God designed the Church to function as a coordinated whole.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Eph. 4:3-7)
For a church, with all of the diversity in its members and ministries, to come together as one coordinated whole, we need to get beyond ourselves and unite according to God’s plan which will take following His process to get there with our focus where it needs to be.
Reaching God’s Intent for the Church to be a Coordinated Whole
Efforts to function as a coordinated whole will come with challenges but it is possible when we, as leaders, promote what’s required to get there.
1) We must align with God’s plan which is unity and harmony in the midst of diversity.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. . . . The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (1 Cor. 12:4-6, 12)
Coordination Challenge: Keep diversity and distinctiveness of people and various ministries while bringing them all under one umbrella.
Coordination Requirement: Promote and maintain a big picture perspective. We all serve the same Lord and have the same primary purpose.
2) We must follow God’s process which is authentic communication with one another.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Eph. 4:14-15)
Coordination Challenge: Bring people to consensus and cooperation with other ministries without manipulating people.
Coordination Requirement: Promote and model proper, authentic motives in communicating with one another.
3) We must keep God’s focus which is on the Head, Christ Jesus, and grow more and more into Him.
we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. . . . From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:15-16)
Coordination Challenge: Motivate people to come under the umbrella without begrudging it, complaining, or accusing the leader of being controlling.
Coordination Requirement: Promote Jesus as both the source and reason for coming together as one body.
If coordination is a struggle in your church, determine what needs to be promoted more. Ask God for the wisdom and strength to do what is required.
For More: Leadership Skill – Coordination
All Posts about Coordination:
- Motivation for Coordination
- Means of Coordination
- Coordination Integral to God’s Design
- Coordination Governed by the Great Commission
- Coordination Showcases Christ
- Coordination in Submission to Christ
- Coordination in the Church is Possible
- Coordination Founded Upon the Gospel
- Grace to Hurdle Obstacles to Coordination
- Holy Spirit Essential to Coordination
- Spiritual Gifts Useful to Coordination
- Motivational Effect of His Name to Coordination
- Does Your Church Function as a Coordinated Whole?
- Jesus’ Resurrection Takes Coordination to New Heights
- Jesus’ Resurrection Provides the Keys to Coordination
- Coordinating with One Another, Not Outwitted by the Enemy
- God’s Word Gets Us Singing the Same Song
- Guide the Body to the Source That Holds Us Together
- Prayer Essential to Coordination