How can a church achieve a true, biblical unity?
Unity in the church is vitally important according to Scripture. Jesus prayed that His followers “may all be one” (John 17:21). Paul exhorted the Corinthians that there be “no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10). He reminded the Ephesians that we must “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). So how can a church practically pursue and preserve this kind of unity? Here are some key principles from God’s Word:
Focus on Christ
True unity must be centered around Jesus Christ. He alone is the cornerstone and foundation for the church (Ephesians 2:20-22). As Paul wrote, we are to be “united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). This doesn’t mean uniformity in every area, but unity in the truths of the gospel. Doctrinal clarity and agreement provides a basis for unity.
Emphasize Love
In addition to sound doctrine, biblical unity requires a spirit of love. Paul said we must “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Even with theological differences, we can have unity if we treat each other with Christlike love (1 Corinthians 13). This means being patient, kind, forgiving, and assuming the best in others. Demonstrating genuine care and concern overrides disagreements.
Pursue Humility
Pride and selfishness are key obstacles to unity. Paul exhorted the Philippians to embrace humility, considering others more significant than themselves (Philippians 2:3-4). We must not demand our own way but humbly serve one another. James charged his readers to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” (James 5:16). Humility enables us to admit fault and seek forgiveness.
Accept Diversity
The early church was incredibly diverse—Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, men and women. Yet they enjoyed supernatural unity. Godly unity is not mere uniformity. We must graciously allow room for differences in style, ethnicity, backgrounds, abilities, and even some secondary doctrines. We can have unity in Christ while maintaining diversity.
Seek Common Ground
Despite differences, we can actively look for areas of common ground—starting with the gospel. Paul sought to focus on the central truths when disunity arose in the Galatian church (Galatians 1-2). Likewise, we can emphasize the core doctrines and mission we share. This provides a platform for working through disagreements or secondary issues. Majoring on majors allows room for disagreeing over minors.
Practice Patience
Growing in unity requires great patience with one another (Ephesians 4:2). Change takes time. We must resist demanding immediate agreement on every issue, being quick to judge, or insisting on uniformity. As Paul counseled, we should “agree to disagree on disputable matters” (Romans 14:1). Patience and grace allow trust and unity to deepen over time.
Use Gifts to Serve
God has gifted each believer for works of service in the church (1 Peter 4:10). Actively utilizing these gifts for the common good is a practical way to build unity. As we work together to serve others, we begin appreciating our different gifts and abilities instead of criticizing. Focusing on meeting needs produces unity.
Pray Fervently
Paul urged believers to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Prayer is the foundation for this eagerness. Jesus prayed earnestly for unity among believers (John 17:20-23). As we pray together, we are reminded of our dependence on God to produce supernatural unity. Shared prayer aligns our hearts.
Pursue Reconciliation
When conflict and offense happen, unity requires active reconciliation. Jesus urged leaving your gift at the altar to first pursue reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). Paul counseled the Colossians to “forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13). With God’s help, we must humbly seek forgiveness and make amends in order to restore relationships (Matthew 18:15-17).
Submit to Leaders
God calls certain people to be leaders and shepherds in the church. As Hebrews teaches, we must “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:7). Jesus established human leadership in the church for our growth and protection. Respecting and following godly leaders enables unity (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Shared submission produces stability.
Remain Biblical
Above all, the church must remain grounded in God’s Word to have biblical unity. We grow in unity by teaching, studying, and obeying Scripture together (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Measuring everything against God’s revelation enables us to unite around His truth rather than human ideas or preferences. Staying biblical protects our witness.
Guard the Gospel
At the center, we must cling firmly to the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The truths of Christ’s incarnation, sinlessness, atoning death, and resurrection are non-negotiable. Judaizers threatened early church unity by adding to the gospel. We must insist on purity in gospel proclamation against threats like legalism or antinomianism.
Model Grace
As church leaders shepherd God’s people, they must set an example of grace and patience. Paul demonstrated this posture as he discipled the immature Corinthians. Leaders who are humble, quick to listen, and avoid arrogance create an environment where unity can flourish. The attitude at the top trickles down.
