One of the criticisms that non-Christians have about the church is that we are so divided. If we cannot get along as Christians, why would anyone want to join us? John Armstrong, in his book Your Church is Too Small, deals with this very issue. Armstrong takes us through his own journey of becoming catholic. By catholic, he does not mean Roman Catholic, but feeling a sense of belonging to the universal church. Armstrong, a strong evangelical, has reached out to Christians of other traditions, to the criticism of fellow evangelicals. But in this, Armstrong is following the instructions of Jesus that we be one. Armstrong does not just leave this as a personal testimony. He investigates the issues by examining both the Bible and church history in order to have a fuller understanding of the forces at work. He wrestles with the difficulties of having fellowship with other traditions that have radically different views on different doctrines. Armstrong takes the time to work out what the essentials are in which we can find unity. We should not ignore our differences but we should work within our common faith and be open to learn from one another. It is very unlikely that the entire Christian church will unite into one organization (I can’t imagine even all the Baptists coming together) but there are things that we can do. Armstrong provides some practical suggestions to help each one of us become more catholic in our faith. If you have ever struggles with the divided church, Your Church is Too Small is the book to help you see the bigger picture of the church.
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Hey Stephen, thanks for your thoughts here. In your view, what are some things we can do to cross denominational divides?
Best,
Andrew
I have always thought according to bridging the denominations as I am an Anglican/Pentecostal/Baptist. I think the key is cooperation between local churches in their own communities, whether combined services or mutual ministry opportunity. Paul speaks of a church in a city even though there were many house churches. Perhaps we need to think more in terms of city churches.
That’s an interesting idea. It seems to all come back to the local church(es).
Unity. Hmmm?
Sometimes good and some times, er, not so good?
Just wondering…
What if God is the author of our disagreements and separations?
“And all things are of God…” 2 Cor 5:18, Rom 11:36, Col 1:16-17, etc.
Are we working for “Unity?” And NOW working against God?
Didn’t God confuse man’s language once before?
Aren’t those things that happened to others,
written for us to learn from?
1 Cor 10:11, Rom 15:4.
Didn’t God intervene when “man was in unity”
with their own devices, their own plans,
trying to build something themselves,
to reach heaven and “make a name for themselves?”
Could that be the ekklesia’s problem today also?
Doing their own thing – NOT God’s thing?
**Man trying to build something?
(Movements? Denominations? Church Planting?)
**And make a name for themselves?
(“Titles” on buildings, schools, websites, books, diplomas, etc.)
**Being in unity they could accomplish anything?
wikipedia lists many, Nay – 1,000’s, of Denominations. Everyone with a name.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations
…let us build us a city and a tower,
whose top may reach unto heaven;
and let us make us a name…
Gen 11:4
Gen 11:6-8
…let us go down, and there **confound their language,**
that they may**not understand one another’s speech…**
(Hmmm? Sound familiar?)
(Baptist, Pentecostal, Reformed, Calvinist, Egalitarian, Mercy Lord… )
Hmmm? Just wondering…
What if God is the author of our disagreements and separations?
Then what…???
Are we working for Unity? And NOW – working against God?
Interesting thoughts. Regarding Babel, the problem was no their unity but rather they were using their unity for their own glory and not for God’s glory. It also seems that Acts 2 and the day of Pentecost is a reversal of Babel. In the power we are able to be one for the glory of God. I would hardly say that working for unity is working against God. The one prayer that Jesus prayed for the future church was this: “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 ESV) That sounds like some form of unity is Christ-ordained.
Stephen
In agreement with most of what you write.
BUT – Isn’t the focus in John 17 about becoming “ONE” and NOT “Unity?”
Hmmm? Is there a difference?
I just believe, “the Body of Christ” is in “Unity.”
It’s “His Body.”
I don’t believe there is disunity in…
Jesus – He is the head of the Body,
(the ekklesia, the called out one’s,) The Church.
Col 1:18
There is “ONE” fold, “ONE” shepherd, “ONE” voice… }}}} Jesus {{{{
John 10:16
And when we’re in Christ “we” are “ONE.”
No division or separation.
There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither bond nor free,
there is neither male nor female:
for ye are all “ONE” in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:28
Does that verse say male and female are equal?
Or, does it say, male and female do not exist?
I would like to believe; When we are “in Christ”
This does NOT exist either.
Neither Baptist nor Assemblies of God.
Neither Evangelical nor Pentecostal.
Neither Leaders nor Followers.
Neither Clergy nor Laity.
All “ONE” in Christ Jesus.
Now, “The Church of Man,”
“The Church of Baptist,”
“The Church of England.” Choose one…
All making a “Name” for themselves. Yes?
That’s a different story. Oy Vey! ;-)
That’s what you see with your eyes.
But, the kingdom of God comes
NOT with observation. It is within.
Luke 17:20-21.
“The Church of Man,”
That’s the thousands of denominations
started by man and seen by others.
Would be “Christian Leaders” who had a better idea.
And I believe there is a possibility that “God” has…
“ **confounded their language,** that they may
**not understand one another’s speech…**
Gen 11:4-8
Because those in “The Religious System”
are trying to make a “Name” for themselves. :-(
Be blessed in your search for truth… Jesus.
You are right that it depends on what we mean by unity. I do not mean by unity that all churches and denominations should form one organization. I am a Baptist pastor and I work with other pastors and churches in town. We have a measure of unity even though we still belong to our respective organizations. we even have combined services at times. I think the biblical picture is a unity that respects diversity.
Stephen- Lovely family. Thanks for your words about unity and this book. No one said it was going to be easy following this Jesus on his way to the showdown in Jerusalem. Its brothers like you who help keep me motivated.
God bless,
John Paul Todd
e4unity.wordpress.com
Thanks for your comment and encouragement.
Stephen
Don’t “Titles/Labels”cause, by default, separation, dis…unity?
Don’t “Titles” become idols? Ezek 14:1-8
And God now speaks to us according to these idols?
Don’t “titles” say, I am, you’re not?
Don’t “titles” say, we are, they’re not?
Baptist, Lutheran, Assemblies of God; — separation, dis…unity?
Reformed, Evangelical, Charismatic; — separation, dis…unity?
Clergy – Laity;— separation, dis…unity?
Leaders – Followers;— separation, dis…unity?
Shepherds – Sheep; — separation, dis…unity?
Jesus said we are all brethren. Mat 23:8
And when we’re in Christ “we” are “ONE.”
No division or separation.
Sure titles and labels can be idols and can be dangerous. We see that in 1 Cor. 1. However, there is room for diversity. In the Old Testament, there were separation of people into priests, Levites and laypeople that seems God ordained. Priests and Levites could do some things that the others could not. In the New Testament, there was an acknowledgment of diversity. The Jewish Christians did not expect the Gentile Christians to act just like them. The image of the body in 1 Cor. 12 assumes some diversity. The idea is not the eye and the foot are the same but that they should respect each other because they belong to the same body. I am a Baptist, but my primary identification is that of a follower of Jesus and I am in unity with any other follower of Jesus, whatever their label.