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A friend of mine and the church that he pastors embarked on a very creative building program recently. Having outgrown their facilities with no way to expand, they swapped buildings with another church in town that had a facility too big for their dwindling congregation. Despite being of different theological and denominational backgrounds, the two congregations worked together to support one another and to became a mutual blessing in the work that the Lord had called them to do. Similarly, in my county, there was a merger of two congregations. One had a building but no pastor, while the other had a pastor but no building. To unite, one congregation joined with the other. The strength that they gained, however, far outweighed any concessions made.
Examples of individual churches’ looking beyond their own ministry needs to support other churches are especially noteworthy in our hyper-individualized culture. As Christians, we cannot have our focus remain on ourselves, for our Lord has commanded us, “Love one another[,] just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This command should begin with the local church and should be demonstrated though our mutual commitment to one another. Yet while our love for the local church is primary, it should not be exclusive. As Christians, we must recognize that God’s kingdom is far greater and broader than just our local congregation.
The Apostle Paul, in recounting to the Corinthians all the suffering that he had endured as an Apostle—imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck—revealed that his constant concern was for all the churches (2 Cor. 11:23–28). This might seem like a strange concern amid the personal attacks that he was experiencing, but his primary focus was not on himself but on others, specifically the well-being of other churches. Similarly, Paul commends the Philippians for their “partnership in the gospel” (Phil. 1:5) and for sending help more than once for his needs as he worked to establish churches in various areas (4:16). This pattern of supporting other churches is commendable, but it raises the question, How can we do likewise? Here are five ways that we can have a kingdom perspective in supporting other churches.
Prayer. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways that we can support other churches is through prayer. This could be in a planned, systematic way for churches that we know and have connections with, or spontaneously as we encounter them throughout our day. If your church has a prayer guide, consider contacting some local churches and asking them for three to five ways that your congregation can pray for them that month. Alternatively, when you see a church while driving through town, pray that the truth of God’s Word would be upheld, the gospel would be proclaimed, and the church of the Lord Jesus Christ would be strengthened. As Thomas Watson said, “The tree of the promise will not drop its fruit unless shaken by the hand of prayer.” May our prayers shake the tree of promise so that the fruits of God’s blessing would abound for these churches.
Planting. One of the great joys in ministry is being a part of establishing new churches in places where none previously existed. Church planting, whether locally or internationally, is challenging work that requires significant support and encouragement from others. Partnering with church planters who are taking the gospel into difficult yet vital areas is a beautiful work to which we can contribute. The result of a collaborative, team-based approach to church planting, Lord willing, will be a ministry that makes disciples for generations to come. Participating in such work is one of the meaningful legacies we can leave in significantly supporting other churches and being kingdom-minded.
Participation. One of the blessings that I have as a pastor is welcoming those who are traveling through town on business or vacation and choose to worship with us. They have no particular connections—no friends or family at the church—but they come nonetheless, drawn by their connection to the greater body of Christ. This simple act of participation is a significant encouragement to the local church (and their pastors), and a relationship can even begin to form if that church is a regular destination for their travels. Similarly, this kind of connection can be done locally by joining other churches in the area for special worship services or events. Such participation demonstrates our unity with Christ’s church as a whole, not just our congregation.
Partnering. Ministry is far greater than what one church can accomplish alone. Partnering with other churches or even individual Christians in shared ministry efforts can significantly broaden the scope and impact of our work. Local crisis pregnancy centers, food pantries, addiction recovery programs, prison ministries, foster-care services, widows’ ministries, and orphan care are just a few examples of ministries that Christians can unite to support. These acts of love and care for the needy and vulnerable provide an excellent opportunity to support local communities beyond the walls of the church.
Polity. Finally, our support for one another should also be reflected in our church polity. In a time when scandals in the broader church are far too frequent, fostering connectionalism among churches is vital for ensuring accountability. A model similar to the Acts 15 Jerusalem Council—in which churches work together to address issues—could help prevent heretical teaching, correct errant churches, and discipline rogue pastors. Beyond accountability, such a structure would naturally encourage the practices of support and partnership previously mentioned, enabling churches to strengthen one another in meaningful and lasting ways.
One day, we will be perfectly united as the gathered and glorified church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Supporting other churches now helps us broaden our vision of the church beyond the one that we attend each Sunday. Until the Lord makes us one, may we remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58) both within our local church and beyond.