LINKS
Bekele Shanko Story
16 min.
Dr. Shanko, has held diverse leadership roles with CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), including National Director for Ethiopia for five years, Area Director for Southern and Eastern Africa for 11 years, and Global Vice President since 2010. He tells about how his demon-worshiping father changed and brought Christ to his village. The story continues with God's call on Dr. Shanko and the impact of regional church unity on the spread of the gospel. This story is wonderfully inspirational of what God can and is willing to do through the Church.
Peace in the Church
57 min.
Francis Chan speaks about the essence, meaning, and importance of Church unity versus Church disunity. He brings together scripture and storytelling in a thoroughly enjoyable hour of listening.
Whatcom Story 2 (2017)
14 min.
Jason Hubbard narrates a mini-documentary of how prayer and local church unity have transformed churches in Whatcom County, Washington. This inspirational video explains how the churches and ministries have seen phenomenal growth and progress—reaching across ethnic backgrounds, affecting business, and impacting the community. It offers itself as a model that any local body of churches can adopt.
BOOKS
Until Unity, by Francis Chan, © 2021, 220 pages, published by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive Colorodo Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. (My review: Easy to read, clear, compelling. 4 stars out of 5.)
Francis Chan comes from a Baptist background. He has been a pastor for over 30 years. He is a New York Times – best-selling author of several books, including Crazy Love and Letters to the Church. Currently, Francis and his family are involved in ministry and church planting in Northern California and Asia.
Marketing description:
Many Christians who want unity don't value theology or holiness. God commands all three. There must be a way to end the divisions that grieve the Holy Spirit without sacrificing truth or embracing sin. As the world grows more divided his bride should increase in love until we attain unity that brings revival. Until Unity shows us:
>God grieves the division in the Church, so we can't remain indifferent
>Unity demands a level of humility only possible by the Spirit
>The power and witness of the Church hinges on our oneness
>Unity comes at a cost, but it commands a blessed
May God raise up an army of spirit-filled people from all denominations, eager to fight for unity in all humility and gentleness.
Introduction to Ecumenism, by Jeffrey Gros, F.S.C., Eamon McManus, and Ann Riggs, copyright 1998, 256 pages, published by Paulist Press, 997 Macauthor Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, U.S.A. (This book was recently given to me. I have not found the time to read it yet.)
Marketing description:
Introduction to Ecumenism surveys the theological basis and development of the gospel impulse toward Christian unity, primarily, though not exclusively, from a Roman Catholic perspective. Topics include: history of ecumenism, ecumenical documents, theology of ecumenism, ecumenical principles, the churches today, the contribution of the World Council, Eastern churches, Anglicans and Lutherans, ecumenically oriented Protestants (Methodist, Reformed, Baptist), Evangelicals (Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, Holiness Evangelicals), and the future of ecumenism (reception, pastoral renewal, education).
A user-friendly guide to the ecumenical struggle. More than a mere survey of historical text, this study presents theological and spiritual rationale for ecumenism as a gospel imperative! Seminary students and professors, local church leaders and their flocks–all will find this book indispensable as they too enter into the search for Christian unity.
Evangelical Reunion: Denominations and the One Body of Christ, by John M. Frame, copyright 1984, 185 pages, published by Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI 49516, U.S.A. (My review: Very readable. Good analysis and insight. 3 stars out of 5.)
John M. Frame was an associate professor of apologetics in systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary-West, Escondido, California.
Marketing description:
Jesus Christ did not establish denominations but a church, observes John Frame. The unity of that one church is organizational as well as spiritual.
Frame leaves his usual role as a leading evangelical theologian to issue a prophetic call against the prevailing sectarianism among Christians. He admits that total organizational union among Christians is not now practical, but he sees many reasons why there should be unity among Evangelicals and union of Bible-believing groups who hold similar convictions and traditions.
The trend to build barriers between Christians can be reversed, insists Frame; Jesus came to tear down those barriers. This book offers guidelines to work for a spirit that takes seriously the one mission in the one church: to advance Christ's one kingdom.
Count to One: God's Plan for Christianity Unity, by Rt. Rev. Robert J. Gosselin, PhD, copyright 2017, published by Certa Publishing, P Oh Box 2839, Apopka, FL 32704, U.S.A. (This book was recently given to me. I have not found the time to read it yet.)
