THE RECONCILED CHURCH: NEXT STEPS

Last Sunday we finished our recent teaching series on ‘The Reconciled Church’.  In recent weeks we’ve been laying a theological foundation and casting a vision for a church that is truly one in Christ. We believe that the gospel is the answer to all racial and ethnic hostility, breaking down every dividing wall between people groups.

Of course, a teaching series can only be one step towards realising this vision where "There is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus". (Gal 3 v 28). This will be an ongoing conversation for us as a local church and we will be continually praying, seeking God for how this vision can become a reality in our church.

But there are some things we can all do. If, after this series, you’re thinking, so what can I do? Here are a few suggestions.

1. PRAY 

I know this sounds obvious but it must always be our first port of call. Let’s join Jesus in his prayer of John 17 where he prayed:

‘I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me’. - John 17 v 20-21

We can all pray for our church, for our ‘oneness’ and for our relationships that we may be a prophetic picture pointing towards that glorious vision in Revelation 7 of a crowd from every nation, tribe, language and tongue surrounding the throne of Jesus. 

2. TAKE A STEP

I also want to encourage each of us to take a step toward someone who we may not know that well in our church. Unity is expressed in our relationships; why not step across the room and start a conversation with someone you do not know?  Hear their story. Build a bridge.  

I recently heard someone use the acronym SALT as a useful tool to help start conversations.

S – Start a conversation

A – Ask questions

L – Listen well

T – Tell some of your story 

Let’s try and break out of our usual circles to offer a welcome to someone who may be new to King’s or on the margins of our community. 

3. READ

I have read so many helpful books on this subject. If you are a reader, here are a couple that I would recommend. 

CROSSING THE DIVIDE by Owen Hylton

Owen has become a real friend and support to our church and to me personally. It was great to welcome him to contribute to our series. He is a pastor in London and leader of The Reconciled Church network.

See https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-living/social-issues-and-responsibility/crossing-the-divide/

GRACISM by David Anderson

I read this book a number of years ago and found its emphasis on grace in our relationships to be so helpful. Though written in a US context, there is still much that is helpful for our situation in the UK.

See https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/the-church/church-life/gracism-the-art-of-inclusion/

4. LISTEN

If you want to think more deeply about this subject, there are so many useful podcasts that are worth a listen, as well as other teaching resources. Let me recommend:

Racial Diversity and Pathways to Peace

This is an episode from the New Ground Life and Leadership Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQRaKfBJrec

There are also so many great resources, interviews and preaches on The Reconciled Church Network website – you can find them here: https://www.trchurch.co.uk/resources

I am excited when I think about the huge potential of the local church to demonstrate unity and diversity in Christ. Jesus has united us in his love and through the cross – let’s continue to find every way to live that out together.