In Ephesians 4 Paul uses the word "one" seven times following an important statement about maintaining unity. I can't express how significant the theme of unity is for the church. This week I am going to be writing some further thoughts on this passage in anticipation of the Word bringing transformation to each of our lives as we submit to its authority and learn more regarding the teaching of the Apostle Paul.
We might ask why unity is so important. The answer is simple in some regards and extremely complex in others. Simply put, when there is unity there is health. That is the goal for any local church, the health of its members and thus the health of the body. However, consider for a moment the opposite of unity - disunity. Disunity can be defined by using words like conflict, disagreement, and opposition. It might even be described as division. Describing the lack of unity of a church with terms like these creates a sense of stress, anxiety, and possibly even despair, for disunity drains emotions and energy; it is continually damaging and destructive; it is not the goal that the Lord has for His church, as we read in Ephesians 4.
In his book, Vintage Church, Mark Driscoll lists 5 reasons to pursue unity. (1) Jesus prayed for it often. (2) As the leadership goes, so goes the rest of the church. (3) Without unity spiritual health and growth cannot be maintained because the church gets diverted from Jesus and his mission for them. (4) Unity is fragile because it is gained slowly and lost quickly, which requires that it never be assumed or taken for granted. (5) Paul repeatedly commands unity in churches.
If these are valid reasons to maintain unity (and I am committed to thinking that they are), and Paul instructed the church to be eager to maintain unity, then it is important for us to consider the ways to maintain unity that disunity be prohibited. For today I want to present some specific areas to maintain unity (these areas are taken from Vintage Church, by Mark Driscoll)
First we must maintain theological unity. This means that the leaders and members of the church agree on what they will count as negotiable and non-negotiable. Those things that are non-negotiable will be things that are most closely connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Things like the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the inspiration and authority of Scripture are non-negotiable. An example of something negotiable would be found in one's view of styles of worship music, or which Bible translation to use. It is important to look at the doctrinal statements of the church and understand what is considered non-negotiable and what is negotiable. Each denomination will be distinct and potentially individual churches within denominations will be distinguished by certain beliefs.
Second we must maintain relational unity. This means that people love one another in demonstrable ways. A church that is healthy will prove to be biblical in its fellowship, which is evident in cordial, friendly, respectful, and honoring relationships. People who demonstrate this type of relational unity will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their relationships. They will prioritize Paul's instruction to maintain unity, by constant evaluation and pursuit of biblical relationships. These people will not allow division, bitterness, hurt, offense, gossip, or disagreement to be fostered in their relationships. Instead, they will be eager to pursue the unity, established by the Holy Spirit in the church, and guard it with passion as they live in integrity, honesty, forgiveness, humility, and Christian character as they trust in and strive for every member's sanctification.
Third it is essential to pursue philosophical unity. This means that ministry methods, styles, and government that have been established by the church are to be pursued without criticism which often develops factions of dissatisfied people who undermine the health of those in the church. This doesn't mean that there is not an appropriate time and way to think critically about these matters in the church. The opportunity for critical thinking occurs when faithfulness and trustworthiness are the foundations for the dialogue that will ensue. It is important to note that critical thinking is best when it brings potential solutions not solely focusing on the problems that need solving.
Fourth it is esental for the church to be focused on missional unity. Agreement on the objective of the church is essential. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 contains only one command, "Make Disciples." All other things that the church does should lead to this. One might ask, what does a disciple of Jesus look like? Put simply, it is a person who glorifies God through a life committed to biblical principles and is being transformed by the truth of God's Word (that which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments). Individual churches will most likely have a purpose statement that describes this in contemporary terms to assist her members in the assimilation and practice of her particular values.
Finally it is essential to maintain organizational unity. This is both governmental and practical. Church government will be formed largely by theological matters and may be influenced by mission and philosophy. Whatever the government of the church you will need to practice unity by working within the bounds of that government. There is also the matter of organization in which job descriptions, policies about spending, the operations of facilities, and more will be necessary. Again it is important that people recognize that these matters of organization be guarded and embraced so that the daily operations of the church be successfully promoted and not hindered frustrating or inhibiting those resposnible for the day to day functioning of the church.
Some final questions: If you were to evaluate your eagerness to maintain the unity of the church in these areas how would you rate? Which area would you need to improve? Is there anything that you have done that would bring disunity to the church instead? If yes, what do you need to do to correct that?
No comments:
Post a Comment