Designed for More

Designed for More
Unleashing Christ’s Vision for Unity in a Deeply Divided World (FaithWords, 2018)

WHO: Lucas Ramirez, CEO of the Gathering Place.

HE SAYS: “Unity is when all followers of Jesus realize their interconnectedness and pursue the ones as seen in the Triune God in order to become one with God and with each other—for his glory and the expansion of his kingdom.”

THE BIG IDEA: Jesus placed great importance on the idea of unity, and the church needs to move toward unity in all that it does.

THE PROGRESSION:
Part 1, “God’s Great Passion for Unity,” establishes God’s design for unity, why it is important, what the Bible says about unity and our current reality of division in the church.
Part 2, “Unveiling the Murmuration Principles,” dives deeper into “murmurations,” spotlighting the seven principles they teach: relationships, communication, strategy, shared resources, leadership contribution and critical mass.
In Part 3, “Practical Steps to Help Spark a Murmuration Movement,” the author shares lessons learned from over 40 years of combined experience to help readers moved from a fragmented church toward God’s design.

“The truth is that if we want to care for the poor, welcome strangers, seek justice, clothe the naked and preach the gospel most effectively, we need unity.”

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Gene Appel: Do Less Ministry; Reach More People

None of the programs at our church were bad in and of themselves. The volume of it just prevented us from being focused on building relationships with those who are far from God. So, we had to do less ministry to reach more people. It sounds funny, but people had to be trained in how to do life with nonbelievers or people spiritually disinterested.

When Familiar Becomes Careless

God wants to be in a relationship with his people that’s not marked by fear but love. Not apprehension, but an appreciation of his great grace and compassion.