Church as a Whole!

Here is a recent email from one of my simple church coaches. I find it interesting and applicable.



John 17:21-22 (KJV)
"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:"

When I was in Taiwan years ago I explored what the locals thought of Christianity and was struck by the answers I found. One of the reoccurant themes that emerged was summed up in one young lady's words; "There are to many different kinds of Christ being taught for me to choose" I pursued the conversation further to find out she was referring to all of the competing "tribes" or denominations.

This is a problem today for recent surveys indicate contrary to popular opinion, every item or subject reaches a saturation point where when adding choices actually reduces the likelihood any choices will be made. Increasing choices results in the paralysis and backing away from any decision.

How this plays out n the religious world can be similar. Pagans and post-moderns often look at the competing "branding" of what are called churches and just don't want to get involved in such a complicated subject.

What to do? Jesus clearly calls us to a "one faith" experience of Church. So when we recognize the body of Christ, many parts, different functions, we can pray in the clear will of God, and take proactive steps towards fulfillment.

Proverbs 27:10 (KJV) says "Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.'

For the simple church overseer this plays out by us taking first steps towards developing real friendship and partnering with otherlocal leaders in different streams of the local Church. Wendy & I have done this repeatedly often finding ourselves becoming the hub of the wagon wheel bringing combined congregations together (usually smaller meetings) for regional advancement of the Kingdom, via concerts, camps, seminars etc. This can be done with other SCs, house churches and conventional congregations.

In addition when in trouble or when pondering tough decisions, having locally available accountability near by is so much more effective then a denominational covering or someone else far off.

As Simple Church leaders we need to get beyond the paranoia of "smallness" and cultivate how we can apply ourselves to our Lord's prayer. Besides, it's fun to recreate and minister with other bodies of believers.

Not been invited to ministerial associations? Try just showing up, God honors our efforts. Otherwise just calling and dropping in and just introducing yourself and sharing what God has called you to can be the beginnings of opportunities to pray, listen and work together. Ever experience God's "smile" in your life? Try this!

What say you?

From:
Harold Behr
www.simplechurches.net
undershepherds@googlegroups.com


May God Bless us all!