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February 2009
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Your Unity Will Impact Your Community (con't)

2. "We" vs. "They"
A good indicator of unity is the pronouns we use when referring to ministry or building projects. Every person in the church should be saying, "We are going to Brazil," or "God led us to start an outreach to Hispanics," not some group in a corner pointing and saying, "They decided to go on a mission trip."
We are all part of the "fellowship of the Spirit…having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." (Phil. 2:1-2)
When you use "they" to begin your statements, then you've separated yourself from the vision and ministry of the church. When we have a correct view of God and the mission and ministry He has called the church to enact, then it is "we" who have received the assignment, not a select group of "they."
3. Supporting Decisions
As a church you have elected members to serve on committees and ministries. And what you said is that you trust them to make the decision for you. When there's unity, there is also trust. There is a release of God's Spirit to work in their lives and abilities and spiritual giftedness. Now, we won't all agree on methods, decisions, and values. That's part of life.
But, once a committee makes a decision that you entrusted them to make, then it's time to get behind it and support it, whether you agree with it or not. Philippians 2:3 admonishes us "in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." It's time to personally submit and say, "It's clear this is what God wants our church to do. I may not understand it completely, but I'm going to trust my pastor and my leaders to help us accomplish what God desires for us to do."
4. Teams working together
Philippians 2:2 says, "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
What would bring your pastor great joy? Seeing teams work together for a common purpose. Deacons and outreach committee and youth ministry can work together on a Fall Fest. WMU can team up with a ladies Sunday School class to minister to women who are single or pregnant. The Children's ministry, Awana, and Sunday School teachers could work on a comprehensive plan for children's growth, outreach, and special events. Teams are not to be bumping heads on schedules or trying to guard their personal agenda.
Philippians 2:4 says, "Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others."
What would happen if…

  • Your church members started telling about the good things that are happening, and the blessings God is giving to your church?
  • If you told your committees and ministries, "We trust you to make the best decision—let's get it done as the Lord leads us"?
  • Your ministry teams joined forces for a common outreach and shared resources of volunteers and supplies and put their combined energies into the most fantastic community event?
Your community would say, "There is a sweetness and a safety in that church. I believe they can help me see how God changes lives. They have a hope and a confidence that I want."
You've opened the doors for your community to see Jesus Christ and His love for them.
Will your church become a place where people want to come, not because of its physical location, but because of its spiritual location—a strong, united church that is receiving God's blessings? If the church is to be building bridges into the community, then is the church attractive enough for the community to cross the bridge that we build?
Your unity as a family of God will impact your community!

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Strawberry Baptist Association
163 West Main, Bedford, VA 24523
sba@sbava.org

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Updated 1/30/2009
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