Growing a Healthy Church Sample

Healthy Churches Live Out Unity

In 1980, the U.S. hockey team defeated the seemingly unbeatable team from the USSR in an Olympic semifinal before they went on to win the gold medal. It’s considered one of the greatest moments in sports history. A team of handpicked, uniquely talented, amateur players came together as an effective, unified team. But it was not their individual talent that made them effective—it was their ability to combine talent as a team and bring them together for one purpose.

A healthy church looks like that 1980 U.S. hockey team. It accomplishes infinitely more with others than it does alone. It plays its part with passion and excellence while recognizing its need for the broader Church to fulfill Christ’s mission. It’s known for what it’s for, not what it’s against. It’s surrounded by other churches passionate about working together and doing more. It’s full of individual members who live out their roles and do extraordinary things for God.

Many times the word “unity” evokes images of churches that look, act, and talk exactly the same, but that’s not an accurate picture. We mistake uniformity for unity. True unity is each church fulfilling its unique role with one common purpose, just like the many different parts of your body working together. This unity is incredibly powerful, beautiful, and significant.

Jesus was passionate about the unity of believers. He prayed over us that we would live it out because He knew the incredible results that would follow.

What happens to churches that live out unity?

• They do as God would do
• They accomplish God-sized things
• They attract others outside the church
• They lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ

Unity is worth fighting for. Are there areas in your ministry where you can begin to build a path toward unity? As you read today’s scriptures, we pray you’re reminded of the power and purpose of unity.