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A primary purpose of our ecumenical agreements is to enable a common mission and witness within our local communities. We can do more together than apart.

Before he died, Jesus prayed that the Church might be one, "so that the world may believe that you sent me (John 17:23)". The unity of the Church is not merely for the purpose of saving money. It is for the purpose of saving people. It is difficult for people to trust the message of the Gospel when those who proclaim it fight and attack one another.

Our country has changed radically in the last fifty years. This is especially true in the area of religious life. People that once were the object of our missionary zeal in some foreign country are now living in this country, and we have become the object of their missionary zeal! The fastest growing religions in the United States are not Christian.

In its earliest days the Church of Jesus Christ sought to affect the lives of people within their communities with the truth of the Gospel. First Century Christians often disagreed, but they were not willing to make their disagreements more important than a common witness to the One who suffered and died for them. Even when fellowship was broken, they saw the division as a painful wound and contrary to God's will. We often see the divisions between denominations as normal rather than as self-inflicted wounds in the body of Christ.

Three things are central to A Formula of Agreement:

1. Mutual affirmations in faith and doctrine.
2. Joint decision-making
3. Exercising and accepting mutual admonition and correction.

These should exist throughout all levels of our relationship, including the relationship of local congregations. We have gifts to share with one another. We can learn from each other. We can disagree in caring and humble ways, rather than arrogant and divisive ways. We can formulate ways of working together. We live in communities that need our common ministry. God is inviting us to worship together, learn together and serve together, "so that the world may believe."

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. What are some similar problems or challenges within our congregations?
2. Are there ways we can work on these together?
3. Are there regular times we can worship together?
4. Are there ways we can together witness to the love of God within our community?
5. Is there a community concern we can tackle together?
6. How can we hold each other to mutual accountability?
7. How would your congregation's ministry change if, instead of only doing together what you cannot do alone, you chose to do alone only what you cannot do together?

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