Unity of the Body During
Uncertain Times by RODNEY CUNDIFF
I
N Let Me Illustrate, Donald Grey People become a formidable force timony time at one fellowship meeting,
Barnhouse tells of going backstage when they work in unity. God said this
his heart was so pricked that he is now
before a performance at the Metro- about people who were unconcerned
on board with us! And that he is anx-
politan Opera House. Before the cur- about God’s will and were building the
ious to see the change come! To God be
tain went up, dozens of individuals walked tower of Babel: “Indeed the people are
all of the praise!!
about in the wings, doing vocal exercises. one and they all have one language, and
This rural church of around 60 people
Completely oblivious of others, each singer this is what they begin to do; now noth-
hoping to raise $60,000 overcame region-
concentrated on his own voice; the result ing that they propose to do will be with-
al economic concerns. It received
was piercing discord. We are all familiar held from them” (Genesis 11:6, NKJV).
$75,731.70 in initial commitments to be
with a similar effect in the tuning-up of How much more can people accomplish
paid over the next three years. Presently,
orchestra instruments before a concert. who are united in the Spirit and working
85 percent of its congregation has com-
What a different sound comes forth when to build the kingdom of God.
mitted to give to the campaign with more
the orchestra is on stage and everybody is
expected. More importantly, their min-
playing in unison. The result is something
istry vision has new life. Why? They are
inspiring that captivates an audience.
working in unity. The testimony of this
Similarly, God wants believers to
church is that it can be done, it is being
move in divine oneness. Clearly, Jesus
done, and it starts with the people work-
had such unity in mind when He prayed,
ing together.
“That they all may be one, as You,
Some may question whether this is
Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they
the right time for raising funds to build or
also may be one in Us, that the world
expand. While some churches are under-
may believe that You sent Me” (John
going stressful circumstances, many con-
17:21, NKJV).
gregations are growing and seeing
For churches to consistently advance,
increase. The easiest thing to do in times
unity must be present. Even in the midst
of instability is to do nothing. Christians
of societal chaos, God moves and touches
should live in faith, not fear (see Hebrews
lives when churches worship in unity
11:6). Faith and unity move the heart of
and have a common vision. In a healthy,
We recently witnessed the power of
God (see Proverbs 3:5; Acts 1:1-4). Wall
growing church, you will find a church in
unity in a Church of God in Logan,
Street does not control the seasons or
unity. Regardless of whether a church
Ohio, where the Reverend Larry Sterling
times; they are under His control (see Acts
decides to take on a project or rest
serves as pastor. Stewardship Ministries is
17:23-27; Psalm 31:14-15). The church’s
momentarily, the church needs to be in
providing consulting and assistance in a
future is in God’s hands. The decision as
unity about its decisions.
capital campaign there. Judy Seifert, the
to what the church should do boils down
One of the primary functions of
campaign director, wrote in one weekly
to one question: What is God saying to
Church of God Stewardship Ministries is
campaign report:
our church?
to partner with churches in fulfilling We are united! Men wept as they
God-given visions. What Stewardship
talked about their love for the Lord and
Rodney Cundiff is a campaign consultant
consultants understand is that when
our church. . . . One man who initially
for Stewardship Ministries with 22-plus years
it comes to stewardship campaigns and a
was opposed to the campaign came up
of field ministry, educational, and business
church’s vision, the church moves
to me Sunday and shared that he was
moved at the recent meetings. He was
experience. He has served in several pastoral
together. Dream about it. Pray about it.
impressed at how well-organized the
ministry positions in Church of God churches.
Cry about it. Sing about it. But do it
campaign is. He was moved at how
Prior to joining Stewardship Ministries four
together. Things of eternal significance are
united all of the task force and team
years ago, he worked with John Maxwell's
achievable when unity is evident. members are. He said that during a tes- INJOY Stewardship Services for four years.
EVANGEL • MAR 2009 11
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