Unity

In preparation for writing a book I’m reviewing the series of stories I previously published on church visits so that I can put my experience into topical categories, i.e. greeters, music, communion. In order to accommodate different tastes in worship, one liturgical church moved from having one traditional service to having two services — an early morning traditional service and a mid-morning contemporary service. At first blush it sounds like a good solution; however, attendance for the traditional service dwindled to about eight people, while over 80 attend the contemporary service. Many of us have come to accept disunity among different denominations, but we don’t often see such disunity in one body of believers. Paul said, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 15:5-6 NIV).