“Jesus prayed that… they all may be one.” – from the “Restoration” doors in Cobbs Hall

Over 500 years of church history is represented on the double door panels of Cobbs Halls. The carved portrait of Martin Luther the “Father of Protestantism (1483-1546), John Calvin (1509-1564) who was one of the founders of Presbyterians, and “Father of Methodism” John Wesley (1703-1791), grace three of the panels.

The upper right panel is of Alexander Campbell (1788-1866, one of the founders of our denomination. He embraced fully the desire for the unity of Christ’s Church.

John 17:20-21 was one of the most inspirational texts to Campbell’s calling. “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

The unity Jesus prayed for could only be achieved by returning to the simplicity of the New Testament church—free of denominational labels, creeds, and hierarchical structures. Campbell saw this passage as a divine call for the church’s visible unity. He also helped us to claim the foundational thought that where the scripture speaks, we speak, and where the scriptures are silent, we are silent.

Being a united people in Christ was core belief to our restoration movement. Alexander’s father Thomas Campbell said, “The church of Jesus Christ on earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one.” Barton Stone said, “Let Christian unity be our polar star.”

On Sunday we will explore some ways that if Sun City Christian Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were to fully embrace the message of John 17:20-21 today, we could profoundly impact both the church and the broader world.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube Sunday!

Brett