The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines coordination as 1) “the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well” and 2) “the harmonious functioning of parts for effective results”.
In the Church then, we’re talking about bringing together and organizing a diverse group of people so they harmoniously function together. To truly come together as one, we need more than the external conformity. We need internal motivation. That’s going to require finding something empowering enough to be considered our common ground.
When Founded upon the Gospel, Coordination is Possible
In writing to the church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote about their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:5). The word he used to describe his connection with them, koinonia, could also be translated fellowship, communion, or joint participation. This was a partnership founded on what they had in common (koinos) — the Gospel.
Harmoniously working together as a Body, coordination, must begin with, be rooted in, and be empowered by the cross of Jesus, by the Gospel. Notice, in Ephesians 2, how the cross of Jesus brought together Jews and Gentiles together as one:
- But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (v. 13)
- and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (v. 16)
- For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (v. 18)
- Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (v. 19-20)
- In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (v. 21)
Coordination Lesson for Leaders:
View people through the lens of the cross and encourage others to do likewise. Don’t be afraid to regularly remind people of their common ground, the Gospel.
Because of the blood of Christ, we find reconciliation and peace with God but also with one another. Only when we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel will we “stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).
When, however, we forget that we’ve been cleansed from past sins, that which happened because of the cross, we’ll soon stop conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel. And, we’ll find ourselves “ineffective and unproductive” as individual believers which will also affect the way we work with others. (Read 2 Peter 1:3-9.)
To come together and function harmoniously, as a coordinated whole, we must remember our Gospel roots.
For More, Go To: Resources about the Gospel
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
Very insightful. Thanks for sharing. God bless you.
You are welcome. May God bless you as well.