The following post by Kevin Colón stirred my thinking. Kevin serves as the lead pastor for the Cool River Church in Superior, Colorado.Why is it that churches in America compete with each other?
Why are we happy when a church down the street doesn't do well?
Why are we upset when a new church starts in our area?
Why are we good about talking about each other but not so good about helping each other?
Why do we allow people to jump back and forth between our churches without communication (and in some cases warning)?
Why do we let each other struggle?
Why do we let our neighbor churches die?
What if the church could be known today as it was in the New Testament?
The church of Denver
The church of Boston
The church of San Francisco
The church of Miami
The church of Salt Lake City
The church of Nashville
The church of Las Vegas
The church of Charlotte
The church of Portland
The church of St. Louis
The church of Phoenix
The church of Detroit
The church of Dallas
The church of Abilene (Vann: I added this.)
The local church has for too long thought only of itself and its ministry. Everyone else... well... you know... good luck, we'll pray for you... I guess. We don't really care about each other.
What is it going to take for us to fight together and defend the Bride united? How about:
1. Open and honest conversation. We've got to be honest with each other about the struggles we are going through. Well... we should actually talk to each other first.
2. Collaboration and Cooperation. We've got to make it a priority of our ministries to work together (and not just in our denomination... but with the whole church... our differences are killing us)
3. Protection. Speak up and Speak out. Don't let the church be destroyed because you didn't say anything.
4. Support. Let's come along side churches/ministers... to cheer them on, to help them out, to rebuke in love.
5. Humility. We have to listen to the collective wisdom of trusted Kingdom churches around us.
6. _____________. Your turn. Fill in the blank. What do you think?
