Working Together

“John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:38-40)

America is an anomaly of sorts. In Europe, the church was often the established church or the “state church.” Church and state became the two arms by which society was strengthened and supported. In America, this is not the case. Individualism permeates our cultural landscape, so we should not be shocked that it has seeped into our religious life. On the one hand, this works in our favor, for the church has proliferated the landscape as a result. On the other hand, it has also affected our churches with a sense of indifference bordering on disdain. Am I right? We often don’t play well together, if at all.

We must be honest about our churches for a moment. We have deep-rooted theological differences that directly affect our practice. The differences between Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist cannot simply be glossed over as nonconsequential, and these differences will remain as long as we are on earth. (In heaven, we will all be Presbyterian.) However, what we can emphasize the perishing souls in and around our communities. We can emphasize the need of faithful gospel ministry, of speaking well of Christ. We can emphasize the good work our God is doing among those who are for Him. We are called to be for Him.

Now, permit me to be frank. I have pastored in Raymond five years now, and one of my most joyous expectations of heaven is worshipping alongside some folks from other churches that I love dearly. However, I need to say the quiet part out loud. If one of our churches is unhealthy and unholy, unfaithful and unfruitful, it affects the work of us all. The advance of Christ’s kingdom will be hindered if one of His regiments isn’t on the battlefield. We are either in the trenches for Christ or a traitor against Christ. Christ provides no other alternative. Let us not be idle, inactive, or isolated; let us do mighty works for Christ, and let us do them together.