In Depth:  unity

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Do we do ‘tribal’ or ‘gospel’ unity?

Do we do ‘tribal’ or ‘gospel’ unity?
Milla Ling-Davies
Milla Ling-Davies

Director of evangelical umbrella group Affinity, Graham Nicholls, said recently that conservative evangelicals “can be the most difficult [evangelical group] to unite” because of their “emphasis on rigorous theology and ministry practices.”

In the statement on the Affinity website, Nicholls acknowledges that “theology matters” but suggests it’s possible to unite around things we believe are purely theological but may actually be cultural or tribal.

Truth matters
editorial

Truth matters
Editorial
Editorial

It was of course Pontius Pilate who famously asked: “What is truth?”

Many centuries later, Hannah Arendt, in her famous book The Origins of Totalitarianism, wrote: “The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (that is, the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (that is, the standards of thought) no longer exist.” It was Goebbels who chillingly observed: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”

How can we disagree better?

How can we disagree better?
Gavin Ortlund
Gavin Ortlund

As I write this paragraph, the Christian world has been rocked with various scandals and public disagreements.

Sometimes it seems we bounce from one controversy to the next, and they all play out on social media before a watching world. Each week something new seems to surface. I won’t even give examples since, by the time you read this, they will likely seem like ancient history!

Disagreeing without being disagreeable

Disagreeing without being disagreeable
John Woods
John Woods

Book Review THE ART OF DISAGREEING: How to Keep Calm and Stay Friends in Hard Conversations

Read review
When secondary issues feel like primary ones

When secondary issues feel like primary ones
Andy Lines
Andy Lines

What are the ‘primary issues’, the essentials of the faith around which we unite as Christians; and what issues are ‘secondary’, or ‘adiaphora’? What do we do when sharp disagreements over these matters which, in theory, are seen as ‘indifferent’ compared to salvation, spill over into personal animosity and division?

Five years ago, colleagues and I began the project of forming a new church movement, Anglican in heritage, church order and global affiliation, but intentionally confessional and not aligned to Canterbury. At an initial meeting people from different backgrounds met to talk about the way forward. All were committed to the same understanding of the Bible’s authority and the same gospel; all had shown courage – in standing against revisionism in the official denomination; and in pioneering enterprise by church planting outside it. But it soon became clear that major divisions existed. Some agreed in theory that issues such as ordination of women, charismatic gifts, worship styles and administrative authority structures are ‘secondary’ or even ‘adiaphora’, but in practice they couldn’t see themselves part of the same church grouping as those who held different views.

FIEC partnerships help boost growth

FIEC partnerships help boost growth
Joel Murray

Cross-country partnerships between very different churches are helping grow the gospel in the UK, a conference has heard.

The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) and Medhurst Ministries organised the event, Connecting Diverse Churches, so that churches from very different communities could consider what partnership might look like for them.

'Dynamic' Gospel Coalition UK could help 'Reformed complementarians', says Nicholls

'Dynamic' Gospel Coalition UK could help 'Reformed complementarians', says Nicholls
en staff

A new Gospel Coalition for the UK and Ireland could help those with ‘broadly Reformed and complementarian convictions’ develop ‘new and dynamic partnerships,’ Affinity’s Graham Nicholls says.

Speaking to en, and in the wake of the most recent meeting of the advisory council of Affinity – an evangelical umbrella group uniting 1,200 evangelical churches and organisations which succeeded the old British Evangelical Council founded by Martyn Lloyd-Jones – Nicholls said no other organisation was quite filling that gap at the moment.

Do we really know someone’s motives & intentions?

Do we really know someone’s motives & intentions?
John Stevens
John Stevens

One of the consequences of the erosion of trust in others in contemporary society is the tendency to think the worst of their acts and intentions, making unfounded assumptions about their motives and rushing to quick judgement. This inevitably leads to suspicion and conflict.

We see this in the way that we are quick to judge and condemn politicians and leaders, celebrities or others in the public eye. Sadly it is also a danger within the church, amongst the Christian community. We are quick to make judgements about the motives of others, assuming them to be bad. We might, for example, ascribe bad motives to those who are starting a new church in a area where we think there is already a gospel church; or to those who are taking a different view about how to respond to theological compromise in a denomination; or towards organisations that we assume are perpetrating a cover-up of abuse because we have heard that allegations have been made, even though we don’t know all the circumstances. We might flounder in our pastoral counselling of others because we leap in, confident that we know what they are doing and why. For example, we assume that we can see the sin beneath their sin.

Letter

Evangelical civil war
Date posted: 4 Oct 2024

Dear Editor,

The article on page 17 of the August issue of en is most timely. It relates to ‘avoiding evangelical civil war’ and, as well as being based on Biblical teaching, is intensely practical as to how we relate to each other.

