately for other churches. Let’s be committed to praying for churches locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Major on the majors. As we partner together, keep your focus on the gospel of Jesus and the mission of His church. There is far more that should bind us together than divide us. As we say at The Kingdom Partnership “Christ Church – Better Together”.
- Honor differences. When it comes to styles, let’s not talk about “right or wrong” and instead commit to honoring distinctive ways churches do their ministry. We can honor the different music, order of worship, how communion is served, etc. and still work together for the gospel.
- Learn from each other. God is moving all over the planet. Let’s commit to learn from anyone who is effective in outreach. No single believer has all the answers. But once again when we partner, we bring God’s gifts to believers into one powerful movement.
- Work together! Let’s not just say, “We love each other and are in the work of the gospel together.” Let’s actually move into mission together and connect in meaningful ways. Meet with other churches. Keep each other accountable and dream about how to support one another. To provide encouragement and work in our communities more effectively for Christ.
- Give stuff away. When we come up with something that is effective for outreach or revitalizing a sister church, share it. No more isolation. We are not alone in the work of the gospel. We are a family of faith, and we will spend eternity together. Let’s start acting like a healthy and loving family today. Let’s humble ourselves and learn from one another. Let’s be generous and share what we discover and develop. And for the sake of Jesus and the world He loves, let’s lock hands and hearts and scatter the seed of the gospel together.
Dick Creek is the Founder and Director of The Kingdom Partnership. Go to: www.thekingdompartnership.us and learn about this exciting ministry. Or email Dick to arrange a Kingdom Partnership presentation for your congregation. RDCreek@cox.net
