I'm involved in a praise and worship celebration that is outside of the Methodist faith. By "outside" I mean, the local UMC church is host, but those involved are from various denominations. There are some in our church who think that the use of this facility for such things is wrong. They don't respect the moving of the pulpit in order to make the area a stage where worship will focus. Me thinks that is wrongful thinking.
I'm moved by the inspiration of those leaders who want to make this an ecumenical thing. Truly moved. I just pray that we will all move towards the position that bringing people to Christ is the prime motivator...not a secondary one. Forget denominations, I love being involved.
I will post on the forward movements of this endeavour. Simultaneously, I seek the prayers of anyone who follows this blog to do so as well. Thank you for your prayers.
7 comments:
Different local churches working together for the sake of the gospel is what it's all about IMHO! As we've sought to do this our lives have been incredibly enriched by the diversity in Christ's Body, and the anointing that comes from brothers dwelling together in unity is very powerful - it pulls down spiritual strongholds that cannot be demolished any other way, meaning that we are able to minister love, healing and reconciliation in places where we could not previously.
I'm praying with you.
While ever we want to channel our own streams, we are failing to walk in the river!
Mark,
I like what you do with your street pastors, interdenominational work, it's good. I hope that our new venture in Christ's name is fruitful.
Thanks for your input, and I value your kindred spirit.
Marty
Healing On The Streets is cross-church as well. We have approx 20 people from approximately 6 different local churches, some traditional, some contemporary, ministering on the streets every Saturday.
Street Pastors has approx 30 people from approx 12 different local churches currently undergoing training.
We have people from different local churches who get together to pray and to prayer walk the city. We're in early discussion with friends from different local churches about how we can help the homeless.
There's a lot said about revival in some circles, but for me, unity is an important focal point for revival. Working together, not merely acknowledging one another or even sharing ecumenical meetings, is where the rubber truly hits the road. We have to sort out our prejudices in order to work together. God commands a blessing when this happens ...
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
(Psalms 133 ESV)
I agree Marty and I will pray.
After yet another meeting on getting this thing going, we're discovering that our purpose is less about being some sort of "brand" of Christianity than it is being simply Christian, for those who are on the outside looking in. We want to welcome and encourage - by means of music and joyful, multisensory experiences, those seeking new experiences into the fold of followers of Jesus Christ. Yesterday I learned that this is akin to planting a new church. It takes on an entirely different perspective when looking at it this way.
We have a wonderful mentor in this process who has a wealth of experience in creating this type of worship service. God puts people in your path when and where you need them.
I'll update the progress as time goes by. Thank you for your input and inspiration and prayers.
I heard a pastor a few years ago compare "denomination" to "denominator," the bottom part of a fraction. He was making the point that denominations, like denominators, split and divide things. John Wesley never saw Methodism as a separate denomination, but simply a return to basic Christianity.
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