Churches Need One Another
Everyone one of my children did the same thing. Even as they began to learn to talk we heard, “I do it MYSELF!” I’m sure I did it to my parents my whole life. In many nations, including America, the philosophy of life has been, “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” - whatever that is supposed to mean. The idea was, “I’m fine, I don’t need anyone’s help. I have to learn to do this myself.” Certainly, there’s an aspect of maturity where we do indeed need to be responsible and not just let others do things for you. But what about the church?
Many churches pride themselves in being ‘independent’ and self-sufficient. Some Christians have a “Me and Jesus” mentality. They don’t need the church at all. But do churches need other churches?
The New Testament clearly describes our need for one another. The early church is full of examples of one church helping other churches that are struggling or suffering. Churches are planted and then they plant other churches. That’s the New Testament pattern. That’s been our experience as well.
We are to spread the Gospel with the whole world - every tribe, every tongue, every nation. We agree with God’s will and desire that “none should perish” (2 Peter 3:9)
But how are we to ever see the vision for preaching the Gospel and discipling the nations ever come to pass? The task is overwhelming for a single local church. This mission was never intended to simply be ‘my’ vision, it’s OUR vision.
Partnership is the strategy we see in the Scriptures. Believers sharing their lives with other believers, churches praying for, caring for and supporting one another. That’s why we plant churches! That’s why we send missionaries! By ourselves, we can barely take care of ourselves. But together? The possibilities are endless!
I’m sure you’ve heard the slogan used in many different ways, “Better Together.” That is never more true than when it comes to life in the Kingdom of God. Grace Partnership exists to serve. We meet fellow believers, we build relationships with them, we ‘fall in love’ with them, we help as we’re able, we stand with one another through the thick and thin of living in a fallen world.
We have brothers and sisters in Ukraine that live their daily lives in the midst of a war. We have friends across the world and throughout the United States that are in dire need. Some need healing, others need someone to step up in leadership as their current pastor ages. Some are struggling financially, others need a facility to meet in. Some need to see a harvest, others need a revival to break through years of legalism. I could go on and on but you get the picture.
Bottom line, we need each other. We were never meant to walk alone. We all need encouragement and care. So that’s why Grace Partnership is here, pure and simple. May the Lord fill as afresh with His precious Holy Spirit as we seek to live our lives for the glory of God… together.