Uniting Christians who disagree

I spent part of today with members of a local Full Gospel Church. They approached me concerned about  working together. Principally about my reactions to their existing pastoral relationship with someone who has recently joined one of "my" churches for worship.

This reminded me of the issues that the "Together for the Gospel" statement raises. How do we make  "Together for the Gospel" a reality (something I believe to be vital - Ephesians 4)?

My response to them was simple. I believe in Christian Unity and will always seek to work with you and others.

Reflecting on this and my attitude to the other churches in the area (in the towns/villages I serve locally that is Church of England, Roman Catholic, Community Church, Baptist Church and Salvation Army) I am thinking along the lines that:

• I will always try to work with you and never against you.
• I will celebrate what we have in common and respect you in those areas we disagree.
• If I or my Church cause (or have caused) hurt or harm to you or the Gospel then I will seek to rebuild relationships through repentance and confession.
• If I or my Church feel hurt by things in the past, present or future then my intent is to forgive through the power of the Spirit.
• I will be your friend and will walk beside you.
• I will pray for you.
• I will be honest and open with you
• I will try to show grace to you at all times

this is very much a quick first draft, written too late at night. Does anyone have any suggestions for improving this or useful resources? We have a ministers fraternal tomorrow and a Churches Together Songs of Praise on Sunday morning (and I am preaching) so any ideas welcome.

H'mm better go, I have to cycle over to Ringstead for a meeting with Rosemary at the unearthly hour of 9:30am - maybe I should add a disclaimer about not liking early mornings.

[Update] Just to make it clear. The meeting today was great, friendly, productive and prayerful. There were no disagreements or problems with the friends from the Full Gospel Church that made me write this post - simply a reminder of the holiness, beauty and effectiveness of unity.

[Update 2] Yes I am going to bed, honest @ 2:36am

Comments

[DavidR]

"I will be honest and open with you" -- is this a good place to say something like "I will hold you to biblical truth, and I will look to you to do the same for me." Or words to that effect? :) The letters, indeed the relationships, between Whitefield and the Wesleys are quite instructive here. At least, it's that sort of scenario that inspires my comment.