Introduction

My name is Dr. David Cole and I have served as a faculty member at The King’s University (TKU) for eleven years, where I am currently the Director of the Master of Divinity program and the Professor of Historical Theology. My courses cover a range of history and theology topics, including one titled “Christian Unity.” In addition to teaching, I have the privilege of representing TKU at various initiatives and gatherings as the University’s Liaison for Ecumenical Relations.

As you might guess, an aspect of my personal calling to the Lord includes a focus on the importance of unity in the Church—unity between individual believers, unity within a particular congregation, and unity between various churches, church families, denominations, and networks. in the Body of Christ—including unity between individual believers, unity within a particular congregation, and unity between various churches, church families, denominations, and networks.

 

The Biblical Call to Unity

 
Jesus’ Prayer for Unity

One of the last things Jesus did before going to the cross was to earnestly pray for our unity (see John 17:20-23). He prayed to the Father “that all of them may be one” and “be in complete unity,” linking our unity to the world’s ability to believe in God’s love.

Paul’s Challenge to Keep Unity

The apostle Paul challenges believers to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1-3). Paul reminds us to make every effort to keep unity through the bond of peace, requiring focus and commitment. Most of us keep close tabs on our personal spiritual lives, hoping to live in such a way that keeps our relationship with God healthy and intact. And along the way, we try to be kind, helpful, and polite to those around us. But our Christian lives and routines can become quite individualized and private. And thus, trying to discuss “unity” with others can almost seem like we’re speaking a foreign language. So—is it really that important?

Let me answer that question in two ways: biblically and practically. To keep things brief, let me first say that the Bible has a lot to say about unity between believers. One of the last things Jesus did before going to the cross for all of us was to earnestly pray for our unity (see John 17:20-23). In the garden, he prayed to the Father “that all of them may be one,” and that they may “be in complete unity.” And he gives a two-fold reason for that prayer: “so that the world may believe that you have sent me,” and “have loved them even as you have loved me.” Somehow, Jesus connects the possibility of a hurting world accepting God’s love for them, and their reception of Jesus as their Savior, to our unity as believers.

I think what that means is that if people don’t see us modeling God’s love through our healthy and committed relationships to one another, then our attempts to reach them with the message of God’s love for them and a saving relationship with Jesus simply will not be believable.

Our unity is important to Jesus. And it’s something we are all called to, as the apostle Paul points out. In Ephesians 4:1-3 he challenges us to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received,” telling us that we will do so when we “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” We all want to be faithful stewards of the call of God on our lives, wherever he has placed us, so our lights can shine brightly for him. And Paul reminds us that to do that, we must make working for unity with our brothers and sisters a priority. That requires focused energy. It’s not easy, or else Paul wouldn’t be admonishing us to “make every effort.” But to be in agreement with Jesus’ prayer and to live lives that offer a “fragrant aroma” of Christ (II Cor. 2:15)? It’s well worth the price we are invited to pay.

 

 

What Does Unity Look Like?

 
Living at Peace with Others

Unity begins with prioritizing peace with others. Preferring one another in honor (Romans 12:10) and seeking reconciliation in conflicts reflects Christ’s love.

Studying Scripture Together

Engaging in Bible studies with believers from different denominations can deepen understanding and foster agreement, even when doctrinal differences arise.

Building Bridges Across Churches

Practical unity includes participating in joint worship gatherings, prayer groups, and community service projects that unite churches and believers. So, if Scripture is clear about our call to model and seek unity with one another, what does that look like practically, in our day-to-day lives? I think we can recognize the importance of this way of life on a number of levels. First of all, we can simply prioritize living at peace with one another as individuals, preferring one another in honor (Rom. 12:10, Phil. 2:2-4), and seeking to build bridges of unity and reconciliation wherever possible (Is. 58:12). Sometimes that requires finding healthy ways to face and resolve conflicts and divisions between one another. We might even benefit from studying the Bible together so we can reflect on differences in the way we interpret doctrinal questions. Greater agreement and understanding are often the result, and even “agreeing to disagree agreeably” is a valuable learned skill.

When each of us accepts this priority as an aspect of our respective callings, then our churches and synagogues can be transformed by the shifts in the quality of fellowship we enjoy in the Lord, and our corporate calling to the larger community can take new shape. And we can extend our commitment of unity to the other churches and synagogues in our communities, and see our cities transformed by our Christ-like love for one another as noticed and experienced by those who need to be touched by that love. And if we’re not careful, unity in the Body of Christ will reach across geographical, denominational, network, racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, and generational lines, as the John 17 prayer of Jesus is fulfilled in our midst.

 

 

Living Out Unity

 
Grassroots Approaches to Unity

Unity can begin with simple, everyday actions in our local communities. Finding opportunities to engage with believers from different churches and backgrounds can foster deeper relationships and mutual understanding.

Practical Steps for Individual Believers

Maybe I can start or join a Bible study or prayer group that includes believers from a number of churches. Maybe I can start or attend a citywide worship gathering, or help out at the local mission, homeless shelter, crisis pregnancy center, or elementary school. Maybe I can join my brothers and sisters at annual meetings such as the National Day of Prayer or the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Church Leadership and Unity

If I’m a pastor or leader, maybe I start attending the monthly minister’s alliance prayer gatherings in my community. If I’m the pastor of a church, maybe I start praying for another church in our community from the pulpit each week, or do an annual pulpit swap with another pastor in town. The possibilities are endless.

