Is it possible to build a revolutionary movement with differences of opinion, differences of viewpoint, differences of perspective? I believe so.
The political differences of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are legendary. But they worked together and even fought together to bring about freedom to our nation, and they were key leaders in birthing the greatest political movement in world history.
Besides their obvious personality differences, Peter and Paul had their theological disputes (Galatians 2:11-14). Paul and Mark had their ministry style differences (Acts 15:3-16:10). Among Jesus’s 12 Apostles, they had many disputes among themselves (Luke 9:46; 22:24-30). Yet they were all used by the Holy Spirit to bring about the most powerful spiritual movement in world history.
It is amazing what a common mission can do to our differences.
Paul probably had this in mind when he wrote to the quarreling Corinthian church, “I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose (mission).” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NCV)
I want to Promote Unity
I want to propose and promote unity and synergy among pastors and churches. I believe we have less that divides us, and more in common, under the bold mission of making Jesus Christ known to a desperate world. Jesus’s final command to His Church was, “Go and make disciples!” The early church heard that cry and acted. The Book of Acts is just that—a journal of the church acting under that mission. They literally “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) and changed society!
A Divided Body
Today there are more churches than ever before. Because of the many denominations and expressions of “Church,” we have often found ourselves a divided Body. I am as guilty as the next pastor of promoting division because of certain convictions that I hold. I want to repent of that and work toward unity.
Recently I was asked to consider a special men’s conference that would involve the unity of two parts of the Body of Christ that have historically been at odds with each other. I told this brother that I would pray about it and even consider it. Whether this event happens or not is not really the issue. What matters is our common mission for a Kingdom of God Revolution in our day.
What is a Kingdom of God Revolution?
I am often asked, “What do you mean by a Kingdom of God Revolution?” Following is my definition. I coined the phrase a few years ago under this definition, “A Kingdom of God Revolution is a revolutionary movement of the proclamation and demonstration of the Kingdom of God into every sphere of society.” Jesus made the Kingdom of God His main message. He spoke of the Kingdom more than any other theme. I would define the Kingdom of God as the “reign and rule of Christ in a realm.”
I believe that God desires that every aspect of culture in every nation be touched by the Kingdom of God! That includes not just individual salvation, the most important of course, but also, the impacting of society—the political realm, the medical realm, the business realm, the military realm, the educational realm, etc.
Like spiritual gifts to individuals, certain churches will have greater influence in certain areas of culture. For some the salvation and discipleship of individuals will be their main focus. For other churches, God will use them to work and penetrate other realms of society. I believe churches have callings, and they are raised up by God with a certain anointing for a certain aspect of the Kingdom of God Revolution.
This is not a time to divide but a time to unify under the banner of Jesus’s mission of making disciples. Let’s work together, appreciate our differences, and be allies in the greatest revolutionary movement the world has ever known. The world is longing for such unity!
Partnering with Jesus and His Church for a Kingdom Revolution,
Pastor Steve
