Text: Acts 18:18—19:7 | Listen to Message
Together for The Gospel
Throughout the book of Acts you see Christians partnering with other Christians and churches partnering with other local churches to spread the name of Jesus. Paul, arguably one of the greatest missionary church planters the world has ever known, was quick to train his own replacements and to hand over the reigns of leadership to other godly men. The impact of these partnerships was stunning.
So why don’t we see more ministry partnerships today – especially amongst Gospel-preaching churches that minister in the same cities and neighborhoods?
This is a complex question with many different answers. So just stop for a moment and examine your own motives. Make sure you aren’t being driven by any of the following:
Pride. You’ve put a lot of time and effort into making sure you do church “the right way,” so you’re not about to partner with others who don’t see eye-to-eye with you on everything. You’re pretty sure your applications of Scripture, your opinions, your preferences, and your processes are the ones Jesus himself would be using if he walked in your shoes. So you don’t need partners who do it “wrong.”
Fear. A lot could go wrong if you partner with other ministries. There could be misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Your motives might be judged. Or things could take off and the vision might grow beyond your ability to manage. Or maybe that other group only wants to partner with you because of a hidden agenda that’ll only become clear after it’s too late.
Jealousy. The truth be told, you’re envious of the success that other minister or church is experiencing. And rather than rejoicing or partnering with them, you find it easier to question their tactics and slander their motives.
Glory thievery. You want to make sure your sacrifice and effort gets credited to you. If you partner with that other ministry, maybe they’ll get the credit. Maybe the new converts will go to them. Maybe they’ll grow faster. Maybe people won’t see how awesome you are.
Please, for Christ’s sake, repent of your pride, your fear, your jealousy, and your glory thievery, if any of these things are true of you. Give your life away for something that’s bigger than you. Choose to demonstrate the unity of Christ’s body in visible and tangible ways by partnering with likeminded believers in your city.
Sermon Notes & Application Questions