FLUSHING – Do you remember the childhood game of Red Rover? This was always one of my favorite games to play. You know, as the chubby, not too fast kid, I struggled to be good at many games, but Red Rover was one game I was pretty good at. Kind of the freight train principle, when you get this big train moving it’s hard to stop, lol.
In case you have never played this game, players would stand in a line, holding hands or arms, and then call out, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send “Johnny” right over!” The goal was for the person running to break through the line of players, but it was no easy task. The stronger and more unified the line, the harder it was to break through. When players crossed their arms, it was tougher to break through. When they held hands, it was even more difficult. But when their arms were locked, it was nearly impossible to break the chain.
This game offers a vivid picture of how vital partnership and unity are in ministry. Just as those playing Red Rover form a stronger line when their arms are locked together, Christians also become more effective in ministry when they lock arms in the unity of faith. This biblical principle is not just about physical togetherness but about spiritual partnership in fulfilling God’s kingdom purposes.
As a Southern Baptist in Michigan, it’s easy to feel isolated. The long distances between churches, the cold winters, and the diverse needs of communities can make it challenging to stay connected. However, in the Kingdom of God, our spiritual connection transcends geography. We must make sure that we are locked together in the unity of faith, supporting and encouraging one another, advancing God’s work in the world.
The Power of Partnership
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (CSB), we find a powerful illustration of partnership:
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
This passage underscores the strength that comes from being united with others. The imagery of a “cord of three strands” shows that while one person can be vulnerable, two are better, and three are even stronger. When we lock arms with one another in ministry, we form a spiritual bond that is difficult, if not impossible, to break. Just as a cord of three strands resists being snapped, so too does a ministry partnership built on the foundation of faith and mutual encouragement.
Unity is Essential
The Bible frequently speaks about the importance of unity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 (CSB), Paul urges the church in Corinth to come together:
“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.”
In ministry, unity is not just a nice idea; it’s essential. When we lock arms in ministry, it allows us to stand firm against the forces that seek to divide us. The enemy often tries to sow discord and cause division, but when we stand united, we resist those attacks and move forward with strength.
Ephesians 4:3 (CSB) further highlights the importance of unity in ministry:
“Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This is an active pursuit. We are called not only to recognize unity, but to actively work to maintain it. The apostle Paul emphasizes that it’s a “bond of peace” that holds us together. As believers in Christ, we are called to keep that bond strong through cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing the gospel.
Encouraging and Serving One Another Makes it Happen
In ministry, it’s crucial that we don’t just work alongside each other, but also encourage and serve one another. Galatians 6:2 (CSB) says,
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The work of ministry can be challenging. There are times when the weight of the task seems too heavy to bear, and it’s easy to become discouraged. However, when we lock arms with others in ministry, we can share in those burdens. We can lift one another up when one stumbles and encourage each other when the path gets rough.
As believers, we are called to be a source of encouragement to each other. In Michigan, where physical distances can be vast, this encouragement is vital. Whether through prayer, phone calls, or digital communication, we need to make every effort to stay locked in spiritually. Encouragement is a key ingredient in building a strong, unified ministry.
In Michigan and beyond, distance may present challenges, but partnership is not just helpful—it is essential. As we partner with other churches, ministries, and believers, we expand the reach of God’s kingdom.
The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is a wonderful example of how partnership can bring about the greater good for the Kingdom of God. We want to help your church take its next step in accelerating Gospel movement. We have many resources already and are working on new ways to walk beside our churches as we start and strengthen churches everywhere for everyone in Michigan and beyond.
As Paul writes in Philippians 1:5 (CSB):
“Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
This partnership in the gospel is what fuels the work of the Kingdom. It’s through our combined efforts that we see lives transformed, communities served, and the message of Jesus Christ spread far and wide.
Locking arms together in ministry—whether physically or spiritually—has profound biblical benefits. Just as a cord of three strands is not easily broken, so too is the unity of believers when we lock arms in the mission of Christ. The strength that comes from partnership in ministry allows us to carry each other’s burdens, encourage one another, and move forward in fulfilling God’s purposes.
The work of the Kingdom is too large for any one person or church to handle alone, and we are called to lock arms together in unity and partnership, not only for our benefit but for the glory of God. Let us continue to partner together in Michigan, encouraging one another, building each other up, and advancing the gospel in unity For His Kingdom and For His Glory!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ed Emmerling is the Executive Director of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM). Ed was privileged to be the pastor of Westside Church Flushing since 2002. Ed and his wife Reneé have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
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