Written by Paul J Bucknell on January, 16, 2021

God’s Grand Purpose: Love and Mission – Church Leadership Training

Purpose: To study one area of conflict that leadership teams often face and how God uses His truth to foster harmonious service.

The Philippian church, from the start, faced problems of working harmoniously together. Paul addressed this tension in his letter to them, advising them and us on overcoming differences and peaceably working together, completing God’s work.

I asked the participants first to fill out a brief, 4-question quiz. I will first personally answer some of these questions to allow you to get to know my situation.

(1) I asked whether you have ever seen a church function well. I have experienced churches working nicely together, both in my church planting in Taiwan and the long decades-long mother-daughter church in Pittsburgh.

If a church leader has not witnessed this, he generally hasn’t secured the faith to live that way. The same is true in a family. Dysfunctional families produce dysfunctional children because they have not gained that insight into how families can work well.

(2) Again, I asked, “Were your parents able to resolve their differences?” Mine were not able to resolve differences and the numerous divorces in my unbelieving home proved it. Behind this question lie the difficulty that some leaders face, not knowing how to resolve stressful situations.

(3) I asked, “Are you struggling with resentment/bitterness now?” I certainly did struggle at some intense levels with resentment. These struggles have been overcome, but only after seeking the Lord and much prayer. My marriage would have faltered had it not been God who showed me a better way, His way.

(4) Lastly, with this particular topic, I asked, “Do you tend to focus more on relationships or tasks?” I am more task-oriented. I want to get things done. However, being the middle child, I became sensitive to the opinions of others. But now, I have also lived many years with many children, learning how to be attentive to what other people are thinking, all helping me learn how to relate to them.

I hope to show you how God makes the church to work together in harmony. Many believers have never learned this. One can tell by the easy way the evil one tricks a church leader into being on an opposing side. There is only one side, God’s side. You are right to follow the biblical model and acting as a loving church. Let me start by laying the needed biblical foundation from the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:27.
Philippians 1:27 shows us the need and method to work together in harmony.

Working together harmoniously (Phil 1:27)

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27 NASB).

The words conduct and manner both prove that the way we do something is as important as the task itself. Task-oriented people have a hard time understanding this. Success for them is ticking off another ‘to do’ item.

How we conduct ourselves is as important as the task.

Paul carefully instructs us on the two things we need to keep in mind to maintain a life worthy of the gospel of Christ in the latter part of Philippians 1:27.
“Standing firm in one spirit”

1. One spirit: Love

Paul first mentions the need to stand firm. This call to stand firm hints at their wavering on this vital point. Paul addresses the issue because he sees that they need this instruction. Sometimes, they let doubts lead them rather than the truth of one spirit. So he calls them to be sure and remain convinced that this truth of “one spirit” always guides how believers work together.

The phrase “one spirit” itself points to their divisiveness. Perhaps, Paul identified two or three ‘spirits’ or common understandings/mindsets among them. Believers are to hold only one mindset, that they are one belonging to Christ Jesus. The one Holy Spirit has composed them as one body, similarly guiding Christians by His Word, and directs them to follow one head, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some will wonder whether “one spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit. It’s possible, but due to the usage in Phil 2:3-5, it doesn’t matter; the effect is the same. For the Holy Spirit still works in us, providing that ability to have the same driving desire to love God and others.

“¹ Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (Phil 2:1-2).

2. One mind: Mission

“With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

“One mind” runs parallel to “one spirit.” It differently focuses on having the same spirit. The Spirit dwells in each believer, and as we study His Word, our mindset, at least on the central issues, merges into Christ’s mindset.

Paul uses these words to direct our focus on the work and task set ahead of us, while “one spirit” focuses us on relationships—the manner. Here we have one larger goal to which all believers aim: “the faith of the gospel,” referring to the task of spreading the faith so that others receive the gospel message as well as the faith necessary to grow as believers. We all have different roles and gifts but the same overall task.

