Church Unity

First post in 11 months, what can I say? Nothing, you're right, just get on with it...

Great opportunity to gather with those who fellowship with the other churches across Watford yesterday. It was the annual 'Bandstand' Service here in our town. I deeply appreciate the efforts of Rev Tim Roberts and his Christians Across Watford team as, and this is sadly true, it is easier not to do this than to do it. I will be the first to admit that Ecumenism at one level equals impotence, but at another level it is as reflective of heaven as anything we will do as believers.
There were a good number of us there yesterday (Christians and more particularly X1ers) proclaiming with an obvious visibility that there are a number of people in this town that love the Lord Jesus. That alone is significant spiritually I feel. So it was good to be a part of that celebration.

There is so much that X1 still needs to do, still needs to become, and to set 'it all' aside for one Sunday could be seen as a distraction to our mission some may feel; but the mission of X1 - to Serve Watford, Transform Lives, Shape Culture - must be attained within the context of the Kingdom of God and what our great Saviour is doing through all the churches in this town.
My prayer is that our attendance, input, and active embracing of this event and all that God is doing through the churches in Watford will grow, not lessen, as the years pass.

Blessings all.
Simon

Inter-church unity

One brief glimpse at Christ's prayer for the 'future believers' in John 17 gives glorious credence to His great desire for unity among His people. Interspersed in almost all the epistles in the NT we see similar hopes, even pleas for unity.
Christ's promise over unity in His prayer of John 17 is majestic and one that I, as a local church leader, am jealous to receive. It's not easy though. Those on the fringes of church leadership, or with a naive view of all things pertaining to the complexity of leadership often can lay offense at 'church'for the disunity that appears to mark us. I will be the first to agree that it is in no way what it should be. Both within the family of a local church and again within the broader fellowship within a village, town or city.

At X1 we are going to make efforts to achieve some form of unity that would hopefully bring honor to our Lord, bring glory to Him, and also receive the rewards of that John 17 promise. I feel that it must be relational, and thus it is with great joy that I can reflect on a wonderful meal with the family called to lead another brilliant local church within Watford. There is so much that binds us and there is the growing foundation of a meaningful relationship that makes me hope and believe for some fruitful partnership in the future.

Bless this church Lord and draw us together to display something of what you prayed for those two millenia ago, and for which you still pray today.

Solo gloria

Simon