Work together or even better…
work shoulder to shoulder!
Take notice of this passage in Zephaniah calling people to serve the LORD shoulder to shoulder. Other translations have this as “with one accord” or “with one consent.” The point is, this is stronger than simply working together. We must combine our efforts and purposes in addition to working together. We can carry the heaviest of burdens when we are of one heart.
Zephaniah 3:9 (NIV)
"Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder."
As our strategic planning process continues to identify vision, strategies, and a roadmap for the USA/Canada Region, we must also seize the opportunity to align our work across every ministry area. Imagine NDI, NMI, NYI, Clergy Development, and all of our ministry areas working shoulder to shoulder to fulfill our mission. We can carry the heaviest of burdens and increase our impact for Christ by serving with one accord.
No doubt you have seen this in your own ministry experience. When people align their vision and implementation plans, great things happen. Of course, it must be said that our ongoing task is to first seek the will of God and align with His plans. Without God at the center, our efforts come to nothing.
Stay tuned — we have started the process of identifying opportunities to align our priorities across all ministry areas. This will take time and it will be fruitful!