Cast Vision
When pastoral leaders effectively cast a unifying vision, congregations can rally together behind that vision. Sharing God’s heart for the church and presenting a clear picture of the future brings coherence. Whether planting a new church or leading an existing one, visioncasting brings people along. Unity requires moving the same direction.
Promote Participation
It is hard to criticize what you are personally invested in. The more that people are participating in ministry, the more unity grows. Creating on-ramps for serving based on spiritual gifts and passions taps into that ownership. Shared contribution unifies whereas passivity, complacency, or layers of hierarchy divide.
Improve Communication
Clear and frequent communication fosters transparency and understanding. Sharing information and addressing issues openly at the right times short-circuits gossip or tension. Seeking input before big decisions prevents divisiveness down the road. Guarding unity requires proactive, positive communication at all levels.
Provide Care
A climate of compassion must permeate the congregation. Pastors should know their sheep and consistently care for them (1 Peter 5:2-4). Small groups that visit hospitals, provide meals in crises, help with physical needs, comfort those grieving, and pray together cultivate unity. Practical care bridges differences.
Decentralize Ministry
Empowering many people to lead in ministry teams takes pressure off pastors and helps body life flourish. shared ownership preserves unity; monopolized control undermines it. Developing leaders who oversee diverse ministries and teams multiplies investment and provides care.
Promote Friendship
Encouraging authentic relationship among members outside of formal gatherings produces spiritual unity. Social events, small groups in homes, ministry partnerships, men’s/women’s groups, and shared meals bring people together around Christ. Friendships break down walls and enrich fellowship.
Institute Accountability
Loving accountability provides parameters that preserve unity. Implementing church membership, doctrinal instruction for new believers, biblical church discipline when necessary, and shepherding oversight give definition. Accountability says we take unity seriously.
Call Out Divisiveness
At times, leaders must boldly confront and call out divisive behavior. Authors of disruption must be addressed. Extended attempts at biblical reconciliation may be necessary. Loving firmly and protecting the flock occasionally requires removing someone sowing discord.
Cast a Unifying Vision
As the leader, the pastor must continually cast a compelling vision of the glorious future God desires. Painting a vivid picture of reaching the lost, impacting the community, and obeying the Great Commission inspires sacrifice and unity. People unify around inspired vision faster than mere duty.
Model Humility
Beyond words, a pastor’s example means everything. Practicing transparency, freely confessing sin, asking forgiveness, avoiding hypocrisy, and not demanding his own way poises a church for unity. Willingness to serve and suffer streams down from Christlike humility.
Preach Practically
Biblical preaching applies the Word to real life. Practical messages help believers live out their faith in a manner worthy of the gospel. Preaching for life changeUNITES the church, whereas theoretical teaching without application divides along lines of obedience.
Promote Others
There is no room for ego or self-promotion in pastoral leadership. The focus must remain on Jesus. Any success or prominence should be used to promote other gifted leaders and servants. Modeling selflessness and intentionally sharing platforms cultivates strong shared leadership.
Pray Passionately
A pastor must be devoted, above all, to prayer for every member. Praying for unity, praying against the Enemy and his schemes, praying for wisdom, and praying with the congregation fosters humility and common purpose. Only God can produce unity; prayer confesses that dependence.
Persevere Patiently
Leading people is messy, and cultivating unity takes years. Patience, joy, and a long-term perspective must characterize a pastor. Never growing weary or losing heart creates stability and grace to remain steadfast as unity increases. Perseverance advances God’s kingdom.
Pursue Diversity
Uniformity is sterile; diversity is biblical. Pastoral leadership should actively promote inclusion of people from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The ground is level at the cross. Valuing diversity demonstrates the beauty and sufficiency of the gospel.
Maintain Perspective
The main thing must stay the main thing. While pursuing congregational health, pastors cannot get sidetracked into majoring on minor issues. Wise leadership keeps focus on the centrality of the gospel, the Great Commission, making disciples, and God’s glory above all else. Right perspective unifies.
In summary, authentic biblical unity in a local church requires intentional effort and God’s empowerment. It flows out of shared love for Christ, sound doctrine, humility, service, care, accountability, and keeping the main thing the main thing. Leaders are called to model and vigilantly pursue this unity. When rooted in God’s truth, unity results in tremendous blessing and impact.