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Biblically Speaking

Called to Collaborate: A Kingdom Perspective

Christian Unity is the key to god's fullest blessing and provision.
David J. Gyertson | Outcomes, Aug/Sep 2008

There is a new spirit of collaboration emerging in the 21st century as opportunities for the advancement of the gospel multiply. Recognizing the enormous need for our Lord's ministries of forgiveness, reconciliation, hope, and peace, some Christian leaders are overcoming historical rivalries and conceptual differences by working together to see God's purposes accomplished in their generation.

Recently the Christian Management and Christian Stewardship Associations formed the Christian Leadership Alliance to achieve common objectives. Christian Leadership Alliance, World Vision, Youth for Christ, Azusa Pacific University, and the Evangelical Christian Credit Union co-created the Engstrom Institute. Named in honor of one of the 20th century's most effective Christian collaborators, Ted Engstrom, the institute's goal is to provide Christian organizations training, resources, and models to reinforce their values and fulfill their missions.

In March, over 40 individuals representing ministry, business, media, education, and government met in South Africa to explore the creation of a Christian university to address the leadership needs of that continent. Dozens of other initiatives are surfacing as the Holy Spirit answers Jesus' prayer that we be one in heart and mission with him and his heavenly Father (John 17:21-22).

Collaboration is rooted in the kingdom principle of Spirit-directed and Scripture-anchored unity—a condition for God's fullest blessings and provision. As Christians we are best known and validated by our love for the world and particularly for one another. And that love is best demonstrated in our mutual support of and submission to one another. God appears to be opening a new door for collaboration rarely seen in the history of the church. Let me suggest some reasons for this resurgence of Spirit-led cooperation.

First, God's work is too large and complex to be accomplished without collaboration. With the world's exploding population growth, and the evidences of his Spirit's moving in emerging epicenters of the faith, we may be on the verge of the largest harvest of souls in Christian history. Some speculate that it's possible to see more people come to Christ in our children's lifetime than all of those who have come to faith since the day of Pentecost. In Africa alone, the vast majority of the continent may well be Christian in our lifetime, if current trends continue. And similar potential exists in Central and South America, India, and Asia. Anchored to the concept that "five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you" (Lev. 26:8), it is clear that this opportunity can be leveraged best by ministers and ministries working together. And where that is occurring, the harvest is coming in at 30-, 60-, and 100-fold.