Three churches unite to launch new plant in Kidderminster

Three churches unite to launch new plant in Kidderminster
Milla Ling-Davies
Milla Ling-Davies

In a display of unity, three churches in Worcestershire have overcome stylistic and theological differences to form a new church plant, recognised by the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches).

Set to officially launch in January 2025, the formation of the new Grace Church Kidderminster occurred after two churches in the Wyre Forest each approached the lead pastor of nearby Woodgreen Church, Richard Lacey, for help. With small and aging congregations, both Kidderminster Evangelical Church (KEC) and Christ Church Wyre Forest, (CCWF) had recognised a need for external assistance – they contacted Lacey within weeks of each other.

The Fourth Lausanne Congress: what's happening today?

The Fourth Lausanne Congress: what's happening today?
Caleb Davison

This Congress is the latest in a series of several global gatherings aiming to catalyse global mission. The first took place in 1974 in Lausanne, Switzerland, convened by evangelical leaders like John Stott and Billy Graham, while subsequent gatherings were in Manila in 1989 and Cape Town in 2010.

Bridging cultural divides: it takes one small step
bridging cultural divides

Bridging cultural divides: it takes one small step
Jason Roach
Jason Roach

'I gave them my freedom (bus) pass and scribbled down the address of the church on the back of a receipt! Praying that they'd come along today.'

If I could have raised one eyebrow I would have. As it was, I simply smiled. It seemed risky... He had only met Araz, Dilvan and Genc* - the three Kurdish men that he spoke of - the day before. They had been housed in a local hotel while their Asylum claims were processed.

Once-in-a-generation Lausanne Congress gathers for fourth time

Once-in-a-generation Lausanne Congress gathers for fourth time
Milla Ling-Davies
Milla Ling-Davies

In a magnificent display of unity, over 5,000 Christians from across 202 countries and territories gather in Seoul, South Korea this September. Together they will pray, listen, and discuss how Christians across the world can fulfil Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’.

This ‘once in a generation’ event is run by the Lausanne Movement, which exists to mobilise Christians to collaborate in order to fulfil the Great Commission. This gathering, their fourth Congress, is only the fourth time such meeting has taken place since the movement was formed in 1974.

6,000 young people in London mobilised for mission

6,000 young people in London mobilised for mission
Milla Ling-Davies
Milla Ling-Davies

This summer, the stands of Wembley Arena, normally filled with fans singing football chants, were instead filled with 6,000 young people singing the praises of God.

This was the launch event of The Send UK & Ireland - a new collaboration between churches and mission agencies for the purpose of inspiring teenagers and young adults to live missionally in five key areas: secondary school, university, family life, workplaces and the nations.

What do the Gallagher brothers teach us about unity?

What do the Gallagher brothers teach us about unity?
John Woods
John Woods

One of my favourite psalms is Psalm 133 which begins: 'How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!'

The 2011 NIV obscures the original word 'brothers', choosing to translate it with the more inclusive 'God's people'.

1,100 attend Pentecostal rally in Bradford

1,100 attend Pentecostal rally in Bradford
Luke Randall
Luke Randall

In a show of unity 'not seen for over 20 years', 1,100 people attended a Pentecostal rally in what was the culmination of a 10-day mission event in Bradford.

The event, run by Sharing of Ministries Abroad, (SOMA) saw missioners descend on the West Yorkshire city, specifically focusing on reaching people within the BD7 postcode, with various outreach events staged with the help of St John’s Great Horton, St Wilfrid’s and St Columba’s churches.

Letter

Evangelical unity
Date posted: 27 Aug 2024

Dear Editor,

Andy Mason recognises the importance of unity amongst conservative evangelicals in the August issue of en.

Evangelism: a solo sport or team effort?
everyday evangelism

Evangelism: a solo sport or team effort?
Mike Hood
Mike Hood

Here is something that Jesus prayed about us the night before He died – can you fill in the blank?

'I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be ___ ___ ___ ___ . Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.'

How do we help avoid evangelical civil war and promote real unity?

How do we help avoid evangelical civil war and promote real unity?
Andy Mason
Andy Mason

We conservative evangelicals need each other. The challenges before us are just too big. We really can’t be what God has called us to be on our own. Our future should really be together. The stewarding of the gospel in our time demands it.

However, our future is also very tied to our ability to get on with one another. We need a very good capacity to navigate internal disagreements. Above all, we need a deep resistance to fracture and splintering. Some might feel that this is unproblematic. After all, we have the gospel of God, and one would’ve thought that that was enough to overcome any difficulties. Things are, though, a bit more complicated.

Letter

Justin Welby
Date posted: 17 Jul 2024

Dear Editor,

I confess I was surprised and dismayed on reading the news article by Rebecca Chapman about Justin Welby in the May issue of en.

Are you in the land of the open-hearted?
editorial

Are you in the land of the open-hearted?
Editorial
Editorial

How do we foster evangelical unity? Where do the boundaries of ‘unity’ fall? And how does the New Testament emphasis on unity apply to evangelicals in the Church of England in its current dire state? Some of these questions are helpfully tackled by Andy Mason (see his article). And one terrific example of healthy evangelical unity is the Keswick Convention, ongoing at the moment.

