384. How Unity is Created and Maintained
As most of you know, our church is made up of two congregations. Though unity doesn't automatically happen through proximity, it is challenging to maintain unity (and a sense of unity) when we are physically apart for Sunday services. Thankfully, what unites us together the most is that we both do house church ministry. Ultimately, unity is created and maintained through the continuous attitude of submission to the greater vision that goes beyond each one’s main interest. So currently, we try to foster unity through collaborating on important and meaningful ministries, namely joint mission trips, joint children ministry, and joint outdoor service.
Joint mission trip allows the two congregations to submit to God's greater mission of reaching the world, where we pull all resources together to help people know Christ and follow him. Currently, relatively older KSC members bring stability and leadership, and younger ESC members bring energy and creativity to the ministries in the mission trip. Despite language and cultural differences, it was great to see both congregation members submit to the bigger mission at hand, instead of getting bogged down to the differences.
Joint children ministry allows the two congregations to submit to the vision of raising the next generation who will faithfully follow Jesus. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. And the church is always one generation away from becoming extinct. So, the next generation is so much bigger than what we think is important right now. Our children ministry team currently helps out the children’s service once a month. It was beautiful to see the team helping out with the Children’s summer camp last week, with a lot of joy and energy.
Joint outdoor service allows the two congregations to submit to the vision of creating a welcoming place where people find it easier to invite their VIPs and help them experience the warmth of God's family. A joint planning team made up of both congregation members diligently prepares and plans for the event.
Unity doesn't come from talking about unity. It comes from consistently submitting together to God's vision that is greater than the interest of each congregation. This requires humility and faithfulness. Our church is praised by many pastors exhibiting a genuine sense of unity between two congregations. Let us continue to pursue unity, choose submission and serve humbly.