Paul importantly points out that we are “striving together” to accomplish this glorious task. We dedicate ourselves to this same crucial task; we cannot get it done alone. Even Paul the Apostle taught this, despite having many powerful gifts of the Spirit and being a missionary. We need to look at our church leadership as one team working hard together—not in competition but in one spirit, as Paul says, striving together.

For an illustration, let us consider a group of ten people in the leadership team breaking open a huge box of blocks. The team’s mission is to build one fine tower. Each person receives a similar number of blocks to contribute to the project. How would you, as a leadership team, build it? Some think they are singularly gifted and commandeer all the blocks, building it while others watch and become quite disgruntled. The builder dismisses any complaints as irrelevant. Maybe in another scenario, we have two strong leaders, telling others to give them their blocks so they can do it. Neither of these pictures properly reflect “striving together.”

“Striving together” directs us to get the job done by allowing, even encouraging, everyone to make their contribution as fit. “Hey, look, you have a red block that will fit there!” “Oh, yes. Let me put it there.” Everyone happily agrees, “That looks perfect!”

Having been composed of many different people, the church needs to learn to do things together in the unity of the Spirit. The church is one body with one Head, the Lord Jesus. Tension is natural, but not to be feared; God has a more remarkable way.

“³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Phil 2:3-5).

Signs of Pride

I’ll mention four signs of pride. There are others, but I identify these to better catch and analyze how one is subtly caught in pride’s snare.

• Danger: We think our way is better than others. We should be intrigued at why God has brought everyone together to work through them. Everyone brings his/her unique contribution.
• Danger: We think others have little to contribute. Instead, we should confidently value and treasure each person—even when we don’t see eye-to-eye.
• Danger: We think too highly of ourselves. We should be more confident that God can work in our lives with each other.
• Danger: We subtly think of ourselves as head rather than the Lord. We should, instead, openly seek God together for His leadership, being ready to follow.

Many of us go wrong when we minimize the truths—partly because we don’t believe them—but also because we don’t know of another way. For example, we use our age, power, wealth, persuasiveness, or influence to override others. Our very ability to do this shouts: “Danger!” Similarly, the prevalence of using a form of anger to manipulate those with who you disagree or by backbiting shouts out: “Danger!”

Love and mission

One quiz question sought to help us observe whether we are relationship or work-oriented. This builds on the two descriptions from Philippians 1:27: one spirit and one mind.

Relationships <=> Work

Love <=> Tasks

The means <=> Results

Many people elected as deacons are task-orientated; they get things done. Maturity, however, requires both love and mission. Those who focus on relationships must also focus on tasks. (One task might be to preserve the truth and doctrine.) Both groups want God’s will and carefully, often prayerfully, do what they can to accomplish what they believe God wants.
Great frustrations can occur between those who focus on maintaining good relationships and those attempting to implement their plans. Different personalities, genders, gifting, upbringings, and other factors drive these different approaches. The end result is that we only feel secure and right when we accomplish what we value—hence, we end up with two or more groups, quickly becoming competitive. Power struggles result between two or more groups seeking God’s will, leaving many emotionally and spiritually wounded.

• Some say love is more important and look down on those who are immature in interconnecting with people. They know the heart of God’s work is love and have Scripture and can sadly repeat a hundred examples of what happens when love is not a controlling factor in a church. They cannot comprehend how others in leadership and God’s family can be unloving and create pain in the church. They are shaken when they do not receive love back.


• There are others compelled by the importance of getting God’s work done. They tend to forget about the people who do the work. They are so singularly focused on God’s work that they tend to use people as a tool, a means.

When elders or others use their power, position, influence, etc., to “get their way,” those being shunned feel forced into one or more opposing sides. Those leaders don’t believe everyone is valuable and easily dismiss people’s opinions.

God’s Word and truth require that we align ourselves to God’s mission, depend on each other, and work hard at getting His work done.

