What brings us and binds us together for ministry? Worship attendance (even pre-pandemic) in mainline denominations is declining. Financial stewardship is not far behind. An unprecedented number of people do not identify with any organized religion.
Yet I do not lose heart. God does not forsake God’s people. Paul reminds us that resurrected life – whether the church’s or our own – will look different: “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52b).
In the meantime, we can live boldly into Paul’s vision as we gather in our communities of faith. In gathering at the foot of the cross with our many and diverse gifts, we find our common bond. It is at Christ’s table, where words and bread are brought together, that we are enlivened and our muscles flexed for ministry. This wonderful “being together, but not the same” makes us the body of Christ.
This message is excerpted from “Be Together, Not the Same,” by Twila Schock in the April 2020 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate the Confession of Peter. This is the first day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
reply
retweet
favorite