Faith unites us, and the church has a significant part in that. | Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
“To behave as a church, you need to be able to identify those people the church could do without. Please understand, I am not saying that there are people that we should keep from coming to church because this would go against the Great Commission and we should behave as a church that invites the “whosoeverwill” may come in. Neither are we to pick and choose what kind of people we want in our church, for God loves the whole world.”
-excerpt from Behave as a Church, one of the Behave Series by Powers
How does faith unite us? Faith unites us, even in a world that is a kaleidoscope of people, rich in diversity. Since time immemorial, the Church has strived to stand as a beacon of unity and love. The Church and our faith transcends race, gender, socioeconomic status, and personal history. As the excerpt suggests, the church should invite “whoseverwill”, which means anyone who desires to come to God is welcome. The same way applies to us as people of faith. Although people have this tendency to exclude, we don’t have any right to be selective on who should be in church. Our faith unites us to be welcoming, for God loves the world, and that means anyone, including you.
Yet, achieving such inclusivity requires intentional effort and a clear commitment to the values of acceptance and service. Faith unites us by embracing diversity, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and actively supporting the needs of all members. The Church can become a unifying force in a divided world. This article explores the steps toward building a church that embodies faith’s uniting power.
Embracing Diversity as a Divine Gift
We can’t be all the same, right? We were created in the likeness of an image of God, but we are all created uniquely by Him. Every individual’s unique experiences and backgrounds enrich the Church. This is something to be celebrated and appreciated, for diversity is a divine gift. To truly embrace diversity, the Church must go beyond surface-level acceptance and actively celebrate the differences that make each person unique. Faith unites us by teaching the congregation about the value of diversity, acknowledging the contributions of various cultural traditions, and ensuring leadership roles are accessible to all.
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,[a] free; but Christ is all, and in all.
–Colossians 3:11
When diversity is embraced, the Church becomes a reflection of God’s kingdom—a space where all are welcome and valued. Faith unites us in this celebration of God’s creation.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Dialogue
Creating a safe space means addressing biases and prejudices within the community. This could be done through open discussions about inclusivity, guided by the Scriptures. A welcoming church must provide safe spaces where individuals feel heard, understood, and loved. Many people seek refuge in the Church. People carrying wounds from past experiences, discrimination, or judgment go there as they consider it a safe haven. Faith unites us when we acknowledge these struggles and offer empathetic listening to create an atmosphere of trust and healing.
When people encourage open dialogue about faith, struggles, and life experiences, they can help build authentic relationships within the congregation. Faith unites us through small groups, counseling services, and regular forums for discussion that facilitate this openness. When the Church becomes a sanctuary for emotional and spiritual healing, it reflects the heart of Christ’s ministry and strengthens the bonds within the community.
Actively Serving the Needs of All Members
Inclusivity is not just about words; it requires action. A church that serves every walk of life actively seeks to meet the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of its members. Faith unites us in these acts of service What are these? It could be providing resources for the homeless, supporting single parents, or creating programs tailored to different age groups and abilities. It makes a difference to extend this service beyond the church walls. After all, action speaks louder that words. Faith unites us not just through dialogue, but through collective positive actions.
Faith Unites Us: Building a Church of Unity and Acceptance
A church that welcomes every walk of life not only reflects the essence of faith but also becomes a powerful force for unity in an increasingly divided world. By embracing diversity, fostering safe spaces, and serving the needs of all members, the world can be a better place to live in. Do you want to know more about how church shapes our spiritual life? Grab a copy of Behave as a Church by Dr. Christopher Powers. Get it through this link!
