Christians: Getting Out of the Business of Division
Christians: Getting Out of the Business of Division (Part 3)
Five years ago we planted Mill City Church in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis. The church in Northeast has a long history. Part of that story includes division between local churches based on their various differences.
But that story is changing – God has been moving in amazing ways, bringing unity that can only be from God’s Spirit!
We were working together in various ways, as I shared in part one of this story.
By God’s leading 13 churches marched in the city wide parade together as I told you about in part two.
A year after we marched together in unity we continued to ask “What is God doing here in this community?”
All of the churches agreed – God was bringing awareness to food insecurity in our city.
Over 10% of the families and individuals in our city face food insecurity on a daily basis.
God had made this clear to the different leaders and congregations. So then we asked, “how are we going to respond to what we see God doing?”
We approached the Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the parade each year, and brought them our request:
“We want to march for a second year as the unified church of Northeast Minneapolis. Can we collect food and bring awareness to food insecurity through our parade float? We believe that everyone in Northeast Minneapolis, especially our kids and elderly, should have enough to eat!”
We didn’t hear back for weeks. The Chamber was flooded with details as the parade was drawing closer.
Then we got an email that had God’s provision written all over it:
Dear Mission Northeast Pastors,
The Chamber of Commerce is so inspired by the unity and care for our city that we have deemed the entire parade this year: The Parade With A Purpose. We are going to publicize this parade as having the effort to increase awareness for food insecurity as well as have local businesses collect food all month as well as during the parade.
Thousands of newspapers were printed making the community aware of this need in our city. As the hundreds of parade goers marched in our green t-shirts we connected the crowd with the information for local food selves that they could either support or visit if they are in need.
God is moving in the churches of Northeast Minneapolis. Together in unity we would all agree:
We are getting out of the business of division.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” – Jesus
Christians: Getting Out of the Business of Division (Part 3)
Five years ago we planted Mill City Church in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis. The church in Northeast has a long history. Part of that story includes division between local churches based on their various differences.
But that story is changing – God has been moving in amazing ways, bringing unity that can only be from God’s Spirit!
We were working together in various ways, as I shared in part one of this story.
By God’s leading 13 churches marched in the city wide parade together as I told you about in part two.
A year after we marched together in unity we continued to ask “What is God doing here in this community?”
All of the churches agreed – God was bringing awareness to food insecurity in our city.
Over 10% of the families and individuals in our city face food insecurity on a daily basis.
God had made this clear to the different leaders and congregations. So then we asked, “how are we going to respond to what we see God doing?”
We approached the Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the parade each year, and brought them our request:
“We want to march for a second year as the unified church of Northeast Minneapolis. Can we collect food and bring awareness to food insecurity through our parade float? We believe that everyone in Northeast Minneapolis, especially our kids and elderly, should have enough to eat!”
We didn’t hear back for weeks. The Chamber was flooded with details as the parade was drawing closer.
Then we got an email that had God’s provision written all over it:
Dear Mission Northeast Pastors,
The Chamber of Commerce is so inspired by the unity and care for our city that we have deemed the entire parade this year: The Parade With A Purpose. We are going to publicize this parade as having the effort to increase awareness for food insecurity as well as have local businesses collect food all month as well as during the parade.
Thousands of newspapers were printed making the community aware of this need in our city. As the hundreds of parade goers marched in our green t-shirts we connected the crowd with the information for local food selves that they could either support or visit if they are in need.
God is moving in the churches of Northeast Minneapolis. Together in unity we would all agree:
We are getting out of the business of division.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” – Jesus
This is so inspiring and encouraging. Lately I have been feeling very discouraged by division in the church and this display of unity and community impact is so refreshing. God is moving! And through the church, no less. Amazing. Thanks for sharing this story.
Thanks Naomi! I have been SO encouraged as well by what God is doing!