But how should such unity be manifested organisationally elsewhere the rest of the year? Ongoing discussions about a Gospel Coalition UK are an interesting part of this debate. The role of the Evangelical Alliance is also key.

TGC UK – OK?
editorial

TGC UK – OK?

The suggestion that there might be a Gospel Coalition UK (see article here) – just as there is in the US and elsewhere – is worth serious consideration.

It is particularly impressive to hear the words of Graham Nicholls, director of Affinity (from which this idea originates), that Affinity might even be prepared, possibly, to subsume itself into such a new grouping. This is bold, humble and Godly it seems to us.

TGC UK: a Terribly Good Concept... or perhaps not?

TGC UK: a Terribly Good Concept... or perhaps not?
Milla Ling-Davies
Milla Ling-Davies

Is there space for another evangelical umbrella organisation? Or would it just duplicate what others already do?

Evangelical network Affinity has announced that it will be ‘championing the formation of The Gospel Coalition UK’. The news has been met with a mixture of support and concern from UK evangelicals.

What is evangelical unity? Does it even matter?

What is evangelical unity? Does it even matter?
Graham Nicholls
Graham Nicholls

What is evangelical unity and does it matter? And anyway, who’s to say what an evangelical actually is, and even then, what would visible evangelical unity look like?

That was part of our discussion at the autumn meeting of the Affinity Council – a group of leaders from churches and Christian organisations that help guide Affinity as we set our priorities.

A plea for pastoral brotherhood

A plea for pastoral brotherhood
Aaron Prelock

Between 1979 and 1999 the Pope, John Paul II, published a collection of essays titled ‘Letters to My Brother Priests’. That sentiment, that his fellow clergy were his brothers, is something we would do well to learn from in our Protestant circles.

Those who serve Christ’s sheep as shepherds should see themselves as being in a spiritual brotherhood, a brotherhood that’s in desperate need of each other. The church has struggled with pastoral abuse, scandals, burnouts, and dropouts. The last few years of Covid, war, civil unrest and political instability have only heightened the weight carried by pastors. These trials have taken their toll. But where are pastors to turn when they need help?

ten questions: dismantling our tribalism

ten questions: dismantling our tribalism

Jonathan Lamb

1. How did you become a Christian?

London leaders unite

London leaders unite
thelondonproject.co.uk

Tim Keller’s vision of ‘City to City’ church-planting is moving ahead in London.

Pastors and leaders from the ‘diaspora churches’ in the capital have met for a day for mutual encouragement under the auspices of the London Project, which is a Redeemer City to City initiative and is part of City to City UK, an expression of City to City Europe.

Reconciliation and justice in action

Reconciliation and justice in action
musalaha.org

Reconciliation is at the core of the gospel; God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ. Thus, as followers of Christ, we ought to bear this message of reconciliation and apply it in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul expands on this responsibility and asserts that we ought to be ambassadors of reconciliation to the world through His justice.

This was and still is the calling that inspired me 30 years ago to establish ‘Musalaha’ (reconciliation in Arabic). Over the years, I have learned a great deal about reconciliation and was thrilled with the opportunity to expand Musalaha’s reconciliation teachings through the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the World Evangelical Alliance. Despite the many conflicts in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, the few churches and organisations to partner with, I have been researching and exploring the main actors of peace and reconciliation with the desire of familiarising ourselves with our reconciliation MENA network.

How should Christians disagree?
history

How should Christians disagree?
Michael Haykin
Michael Haykin

At the outset of his invasion of Scotland in the summer of 1650, Oliver Cromwell remarked that theological disagreements (and surely he is thinking in part of the differences among the English and Scottish Puritans that had led them to war) are endemic to the life of the church in a world marred by sin.

Disagreements are a sad reality with which Christians have to contend. Nonetheless, Christians can control the way that they participate in such disputes.

The beauty of reconciliation
pastoral care

The beauty of reconciliation
Steve Midgley
Steve Midgley

When Christians fall out, you’d hope they would be good at putting things back together. Reconciliation ought to be one of our strong suits.

Our God not only ‘reconciled us to Himself through Christ’, He also ‘gave us the ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Cor. 5:18). As ambassadors for Christ, we are to implore others: ‘be reconciled to God’ (2 Cor. 5:20). Our interpersonal relationships ought to reflect that.

What the early church teaches about racial harmony

What the early church teaches about racial harmony
David Shepherd
David Shepherd

Recently, I have been reading Acts chapter 6 in an effort to understand how the early church overcame ethnic tensions which would so easily have fractured our modern-day multi-ethnic communities.

The apostles’ approach, as described below, can still impart important wisdom which can inform modern methods of dealing with and dissipating racial tension.

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