Church Divided

The Problem:
Despite the Church's God-given spiritual unity, the Church is divided in practical and official terms. The Church is split up into thousands of denominations. In some cases, two different church buildings have been built right next to each other.

This problem results in:

The Church gives the impression that the Church is splintered and fractured. This justifies the world's disbelief.

The Church fails to work together as a Body, in effect, crippling itself (see Weak Body).

Unity in Diversity: It is ironic that many denominations justify their existence by appealing to a need to distinguish themselves theologically from others. But isn't that precisely the problem? The Church has divided itself over non-essential doctrines! Agreement over non-essentials should not be a prerequisite for unity. We must learn to tolerate, love and work together with those we don't agree with. Church unity, in spite of our theological and cultural differences, will especially glorify God. Where is the glory in unity if we are all alike?

The Solution:

The first thing we need to do is to define the essentials: the non-negotiables of Christianity. Then we can judge whether other groups, organizations and congregations are really part of God's true Church.
We must consolidate our resources. We must join teams. We needlessly spend so much money when we don't work together. We should be willing to share our church property with other groups (or better yet, sell or rent out the church building and move the congregation into homes churches!)
Hold a periodical Unity Festival in your city. Gather local churches together for a celebration of unity in diversity. Share each other's styles of worship and cultures, and hold loving debates over non-essential doctrines in order to foster mutual respect, understanding, and biblical literacy. Unity Fests would be a great time to network as well. Suggested Organization of a City's Church

Scriptures to Study

Christians are already one in spirit. John 17:20-23; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 1:12,13; Gal 3:28; Eph 4:3-6;
Unity was apparent during the first days of the Church. Acts 2:44,46; 4:32; 5:12.
Our love for each other identifies us as Y'shua's disciples. John 13:35.
What does the Bible say about denominations? Do we say we are Lutherans, Wesleyans, Baptists? Or should we just call ourselves Christians? 1 Cor 1:10-13; 3:1-4.
What should we think if some other denomination is properly and successfully preaching the Good News? Luke 9:49,50.
What should be our response if someone is preaching the Good News with impure motives? Phil 1:15-18