What is convergence? I have followed this theology for more than 15 years, yet I would guess that less than 10% of my church members even know that we practice convergence, let alone what it means.
According to Webster’s dictionary, to converge means “to move towards one point, to come together or to meet.”
Almost ironic when for so long the church has been divided and separated from one another. There are so many denominations and independent churches it is almost unbelievable, and yet there is only ONE Bible. There has been no coming together of the churches, no unity. We have to fight against one another for superiority to try and prove that we are somehow better than the other. Last time I checked we were all on the same team rooting for the same God.
It is evident that God has one thing to say to all people, one plan for our conduct and relationship with Him. Yet, we have developed many churches and church groups to suit our own varying ways of interpreting what the Bible says.
Through experience and a few pride checks, I have come to understand that none of us are 100 percent correct. Most of the things that separate us are very petty. Jesus told the Pharisees that they strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel (Matthew 23:24 KJV). They were so picky about insignificant little things that it prevented them from centering in on the main things that were truly vital. The Church has become divided because we lost sight of the main thing.
Christ is not divided into parts, and neither can His body be divided. In Matthew 12:25 He warned
As members of the church, the body of Christ, we are powerless as long as we are filled with prejudice and disharmony.
Agreement brings power.
So what is convergence? How does what I just rattled off mean anything about being a convergent church? How does convergence bring about unity, harmony? The convergence movement is a coming together of the three major historic branches of the Church.
The Sacramental.
The Evangelical.
The Charismatic.
Each of these expressions of the Church of Jesus Christ have been carefully nurtured by God and greatly used to establish and to expand His work on earth. Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that, “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” When the three strands of God’s Church are braided together there will be a new strength and unity in the church.
Now listen carefully friends-
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. I repeat, it’s the same!
The Convergence Movement has identified the three living streams of the Church and invites God to bring them together as one complete and life-giving river.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the Place where the Most High dwells” (Psalm 46:4).
These three streams, each in their own way, have defined the map of Christianity through the ages and will merge like a flood into the future to bring reconciliation and unleash God’s powerful purpose for His Church.
Folks convergence brings unity. As you attend church on Sunday, Wednesday or whenever pay attention to how the branches are utilized throughout the service. At the Father’s House our praise and worship is Charismatic, our sermon Evangelical and the practice of communion and the Lord’s Prayer is Sacramental. Three branches coming together…
As the book journey continues, I will begin to dive deeper into the theology and topic of convergence for it plays a large part in my story of friendships and the fight for unity in the church.
Blessings,
Q