Each viewpoint brings needed contributions and yet, becomes faulty when singling out their perspective as right and minimizing the other. I want to share a greater way of working together without compromising God’s people or God’s work. I should note that though this applies to any Christian group, including marriage, I focus on church leadership.

Being Wounded

Many of you have been hurt over these past years, carrying resentment in your heart. This is not just you but brothers and sisters across the world, scattered about in various congregations. They are good-hearted and yet, end up wounded. One Indian pastor answered me on why he does not give leadership titles to his leaders, stating that they get so pig-headed (my term) that they begin to form their group and cause division. I thought that is not the right, biblical solution—not giving titles. How can churches raise up godly leaders when we assume there is no way to overcome pride?

You still volunteer as a leader in the church even though being hurt by others and seen failure. True, you might be nervous about it all or maybe wish you hadn’t been voted in. But other people have confidence in you, and you trust God’s Spirit to work in and through your lives. (But you must forgive to be effectively used by the Lord.)

Numerous times I have stepped into positions feeling very inadequate, not knowing what to do. (That is my weakness.) I have, over time, found that God gives grace for those times and situations. However, others are confident of their zeal and plans, assuming others to be in error. The confidence of these people is needed, but they need to remember that God works through the whole. Our solution is to depend upon the Lord. We need to prayerfully and confidently proceed.

A Reminder

In review, both loving relationships and God’s work are essential. How we work with people is as important as the work we accomplish for the Lord. I can say the same thing in another way: the way we do the work or fulfill God’s vision is part of God’s holy work. Whenever we minimize the importance of a person, we create a danger zone.

How we work with people is as important as the work we accomplish for the Lord.

Again, I admit, many of us are somewhat clumsy, like a young adolescent. We don’t know how to conduct ourselves with different people, perhaps not sharing similar values. Here are two verses that one perspective might like or hate:
Due to the lack of training, God’s people don’t know how to carry out God’s work in His way. Let me boost your faith that intertwining these two foci is God’s purpose; He can help you work it through. Keep in mind that every group’s faith will be tested.

• Blessed are the peacemakers (Why can’t we spend more time loving one another?) We can give so much hard work to reach the lost and make disciples that we forget how to work together in love.
• Go and make disciples. (Why do we get so bogged down, socializing when we urgently need to get God’s work done?) One can spend so much time and effort to improve and maintain relationships that we forget the mission outside of ourselves.

Every leader must continue to grow as a Christian to be able to lead others effectively. To further discover one’s weaknesses is fine just so that you are on the path of growth through the year. Seek God’s strength and help. Like King David and other Old Testament kings, our danger is that we forget where God is working in our lives and fall into spiritual neglect.

Four Truths

As we go through these four Scripture-based truths, please note each unlocks an important and value. You might find that you agree with one but minimize the importance of another.

Before identifying the four truths, let me remind you that a compromise of these truths will not work. Truths work at a deeper level than opinions. When we compromise truth, it lessens their integrity and makes them false, hurtful rather than helpful. Compromises do not work in the spiritual world. God is holy, and there is no darkness in Him whatsoever (1 John 1:5). He spits lukewarmness out of his mouth (Rev 3:16). Differences will exist from those of varying approaches, theological perspectives, experiences, and giftings.

Though I highlight four truths, there might be more. (1) The calling of each individual, (2) the value of each individual, (3) the command to peaceably work together, and (4) The faith for God to wisely work out His plan.

These truths provide exceptional insight into how the kingdom of God wonderfully works in real-life settings. The truths do not work separately from each other but in a joint effort. I bring only the four that first came to my mind. Wisdom comes from seeing how they, like great partners, work together with you, others, and the Lord.

(1) The calling of each believer (Phil 3:12)

“…But I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:12).

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph 2:10).

God has a plan for us when He saves us, calling us to work alongside Him and His people (e.g., living stones 1 Pet 2:4-5). The search and fulfillment of this plan become each believer’s task on earth. God uniquely fits each of His children to carry out His work in the place He sets them.

Response: God has not only made me but placed me to do His work alongside others.

