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Someone once said: “None of us is as smart as all of us.” Successful teams are those that have the ability to recognize that their strength is in their diversity, not their uniformity.

In a diverse team, members represent a variety of cultures, customs, personalities and abilities. People think differently, and they behave differently. If we see differences as a threat, or if we perceive those who are different from us as inferior, we are well on our way to conflict. But when you look at diversity as a blessing, as something to be valued, you are well on your way to building an effective ministry team.

Valuing diversity in our ministry teams means that we unite spiritually as brothers and sisters in Christ. It means that we love one another, respect and value one another beyond our differences.

Maturity and hard work are necessary to maintain the unity of the Spirit within a diverse body through the bond of peace. As the church, we must cultivate and build unity. We will always be different, but we can love, respect and value one another. That will empower all of us to be and to do our best.  

Valuing diversity is also releasing our diversity as we bind our hearts to a passion for souls; as we establish intelligent, spiritual ministerial relationships; and as we communicate our differences before presenting them as opposition. Instead of highlighting our differences, we can celebrate our diverse yet unified identity as the people of God: people from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5: 9, NIV).

As we value diversity, our Foursquare family could become the following

  • A church with members who are very different from one another (1 Cor. 12:12-21).
  • A church with redeemed members from every tribe, language, people and nation (Rev. 5: 8-10).
  • A church with worshipers of all nations, tribes, peoples and languages (Rev. 7: 9-10).
  • A church with fruitful ministers of all peoples (Isa. 56: 2-7).

Will you join me in praying for just such a future for our Foursquare family? Together, we can be more and do more for the kingdom.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

What does unity in the church mean to you? Ask the Lord to give you a spirit of love, respect and peace, and to build spiritual bridges between the people in your congregation.

Praying with us? Include what you are praying for in a comment below.

is the national Hispanic missional coach for The Foursquare Church and serves as chairman of the National Hispanic Commission.
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