Bishop Robert is an Anglican bishop in Communion of Evangelical Episcopal churches (CEEC). He was appointed as an Emissary for Christian Unity by the CEEC, assigning him to a global role working to advance the unity of faith and mission among Christians.
Marketing description:
Bishop Robert lifts the veil on what the Holy Spirit has been doing across the globe, inflaming the hearts of believers everywhere to fulfill Christ's prayer.
The prayer of Jesus in John 17 was that his Church would be one and that together we would display the glory of God to a lost and dying world. Our unity would prove our message. Sadly, we've badly missed the mark!
Count to One lays a simple and compelling foundation every believer can stand up, examining the issues and answering the question everyone asks about overcoming the barriers of genuine Christian unity. Today, God is moving his church to place a community we see John 17! Our diversity is supposed to be our strength, not a cause for division. So let us celebrate our love for Jesus in the midst of our differences. Read the book and meet the family you never believed you had – welcome home!
A Gathering Momentum, edited by Roger Sutton, © 2017, 237 pages, published by Instant Apostle; The Barn, 1 Watford House Lane, Watford, Herts WD17 1BJ, U.K. (Provides encouragement and ideas that can be applied to build a greater oneness for the local body of Christ. This book encouraged me as I began to understand God's call to oneness. 2 stars out of 5. I bought about 30 copies. Let me know if you would like one.)
Roger Sutton is a Baptist minister from Greater Manchester and Co-Chair of the 'Trafford Borough Partnership', a body drawing together public, private, and third-sector bodies. He is a leader of 'Gather' (www.gather.global), a national network of unity movements across the U.K.
Marketing description:
Church leaders from across the denominational spectrum are joining in friendship and prayer for their towns and cities - and transformation is occurring! Beyond the local church, Christians in business, health and education, sports, charities, and the arts strategically collaborate to impact their communities. Sharing common purpose and relational unity, they are discovering the power of working together as one.
This inspirational collection of stories, of Christians initiating cultural, social and spiritual transformation in the places they love, will encourage and amaze. And this is only the beginning.
A Gathering Momentum invites you to become part of the movement and join with others to fulfill the mission of God for your city or town.
Bekele Shanko Story
16 min.
Dr. Shanko, has held diverse leadership roles with CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), including National Director for Ethiopia for five years, Area Director for Southern and Eastern Africa for 11 years, and Global Vice President since 2010. He tells about how his demon-worshiping father changed and brought Christ to his village. The story continues with God's call on Dr. Shanko and the impact of regional church unity on the spread of the gospel. This story is wonderfully inspirational of what God can and is willing to do through the Church.
Peace in the Church
57 min.
Francis Chan speaks about the essence, meaning, and importance of Church unity versus Church disunity. He brings together scripture and storytelling in a thoroughly enjoyable hour of listening.
Whatcom Story 2 (2017)
14 min.
Jason Hubbard narrates a mini-documentary of how prayer and local church unity have transformed churches in Whatcom County, Washington. This inspirational video explains how the churches and ministries have seen phenomenal growth and progress—reaching across ethnic backgrounds, affecting business, and impacting the community. It offers itself as a model that any local body of churches can adopt.
BOOKS
Until Unity, by Francis Chan, © 2021, 220 pages, published by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive Colorodo Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. (My review: Easy to read, clear, compelling. 4 stars out of 5.)
Francis Chan comes from a Baptist background. He has been a pastor for over 30 years. He is a New York Times – best-selling author of several books, including Crazy Love and Letters to the Church. Currently, Francis and his family are involved in ministry and church planting in Northern California and Asia.
Marketing description:
Many Christians who want unity don't value theology or holiness. God commands all three. There must be a way to end the divisions that grieve the Holy Spirit without sacrificing truth or embracing sin. As the world grows more divided his bride should increase in love until we attain unity that brings revival. Until Unity shows us:
>God grieves the division in the Church, so we can't remain indifferent
>Unity demands a level of humility only possible by the Spirit
>The power and witness of the Church hinges on our oneness
>Unity comes at a cost, but it commands a blessed
May God raise up an army of spirit-filled people from all denominations, eager to fight for unity in all humility and gentleness.
