As we visit homes here in Eastern Africa, our “mission” is evangelism. We want to meet people and share the love of Jesus with them.
I know it may sound weird and confrontational to most Americans, but I assure you, it is normal and welcome here.
The problem we have come across is actually not hostility on the part of the hosts, but on the part of the church members/interpreters with whom we go visiting.
Unfortunately, you see, they (especially the ones in Uganda) tend to get into arguments with people about denominational differences or insist on preaching the basic gospel message to those who have already claimed to know Jesus. What’s the point in that?!
One of the many things that appealed to me about the World Race – and that has really helped me to grow and change my own focus – is that it recruits missionaries who love Jesus, regardless of denomination. Sure, Adventures in Missions has a statement of belief (posted on their website), but ultimately, it’s an organization that promotes unity in the Body of Christ, the Church. Our focus is God and Kingdom work.
The 50 members of my October 2008 squad come from diverse backgrounds: Baptist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Methodist, Lutheran, non-denominational, and many others.
And already in these five months, we have worked alongside a variety of local ministries, founded by: Evangelical, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Anglican, and many others.
Yes, there are differences in denominations. And yes, some are cause for legitimate concern. But, there is a time and a place for those kind of discussions – and it’s not in the context of evangelism during home visits. Ultimately, if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). And that’s what really matters.
I totally recognize that there are cultural issues involved here that I do not fully understand. Thankfully, when I have asked for clarification, the church members have explained enough that I can still say with confidence: Focus on the Lord!
In John 17, Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for future believers (including me and you). He said, “I pray… that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you… May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (v. 11, 21, 23). Paul also appeals to us, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought, (1 Corinthians 1:10). He also encouraged the church to stand firm in one spirit. … Be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose, (Philippians 1:27, 2:2).
For more on being “one body” under “one Lord” in “one faith,” see also Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
The enemy subtly convinces us that our traditions matter more than our love for each other. He attacks us by getting us to fight against one another when we should be united against him, our real spiritual opposition. We, as individuals and as churches – as the Church, must refuse to get sidetracked by divisive matters.
The label of denomination means nothing. God knows each person’s heart. And He is concerned with LOVE.
