The Church Together
From Tuesday through Thursday of this week, I had the joy of spending time with a diverse group of leaders from American Baptist Churches, representing various regions (Great Rivers, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana/Kentucky). We came together to refresh and grow as leaders, and it was truly energizing. I had the opportunity to speak with pastors in contexts similar to and completely different from my own, and we could share in the struggles and the joys of ministry. This shared experience was wonderful, and it seems so fitting that the narrative lectionary brings us to the founding of the Corinthian church (Acts 18) and Paul’s instruction to be unified (1 Corinthians 1:10-18).
Just as Paul did last week, he once again enters a city to share the good news. And again, he doesn’t find a totally positive reception and moves on after a bit. But the message takes hold, and a large number of Christians are continuing to follow Christ. Unlike last week, the letter to the Corinthians is much less positive, and Paul is being more corrective. He addresses issues of division and pride within the church, urging them to remember their shared faith in Christ. The passage for this week focuses on unity. It emphasizes the true center of our Christian faith, which is Christ and not earthly leaders. Paul wants the church to remain focused on the main thing, the salvation that comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I spent time with pastors who had charismatic personalities and others who were quiet and reserved. However, what united them all was their unwavering passion for sharing the good news of Christ, much like Paul. They celebrated the churches that looked and operated differently than their own. I do, too! It gives me hope that the church can focus on the main thing and reach people in a culture that seems rapidly changing and diverse in many ways.
Instead of lamenting the changes in our culture, I am praying for an openness to learn and listen and for those who understand the culture to share the good news, too. Each of us, whether pastor, elementary school teacher, banker, factory worker, engineer, or anything else, is called to Christ, and when we meet Him, we can’t help but share Him with others in our world!
How can I pray for you as you encounter Christ and share him with others? Perhaps you need strength to face the challenges, wisdom to guide your decisions, or unity within your community. Please share your prayer requests below, and know that I will be praying for each and every one of you.