Words We Just Don’t Use Any More: Parachurch

Since the beginning of the church, the Body of Christ has struggled with unity.

“I follow Paul”

“I follow Apollos”

“I follow Jesus”.

In the early church they struggled with division and taking sides, and many still struggle today.

Until now. Inside the religious institution of the 4 walls church, there are 45,000 denominations worldwide. 45,000! How does that match up with John 17:20-23? Jesus wanted us to move towards complete unity. This unity hasn’t happened, until now. No longer are there “churches” and “para church ministries”, those are diving words. Everywhere the body of Christ is scattered around the globe, it is THE Church. It is free from division and making an impact.

How do I know…Martha and I have been experiencing it.

Since 2006 I have been studying the Faith and Work Movement and for the past 6 ½ years we have been the Media mouthpiece for it. So much time invested in highlighting what God is doing in the workplaces of our country.

What have we seen?

When the Body of Christ is outside the 4 walls church the body of Christ is unified in reaching the workplaces of this country. There are over 3000 Faith and Work Ministries in this country and all of them are unified with the sole task of discipling Christ Followers to live out their faith in their work. Not one person is in charge of this movement. The Holy Spirit is in charge and He is raising up men and women from every occupation to speak Truth into work and redeem work from the enemy. Work was God’s idea and He is out to transform the workplaces of our country.

So let’s not bring division into the Body of Christ. Stop thinking there is a little “c” church or parachurch, we are THE Church and it was Jesus’ idea.

Have fun in your mission field this week.

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!