'CHRISTIAN unity, partnership, networking and stewardship' are becoming common buzzwords of the Christian ministry today. We are constantly trying to affirm the implication of these spiritual jargons in our pursuit to demonstrate our spirituality in the context of our relationship and ministry.
As a concept, it is a biblical mandate commanded by the Lord in His last priestly prayer in John 17. In reality, however, these words limp weakly behind the practice of Christians, pastors and leaders today. While we may talk about 'Christian unity and partnership', the actual experience of the relationship between church and ministry tend not to harmonise with our 'unity talk'. Instead, we frequently find ourselves doing our own things, promoting our own programmes and developing our own identity. In the process, we become increasingly inward and self-centred in many ways.
While recognising our human failure, we must seek to honour the command of Jesus that 'we may be one' and take to heart the serious consequences of our refusal to be faithful to His Word. In the midst of a sceptical world, we must work together and share our resources if we are going to have any hope in dealing effectively with the enormous challenges heading our way. We must move beyond the rhetoric of talking about collaboration and take steps to make it a reality.
When churches and Christians co-operate in an integrated partnership, they reach out to many more people in less time at a lower cost. The result is a stronger, more unified local church. Manpower is then maximised and the credibility of the message is strengthened.
Christian unity presents a powerful model of corporate witness to the world. Separate, individualistic ministries rob Christianity of believability. To establish viable churches within the community, we must offer a Christian community, at least as strong and relational as the one from which the converts come.
Partnership reduces duplication of effort and dissipation of resources. Our scarce and overworked resources of people, money, time and facilities cry out for co-ordination of effort. The Church has the resources to fulfil the Great Commission, but not enough to waste in duplicate efforts and conflicting agendas. Worse than the waste and garbled message that come from duplication, is that some areas of ministry are completely left out. The unfinished task can only be fulfilled through godly unity and co-operation in tangible and visible ways.
Partnerships provide an active working forum in which ministries can co-ordinate their plans and resources and develop a common strategy. Usually partnerships begin with limited but high strategic projects which allow the relevant ministries to work together. Along the way, other ministries benefit from that co-operation. As the partnership grows in maturity, task forces or working groups of ministries typically begin to form around issues critical to the Church.
Working together and sharing resources can multiply the impact of our efforts in time, personnel, money and knowledge. If we are to effectively witness for Christ as a community of believers, we have no other option but to work together. Wherever we are and whatever ministry we are doing, there are powerful benefits that come from God's people working together to share Christ and serve in His Name.
The nature of Christian unity and partnership must reflect the new realities of changes and challenges, and of our understanding of the appropriate relationship between churches and ministries. We must seek to minimise the differences in doctrines and practices while at the same time, accentuate our commonality. Our aim is not to compete with each other in resourcing and implementation but to complement each other's strengths. We are to discard the things that hinder openness and oneness, confessing these things and claiming together the cleansing of the Lord. Out of this pursuit, a common purpose will emerge for a body of people growing together and sharing together. |
