We aren't good at this. Really not good at this.
Before I was in vocational ministry, I was an involved volunteer in a local church that celebrated a significant homecoming anniversary with it's congregation, and invited back many of the attendees and members from year's past. While I was new to the church, and didn't recognize the old faces, it was pretty exciting to see the building full that weekend and humming with activity.
Then, one of the people designated by the members as the church historian, stood up and read the key points in the timeline of the church, begining of course with it's birth and reason for existence. It wasn't very complicated. This church had split from the one down the street, and hadn't interacted with them much since!
What a poor representation of the body of Christ. I am a firm believer that if the Apostle Paul were alive and were to send a letter to us today, he would do it very much like we see in Scripture. He would send it to a region of churches, rather than to a specific mailing address. He would send it addressed to a city rather than to an apartment building or duplex.
We can do better. We must do better.
We can do better. We must do better.
What if the big 'C' Church in a region was comprised of like-minded churches who supported one another and leaned on one another for leadership, fellowship, and accountability?
1. We would see more genuine relationships developed.
2. We would see more city leaders interested in Gospel-centered causes.
3. We would see more conflict resolved and spiritually healthier congregations.
4. We would see more people drawn to the one we represent: Christ.
Here in Buffalo, we have seen churches unite in ways that make it peculiar to the rest of the country; in a good way! Let me tell you about two of them.
On September 23, 1957, five churches and two chapels organized and constituted as the Frontier Baptist Association. The Niagara Frontier historically refers to the land bordering the southern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and these men and women came together for one aim; seeing God's Kingdom advanced in this vast frontier to accomplish Christ's Great Commission & Great Commandment. Join us, Friday May 19, 2017 at 6:30pm at Randall Church, as we come together for a Missions Banquet including nearly forty caucasian and international churches thriving in the WNY region.
On March 29, 2013, the Church of Western New York gathered together in downtown Buffalo to celebrate Good Friday Together. In the years that have followed, God has continued to bring unity and partnership to His church in this region, breaking down barriers and strengthening relationships. Join us, Friday June 9, 2017 at 7pm at the KeyBank Center as we come together as one church in this region to celebrate Pentecost Together.
I hope that you will celebrate with us. I hope that you engage culture with our brothers and sisters in Christ from all different walks of life. I hope that you are as excited as I am to spend eternity worshipping and praising God together!
Pastor Milo
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