4. Celebrate new Christians more.
In the unified churches, the greatest joy expressed by members was hearing about people becoming followers of Christ. During one service where 14 new believers were baptized, the excitement was palpable.
The fragmented churches tended to celebrate building programs more.
5. Highly intentional small group or Sunday school ministries.
The unified churches exhorted everyone to get into a small group or Sunday school class.
The fragmented churches usually had those ministries, but they were not a point of emphasis.
6. Emphasis on corporate prayer.
The unified churches’ members prayed a lot together.
The fragmented churches’ members did not.
7. Most ministries led by laity.
Most of the ministries, even the largest and most important, were led by laypersons.
To the contrary, the fragmented churches typically insisted that a ministry had to be led by a ministry staff leader.
Of course, I don’t know which of these characteristics were cause or effect.
Do you see anything in your church that adds to its unity or fragmentation?