Introduction to Ecumenism, by Jeffrey Gros, F.S.C., Eamon McManus, and Ann Riggs, copyright 1998, 256 pages, published by Paulist Press, 997 Macauthor Boulevard, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, U.S.A. (This book was recently given to me. I have not found the time to read it yet.)
Marketing description:
Introduction to Ecumenism surveys the theological basis and development of the gospel impulse toward Christian unity, primarily, though not exclusively, from a Roman Catholic perspective. Topics include: history of ecumenism, ecumenical documents, theology of ecumenism, ecumenical principles, the churches today, the contribution of the World Council, Eastern churches, Anglicans and Lutherans, ecumenically oriented Protestants (Methodist, Reformed, Baptist), Evangelicals (Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, Holiness Evangelicals), and the future of ecumenism (reception, pastoral renewal, education).
A user-friendly guide to the ecumenical struggle. More than a mere survey of historical text, this study presents theological and spiritual rationale for ecumenism as a gospel imperative! Seminary students and professors, local church leaders and their flocks–all will find this book indispensable as they too enter into the search for Christian unity.
Evangelical Reunion: Denominations and the One Body of Christ, by John M. Frame, copyright 1984, 185 pages, published by Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI 49516, U.S.A. (My review: Very readable. Good analysis and insight. 3 stars out of 5.)
John M. Frame was an associate professor of apologetics in systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary-West, Escondido, California.
Marketing description:
Jesus Christ did not establish denominations but a church, observes John Frame. The unity of that one church is organizational as well as spiritual.
Frame leaves his usual role as a leading evangelical theologian to issue a prophetic call against the prevailing sectarianism among Christians. He admits that total organizational union among Christians is not now practical, but he sees many reasons why there should be unity among Evangelicals and union of Bible-believing groups who hold similar convictions and traditions.
The trend to build barriers between Christians can be reversed, insists Frame; Jesus came to tear down those barriers. This book offers guidelines to work for a spirit that takes seriously the one mission in the one church: to advance Christ's one kingdom.
Count to One: God's Plan for Christianity Unity, by Rt. Rev. Robert J. Gosselin, PhD, copyright 2017, published by Certa Publishing, P Oh Box 2839, Apopka, FL 32704, U.S.A. (This book was recently given to me. I have not found the time to read it yet.)
Bishop Robert is an Anglican bishop in Communion of Evangelical Episcopal churches (CEEC). He was appointed as an Emissary for Christian Unity by the CEEC, assigning him to a global role working to advance the unity of faith and mission among Christians.
Marketing description:
Bishop Robert lifts the veil on what the Holy Spirit has been doing across the globe, inflaming the hearts of believers everywhere to fulfill Christ's prayer.
The prayer of Jesus in John 17 was that his Church would be one and that together we would display the glory of God to a lost and dying world. Our unity would prove our message. Sadly, we've badly missed the mark!
Count to One lays a simple and compelling foundation every believer can stand up, examining the issues and answering the question everyone asks about overcoming the barriers of genuine Christian unity. Today, God is moving his church to place a community we see John 17! Our diversity is supposed to be our strength, not a cause for division. So let us celebrate our love for Jesus in the midst of our differences. Read the book and meet the family you never believed you had – welcome home!
A Gathering Momentum, edited by Roger Sutton, © 2017, 237 pages, published by Instant Apostle; The Barn, 1 Watford House Lane, Watford, Herts WD17 1BJ, U.K. (Provides encouragement and ideas that can be applied to build a greater oneness for the local body of Christ. This book encouraged me as I began to understand God's call to oneness. 2 stars out of 5. I bought about 30 copies. Let me know if you would like one.)
Roger Sutton is a Baptist minister from Greater Manchester and Co-Chair of the 'Trafford Borough Partnership', a body drawing together public, private, and third-sector bodies. He is a leader of 'Gather' (www.gather.global), a national network of unity movements across the U.K.
Marketing description:
Church leaders from across the denominational spectrum are joining in friendship and prayer for their towns and cities - and transformation is occurring! Beyond the local church, Christians in business, health and education, sports, charities, and the arts strategically collaborate to impact their communities. Sharing common purpose and relational unity, they are discovering the power of working together as one.
This inspirational collection of stories, of Christians initiating cultural, social and spiritual transformation in the places they love, will encourage and amaze. And this is only the beginning.
A Gathering Momentum invites you to become part of the movement and join with others to fulfill the mission of God for your city or town.