Rise Up: A 3-Day Devotional for Church PlantersSýnishorn

United in Jesus

In the midst of building a church, it's easy to get caught up in methods, preferences, and personal styles. However, the foundation of our unity is not our methods or preferences, but our shared identity in Christ. As church planters, we must remember that our unity in Jesus transcends any differences we might have.

When we first started our church, we had a diverse group of people coming from various backgrounds. There were moments of tension over different worship styles, program ideas, and leadership approaches. It was a challenge to navigate these differences and find common ground. Yet, through it all, we were reminded that our unity in Christ was the bedrock of our community. We discovered that focusing on Jesus and His mission helped us to set aside personal preferences and work together with a single purpose.

Ephesians 4:3 encourages us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Our focus should always be on Jesus, who binds us together. When we keep Him at the center, our differences become opportunities for growth rather than division. The goal is not to eliminate differences but to unite under the common purpose of advancing God’s kingdom.

Remember, when we are united in Jesus, we can overcome any challenge and work together towards the mission He has given us. Our shared identity in Christ is what makes us strong and effective as a church. Let this unity be the driving force behind every decision and interaction within your church.

Embrace the diversity within your church as a reflection of the beautiful body of Christ. Let your focus on Jesus unite your team and congregation, creating a strong foundation for growth and impact. When you center your efforts around Him, your church will thrive in unity and purpose.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to remain united in You above all else. Teach us to value our shared identity in Christ and to embrace our differences as opportunities for growth. May our unity in Jesus be evident to all and reflect Your love and grace. Guide us in our mission to build Your kingdom together, focused on Your purpose and glory. Amen.