A Glimpse of What Could Be

Well, I spent the first part of this week in the greater Detroit, Michigan area attending a sermon seminar. The seminar was very informing, as it focused on the Gospel of Mark and included presentations from both Academic Theologians and located Preaching ministers. Those attending the seminar came from three different countries, thirty-two different states (United States), and twelve different denominational fellowships.
All right! This only sounds interesting to you if you serve in some capacity of Christian ministry or pursue theological studies, and that is probably so. But the cool thing was the fact of the seminar not just being three days of learning but an event that was bathed in worship and fellowship.
We began with worship (prayer, singing songs or praise and faith, and hearing the Word of God be read and proclaimed), continued in worship, and ended in worship. Think about this, Christians (people who confessionally commit and submit their life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the World) from twelve denominational fellowships (who are supposed to be divided and distinct from each other) coming together, all having in common one confessional commitment, to worship God and fellowship IN UNITY – as One people brought together by the power of the Holy Spirit. The testimony of God’s living and redeeming presence was powerfully witnessed by all who were there.
As great as this show of unity was, it still is but a dream because it occurred at a seminar and seems to have been left in the seminar. We all must return to our church congregations where Christians still operate divided from other Christians, divided over denominational fellowship loyalties rather than united in the shared confessional commitment and submission to Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.
For now I experienced a glimpse of what could be. It was beautiful, moving, and encouraging. Maybe one day this unity will break the boundaries of the seminar walls and flow into the various Christian churches. Perhaps then our testimony to the crucified and risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will be heard by all in our world as truth.
“…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
— The words of Jesus, John17:20-21, TNIV