Formal Initiatives for Unity

On the more formal side, there are many initiatives taking place locally, regionally, and internationally for men and women called to pursue unity in the Body of Christ. Some even feel called to be “ecumenists” who engage in formal dialogue between churches and denominations. These dialogues are ongoing commitments to prayer, study, and conversation between teams of persons from partnering churches.

A Historical Example: Lutherans and Catholics

One such process notably took place in the 1990s between Lutherans and Catholics, leading to the publication of the “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.” Lutherans and Catholics challenged each other on the primary reason for the phenomenon of the Protestant Reformation. An amazing consensus was articulated that affirmed what we read in Ephesians 2:8-10—that we are all justified by faith in Jesus Christ, which will lead us to good works as a fruit of our faith in him.

Grassroots Opportunities

Consider starting or joining a local prayer group, Bible study, or community outreach that includes diverse believers. Events like the National Day of Prayer can also foster unity.

Formal Ecumenical Efforts

For those called to formal dialogue, initiatives like the International Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue offer structured ways to build unity. These efforts include prayer, study, and collaboration on shared concerns.

Local Church Initiatives

Pastors and church leaders can participate in pulpit swaps, pray for other churches during services, or collaborate on citywide projects that showcase the unity of the Body of Christ. As another practical outworking of our biblical commitments, the pursuit of unity can be very grassroots and informal, can be very academic and formal, or anything in between. For instance, as a believer I might want to find opportunities in my neighborhood or community that help build unity. Maybe I can start or join a Bible study or prayer group that includes believers from a number of churches. Maybe I can start or attend a citywide worship gathering, or help out at the local mission, homeless shelter, crisis pregnancy center, or elementary school. Maybe I can join my brothers and sisters at annual meetings such as the National Day of Prayer or the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. If I’m a pastor or leader, maybe I start attending the monthly minister’s alliance prayer gatherings in my community. If I’m the pastor of a church, maybe I start praying for another church in our community from the pulpit each week, or do an annual pulpit swap with another pastor in town. The possibilities are endless.

On the more formal side, there are many initiatives taking place locally, regionally and internationally for men and women called to pursue unity in the Body of Christ. Some even feel called to be “ecumenists” who engage in formal dialogue between churches and denominations. These dialogues are ongoing commitments to prayer, study and conversation between teams of persons from partnering churches. These dialogue teams include pastors, bishops, theologians, and lay persons. Themes for conversation are agreed upon, serious engagement takes place, documents are written and published, and new friendships are formed.

 
 
 

My Personal Experience in Ecumenical Dialogue

 
 The International Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue

I was privileged to participate in another such dialogue, the International Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue, which was started by “Mr. Pentecost,” David du Plessis, in the aftermath of Vatican II, when Catholics were convinced of the need to reach out to Protestant and other non-Catholic Christians. The phase of the dialogue I was involved in, from 2011-2015, led to the publication of the document entitled “Do Not Quench the Spirit: Charisms in the Life and Mission of the Church.” It was a thoughtful reflection on the gifts of healing, prophecy, and discernment in the church, and the responsibility of leaders to guide the church well in their exercise of these and other gifts. Much good fruit has come out of such commitments to ongoing conversation.

Organizations and Ongoing Involvement

I will mention a few other places I have invested time and energy in the service of unity in the Body of Christ. I serve on the Christian Unity Commission with the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America. I participate in the Ecumenical Studies Interest Group with the Society for Pentecostal Studies. I serve on the International Council of “Mission We Are One” in Brazil. I serve on the board of directors for United in Christ. I serve on the planning committee for the Unity and Renewal Forum, whose annual meeting will be hosted on the TKU campus this summer, June 26-28, 2025.

 

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Unity

 
The Role of Every Believer

Unity is not just the responsibility of church leaders or theologians; it is a calling for every believer. Whether through small daily acts of reconciliation or formal inter-church initiatives, we all have a part to play.

The Transformational Power of Unity

Unity in the Church is more than just theological agreement—it is a visible expression of Christ’s love to the world. When we prioritize relationships, serve together, and commit to mutual understanding, we become a beacon of light to those seeking truth.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the significance of unity, let’s challenge ourselves to be intentional about fostering it in our communities. Whether through prayer, collaboration, or simply reaching out to a fellow believer, every step taken towards unity strengthens the Body of Christ. Each of these activities and commitments have their own distinctive value as we look for new ways to cultivate unity and reconciliation among the Lord’s people. I’ve been living out my own call to pursue unity for many years, which has allowed me to find so many avenues of engagement. You don’t have to do any of these specific things. But I believe that each of us, in our own way and consistent with the way the Lord has wired us, can be faithful to build up our brothers and sisters in the faith as we make unity a priority. And as we do, the light of Christ shines brightly among those who notice our witness, and we plant seeds that lead to an eternal harvest. I don’t know about you, but that’s what I signed up for: the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20), which surprisingly is directly tied to our unity as believers in Jesus. Who knew?

 

Continuing The Conversation: That They May Be One Podcast

If these reflections have stirred you up and you want to dive deeper, I invite you to check out the podcast, “That They May Be One.” My co-host, Adriana Gonzalez of Flourish Your Faith Ministries, and I invite you to join us for heartfelt conversations with guests who represent the beauty and diversity of the Church across the ecclesial spectrum. Our goal is to pursue and proclaim unity in the Body of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Topics include questions related to Christian unity, along with other issues of current concern. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts. Click here to access the podcast.

Join us as we continue the journey toward unity together!

 

 

Dr. Dr. David Cole is the Chair of the Department of Professional Ministerial Studies, Program Director of Master of Divinity, Professor of Historical Theology, and the Liaison for Ecumenical Relations at The King’s University.