No more splits, please

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:3-6)

I saw it again. While driving through northern Indiana, a sign said “Illiana.” I wondered if Illiana Christian High was nearby. I turned a corner, and there it was. Across the street was Providence Christian High, Protestant Reformed (PR). I laughed and was also saddened by my schismatic tradition. Two state names in “Illiana” are acceptable, but not two denominations of similar heritage in one school.

I pastored a church in West Michigan when the nearby, small town of Dutton, Michigan, had five Christian elementary schools: Dutton Christian from Christian schools International, the American Reformed school, Heritage Academy, the Netherlands Reformed school and a new United Reformed school, plus Christian homeschoolers. The public school was mostly Reformed Church (RCA) children. We pass on schisms to the next generation.

Senseless disunity

I once counted more than 30 North American denominations with Reformed Christian heritage, and now more churches are splitting. I just heard of a PR church that split over whether the Doxology could be sung in worship. Is this praising God, from whom all blessings flow? I wonder how non-Christians see this.

How might Jesus see this? “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (Jn. 17:20-23).

What now?

We know Jesus’ prayer. How can we show it? The Orthodox accommodate national differences, and the Catholics allow for different ministry foci through different orders. These show unity within diversity. Can Protestants share pastors and highlight ecumenical cooperation more?

At the local level, churches can do ministry together. Byron Center, Michigan, brought together about 90 percent of the churches in their area to create a joint diaconal ministry. What about a community-based Christian youth ministry like Young Life or Youth for Christ? How much communication or cooperation is there between the Christian Reformed Church and those who have recently disaffiliated or those who are considering leaving? Could churches form a town ministry council to work together for the good of the community?

We can take steps towards unity rather than division. We can acknowledge and accept differences among us without schism. Unity must become more important than difference. “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25).