Some of you may not know this about me, but I’m a Free Will Baptist pastor. That’s why every summer, I attend the denomination’s national convention. It changes location every year. One summer, it may be in Louisville, KY. Another year, it may be in Charlotte, NC. But this year, it was in Cincinnati, OH, so that’s where I spent all last week.
It was a very busy time for me and Karen. She led the children’s choir and kid’s music during the worship services. Meanwhile, I was catching up with other ministers from around the country and attending the adult worship every day. We spent our mornings supporting kids from our church in their Bible competitions. And in between all that, we were trying to enjoy time together with our friends and family who we don’t always get to see.
Needless to say, by the end of the week, I was exhausted. (It didn’t help that we drove straight from the convention to see our granddaughter’s dedication service.) But I was also left with a sense of wonder at all the things being accomplished by my denomination across the country and even all the way around the world.
There are so many amazing ministries happening with the church. While there, we heard about one youth group that visits the elderly in nursing homes and holds regular worship services for those who can’t go to church. What an amazing ministry! We also got to see ways that people from the convention came together to reach out to communities in need in Cincinnati while we were there, and they accomplished a lot to leave a positive impact on the city.
What stuck with me the most, though, was the portion of the final service when we had all of our missionaries come onstage to be recognized for their wonderful work. They carried flags from the countries they serve, and there were flags from all over the world. These families represented churches and ministries that are spreading the gospel to countless people all over the planet who’ve never heard it before. That is so incredible to me!
And it’s only possible because this group of believers came together to support them. Left alone, very few individuals or even churches would be able to go out to the world and share the gospel. But when we put our minds and resources together, we can do so much more than anyone is able to do on their own.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” —John 17:20-21
That’s the power of Christian unity, and it’s what we’re called to do. That’s why we have denominations and partnerships and churches even. God made us to live and serve Him together. The Holy Spirit empowers believers when they come together in His name. And when we have the unity that God wants for us, there’s no telling what we can do.
As a pastor, I’ve seen what can happen when God’s people come together in His name. I’ve seen lives transformed and communities impacted. And I believe that we could even see our country and our culture turn to God if we would only come together. But far too often, we get caught up in our own stuff, our own desires, and our own preferences, and we lose sight of the bigger picture.
I’m choosing to lean in to the unity and Christian community that I’m called to be a part of, because I know that’s the only way I’ll ever be able to really make an impact. I know that I have a lot to offer, but I can’t do it on my own. So I’m recommitting myself today to putting my pride aside and dedicate myself to the greater work of the body of Christ.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” —Matthew 18:20
How about you? Are you taking part in that unity? It starts with joining a local church. You’d be amazed what a few believers can do together when they put their minds to it! And as churches band together, they can accomplish even more in the Lord’s name. But none of it will ever happen if we’re trying to do it all on our own. Won’t you come be a part of something bigger?