2. John 17 (ESV)
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. ”
- Jesus AD 33
MLK

4. Uncomfortable Unity: Why Unity is Important
The Challenge and Limits of Unity
Unity is Not Uniformity
Unity Requires Humility and Love

5. Unity noun 1: the quality or state of not being multiple : ONENESS
2a: a condition of harmony : ACCORD
b: continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action)
3a: the quality or state of being made one : UNIFICATION

6. Why Unity? It is theologically crucial It is a powerful witness
Jesus passionately prayed that we would be brought to complete unity so the world may believe that He was sent by God
It is a powerful witness
A unified church, where countercultural unity among diverse people stands out, ..where natural enemies become siblings in Christ, is a critical manifestation of a Spirit empowered church.
There is a common enemy
There is ONE Body, Spirit, Lord, Faith, baptism, God.

7. Challenges and Limits of Unity?
Theological Diversity
In 2001, World Christian Encyclopedia counted 33,830 denominations worldwide;
Biblegateway.com is a searchable online Bible in over 150 versions.
Geographic Diversity
“Christianity has since the beginning been global and transcultural. The shape of Christian practice in a Korean Megachurch looks different than a Pentecostal church in Appalachia.” p 168
‘Amazonization’ of beliefs
Online connections with ‘like minded comrades’ and
amplification of tribalism.

8. Challenges and Limits of Unity?
At your tables,
How have you seen these three; Theological Diversity, Geographic Diversity, ‘Amazonization’ of beliefs, contribute to disunity?
Contribute to unity?

9. Unity is not uniformity
All or nothing proposition?
“Unity does not require 100 percent agreement on everything.”
Essentials and Non Essentials
“What are the points of doctrine that are crucial and go beyond co-belligerence.”
Know the ‘Floor plan’
Hall or Rooms?

10. Unity is not uniformity
At your tables,
What do you believe to be essential or non essential?
Why do you believe that?
Is your ‘hall’ another's ‘room’, or your ‘room’ another’s ‘hall’?
Give examples of how you’ve maintained unity in the face of disagreement?

11. Unity Requires Humility and Love
‘..even if it would be easier to choose sides…embracing (rather than being embarrassed by) the seeming contradictions of Jesus is a key to orthodoxy… Holding to tension filled orthodoxy, and attempting unity with people who are different or who disagree with us, requires a huge amount of humility.’ p172

12. Rich Mullins

13. Questions for Personal Reflection
What steps can you take to promote unity in the essentials and grace in the non-essentials?
How can you increase your ‘diversity tolerance’ for the sake of unity?