(2) The value of each individual

“Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule….” (Gen 1:26).

“But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18).

God made us but also calls believers to be conformed to Christ’s image, preparing us for our crucial place in the body of Christ.

Response: Though excited about God’s work in you, also treasure the unique ways God works in each person.

(3) The command to peaceable work together

“² …with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit…” (Eph 4:2-4).

When God calls us, He commands us to work with others harmoniously. His Spirit especially works through us, even in stressful situations, with God-given faith and wisdom.

God’s command exudes faith and plausibility. We might not know how, but we are confident that God somehow can work as one.

Response: Our faith grows as we prioritize unity and prayerfully seek God, accomplishing His good purposes.

(4) The faith for God to wisely work out His plan

“For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith” (1 John 5:4).

When God calls us, He equips us for His tasks, even difficult ones. Faith grows when we admit our insufficiencies, leading us to seek the Lord to wonderfully provide for His people.

Response: Doubts can pester us, but the Lord has given us a greater way to live—by faith.

Like a brilliant sunrise, God provides increasing grace, desiring our success. He constantly seeks to magnify His grace and wisdom as sufficient. Do you see how faith in God is so critical to lead His people? This is always true, no matter the size or problems of a congregation. I heard a speaker say at the end of a year that no matter how bad the past was, you can start living anew today. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life, the future of the church. How do you or I want it to look? God desires to conduct a wonderful restorative ministry in us as individuals and cooperatively.

A Good Thought

Someone in the quiz wrote the following in the comment section. He is right on.

“I believe that to have real unity in a church there must be true love for one another - and we must see the best in others - see others as Christ sees them.”

Note how he said ‘real unity’ rather than ‘unity.’ Why? Is there a false unity like when we tell the congregation something passed but there are factions? If the vote passes with a majority of 60%, doesn’t this mean that 40% are discontent? Why are they discontent? Has the majority sought out the reason the big minority feel so strongly about their viewpoint?

He also mentions ‘true love’ rather than simply ‘love.’ He is right that we sometimes pretend to love, but often, deep down we don’t value others.

He nicely concludes, “We must see the best in others - see others as Christ sees them.”

Starting off right

Below is a list of some action items that we can take.

Summary

• Forgive. Don’t allow the past to hinder (Heb 12:2). Fully forgive others (Gen 50:15-26).
• Acknowledge the Lord as Head, seeking His wisdom rather than relying on your solution.
• Pray for each team member and ask God to bless them. You can’t do well without them.
• Some members are quieter, requiring you to elicit their opinions and concerns.
• Proceed by faith. Difficulties cause you to rely on God, refining your purposes, and deepening the unity.
• Clarify your role and responsibility, ready to gain help from others as needed.

Our purpose is never to get our decision passed but to pay attention to how God is leading His people. Decisions need to be made, but we can be much more careful to everyone’s concerns. We know God works through each believer and that God is chiefly glorified when we see Him working in wonderful and great ways—always in unity and in the exaltation of His love, mercy, and wisdom.

Love is part of God’s work. True, we have not here looked at the mission, the tasks, or evaluated individuals part of this team but at how God desires to lead His people. We need to prioritize relationships to be on par with getting the task done. Love remains as one of our larger tasks.

Working peaceably together is as delightful as the results.

Discussion Questions on Love and Tasks

1. What are the two equally essential ways Philippians 1:27 tells us to glorify Christ?
2. Explain the friction that develops between those who focus on tasks instead of relationships (or vice-a-versa).
3. Describe a situation where you have felt the tension between relationships and tasks.
4. Do you find it difficult or easy to resolve differences? Why so?
5. Pick one of the four essential truths. Share its supporting verse and its importance as you see it.
6. Choose one sign of pride and share how it counters the truth that God has us live out.

For further studies by Paul Bucknell on leadership and love:

A new book by Paul J. Bucknell: A Spiritual Map for Unity: How to Break Through Impasses in the Church.

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