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The biotic (life) principle of interdependence states that the
way the individual parts are integrated into a whole system is more
important than the parts themselves. Dr. Bill Graybill, Senior Pastor of
Abundant Life Center in Jefferson (USA), shares an illustrative story that
is larger than the local church because it encompasses a whole community.
"When I came to Jefferson in 1978, this town was much like any
other small town, with a number of churches who did not really communicate
with each other or co-mingle. An amazing thing began to take place in our
town in 1988.
The Baptist pastor went to a prayer summit
where God began to speak to him about praying for the other churches in
his city. I, the charismatic pastor, (in the same year) was encountered by
the Holy Spirit concerning my denominational pride and isolationism. By
this time, we both had been pastoring in our town for over 10 years and
hardly knew each other. The number of times we had verbally communicated
could be counted on both hands.
Then the Baptist church began to pray for the other churches in
our city that they might grow and find the blessing of God. The
charismatic pastor began to open up to the other churches on a relational
basis.  Soon new bonds of friendship were formed as the
pastors began to
attend prayer summits together, co-sponsor the community, Good Friday
Service, and the churches began to co-mingle. Over the period of a few
years, the charismatic pastor and the Baptist pastor went to school
together and spent many hours building a friendship and relationship. The
pastors of the other churches came on board as a weekly pastors’ prayer
gathering began. The friendships continued to build and as churches within
the town had needs, other churches would see how they could help meet
those needs. Churches sent gifted musicians to lead worship in another
church. When pulpits needed to be filled, there was an exchange of staff.
Members of one church were hired for staff positions at another.
Children’s ministries combined efforts for community events and Sunday
school needs.
The Christians in the city began to trust one another. The
element of competition was no longer an issue. Rather, there was a spirit
of brotherhood, family and serving one another. When the charismatic
pastor would encounter the Baptist pastor, he would express his love for
him and let him know the Charismatics were praying for him and his church.
When the Baptist pastor encountered the charismatic pastor, like
expressions of appreciation and affection were given. The churches began a
summer community service on Main Street in Jefferson and the exchange of
resources continued. The health of the Christian community in the city
became very evident as there were only kind words expressed among the
Christians in the different churches. The health of the churches continued
to grow.
As time passed and relationships grew, the charismatic church
encountered a difficult season and a group of disgruntled people left the
church leaving it almost half its previous size. The financial burden was
overwhelming and the interdependence principle was well in place by this
time. The Baptist church took a building fund offering and gave a tithe of
that offering to the charismatic church for the sum of US $ 10,000. This
increased not only the good will, but also increased the level of
commitment of the Christians within each of the local bodies to the Body
of Christ as a whole in the town of Jefferson.
Today, the churches experience a great level of commitment to
each other and encouragement one to another in all situations. Staff
members are shared, resources are shared, congregations are shared, while
they walk within their own distinctive. This is an example of the
interdependence of the Body of Christ bringing health to a whole community
of churches. While there remains a Baptist church, a Charismatic church,
and a Community Church, and several others, we all go proudly under the
banner of The Church of Jefferson. To God be all glory and praise for the
great things He has done and continues to do."
A great example of interdependence put into
action on a community level. When Christian leaders across denominations
begin to relate to one another in positive and meaningful ways, this will
not just be of personal value but have a positive long-term effect (the
events related took place over a period of some 15 years!) on other
relationships as well. Interdependence lived out in the relational realm
among Christians will inevitably release the power of Christian community
and reveal its beauty. As you plan the next steps in your ministry, please
take the time to consider the potential long-term effect your actions
might have on other ministry areas and relationships. Will the church
organism as a whole benefit from what you intend to do?
Thomas Fode lives in
Germany and serves as NCD Coach and Partner Relationship Manager for NCD
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