What practical steps promote unity and reduce divisions in our congregation? Hearing Paul’s Concern “For, in the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.” 1 Corinthians 11:18 Paul is not scolding unbelievers; he is talking to people who meet every week, break bread together, sing the same hymns—yet still fracture into camps. His remedy is intensely practical. Anchoring Our Identity in Christ, Not Camps • 1 Corinthians 1:10—“that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and conviction.” • Galatians 3:28—one in Christ, not Jew/Greek, slave/free, male/female. Steps: – Speak often of the gospel, not just programs. The cross levels every difference. – Discourage “my ministry” language; encourage “our mission.” – Use testimonies that highlight Christ’s rescue rather than personal achievement. Guarding the Gathering Paul addresses divisiveness “when you come together.” What happens in the service shapes what happens in the hallway. Practical helps: – Arrange seating or small-group tables to mix ages, cultures, and backgrounds. – Rotate service roles (readers, ushers, musicians) so no clique monopolizes visibility. – Teach on the Lord’s Table as a family meal (1 Corinthians 11:20-26). Make space for quiet self-examination before partaking so grudges are confessed, not concealed. Keeping Short Accounts with One Another • Matthew 5:23-24—leave your gift, be reconciled first. • Ephesians 4:26—“do not let the sun set upon your anger.” Routine habits: – Encourage members to ask, “Is everything clear between us?” – Provide gentle coaching on Matthew 18:15-17 for private, then escalating, conversation. – Celebrate reconciliations publicly (with permission) to model restoration. Celebrating Diversity, Resisting Cliques • Romans 12:16—“Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly.” • James 2:1-4—partiality undermines faith. Ideas: – Host potlucks that mix favorite dishes from different cultures; seat people by drawing table numbers from a basket. – Pair long-time members with newcomers for three-month “Barnabas buddy” relationships. – Highlight a different ministry or small group each month so no circle becomes the unofficial power center. Practicing Mutual Service • Philippians 2:3-4—“in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” Action list: – Build teams where every job—from nursery to soundboard—has multiple generations serving together. – Encourage each member to name one person they will intentionally serve this week (ride to doctor, help with yardwork, prayer call). – Share service stories on Sundays to reinforce that unity grows through shared sacrifice. Submitting Every Opinion to Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16—Scripture equips for “every good work,” including peacemaking. Tools: – In leadership meetings, open the Bible first, agenda second. – When controversies arise (music styles, budget items), ask, “Where does Scripture speak?” rather than, “Who has the loudest voice?” – Memorize key “one another” verses together (John 13:34; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) to set a common vocabulary. Praying for Unity by Name • John 17:21—Jesus prays “that they may all be one.” Suggestions: – Maintain a rotating list of members; pray for three households each week from the pulpit. – Encourage small groups to pray for another group, not their own. – Use the midweek email to share specific unity wins and prayer needs. Evaluating Progress Together Markers to watch: – Quick, humble apologies replace silent withdrawals. – Visitors notice warmth before they find the coffee station. – Decisions increasingly reference Scripture, not personal preference. – Testimonies feature “we” more than “I.” When these fruits appear, 1 Corinthians 11:18 turns from cautionary tale to joyful report: “I hear there are no divisions among you.” |
    |