Unity and Mission in Church Mergers: Navigating Growth with the Gospel's Essence (01/19/'24)

Unity and Mission in Church Mergers: Navigating Growth with the Gospel's Essence In contemporary times, the phenomenon of church mergers is increasingly prevalent. While the arithmetic of combining two churches seems straightforward, akin to the simple sum of 1+1=2, the actual process is far more complex. This complexity primarily stems from the fact that these churches often have their foundations in specific denominations or are built upon interpersonal relationships. A seamless merger might have been possible if at least one of the churches had the gospel as its core guiding principle. This highlights a hard truth: achieving unity in church mergers is a challenging endeavor that requires humility and acknowledgment of the inherent difficulties. Furthermore, if a church focuses solely on its own interests and the expansion of its influence, it risks deviating from the core tenets of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more it invests in its own growth, the further it may stray from the gospel's essence. In contrast, a church that truly understands and embodies the power of Christ's gospel does not seek dominance for its own sake. Instead, it wields its strength with a constant mindfulness of God's will. Such a church advances the gospel not through sheer force, but by practicing and spreading Christ's teachings of grace and mercy in all its actions. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (January 19, 2024)