UNITY
ONE CHURCH. ONE FAITH. ONE MISSION.
“I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit.” – Ephesians 4:1-4
FOR WOMEN
There are a few reasons to discuss unity in smaller groups in our church, like men and women, as men and women are created differently with great purpose. Men and women are equal in value and in importance in the kingdom of God. I love pointing people to the end of the book of Romans – look at all the people Paul says to greet in that church in Rome – men and women of equal number, doing different roles – but all integral to the success of the church in that place. Because we complement each other in gender in the home and in the church, it means we are susceptible to different traps of disunity as well. Our men are going to be looking at pride, for women: gossip. Our theme for the year is ‘unity’ and it won’t be ‘gossip.’ I have no interest in harping on challenges while we have such wonderful things in our church to celebrate – but it’s an important issue, so let’s just address it briefly and then hold each other accountable to eliminating gossip in our midst.
This is not unique to our church of course, and not unique to women. I, Pastor Mark, am guilty of gossip. It’s an easy way to feel lifted up, frankly, to think less of someone else and to make that known with a kind of self-righteousness partner. But it’s not right for the body of Christ – so let’s discuss it. On Sunday morning, January 19, in the community hour, 9-10 am, we’ll have a discussion led by Pastor Mark. Mark will teach a little bit on gossip from the Word then you call can discuss amongst yourselves the best ways to reduce gossip in the church. It will be a positive time together – this is no time to be pointing fingers or to even bemoan what might be challenging about our church – let’s just positively move forward in unity. No more suspicions about each other – no assumptions that someone will let you down – this is our church family – let’s love each other like crazy and see the best in each other in order that we might most effectively work together.
The elders of our church will also be looking for ways to equip women in our flock to be a part of everything that is biblically appropriate for women. Instead of having a fearful approach to how we address women’s ministries, we will be proactive in making sure that when people think of Redeemer Church of the Shoals they are thinking of men and women in various roles, adding to the flourishing of our church family, just like Paul saw in the church in Rome. Get excited about what is coming down the line at Redeemer!