har·mo·ny (hahr-muh-nee)
–    noun. a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.

It is said about the role of harmony in music: “Harmony tends to overtly reveal between the notes of a melody what is hidden…” As this idea of harmony has developed over centuries, many have gone on to say that harmony requires different parts working in relationship to one another in order to create a pleasing sound.

Recently I’ve been reflecting on something special about our relationship with a few likeminded churches in Columbus. It is exciting to be able to say that we are functioning harmoniously with one another. There is no promise of such relationships when you go to plant a church. In fact, many church planters can share heartbreaking stories of being ostracized. Needless to say, we are certainly blessed to have such harmonious relationships with likeminded churches and church leaders.

As we’ve met with church leaders in the city Jay and I have expressed that we long to co-labor with likeminded churches rather than merely co-existing. One of our overarching desires is to impact every man, woman and child in Columbus with the gospel and we know it would be both ignorant and arrogant to assume that we could do that by ourselves. In fact, we celebrate the fact that we are developing meaningful, harmonious relationships with likeminded churches in Columbus, in our region, in the United States, and even in different corners of the world.

We’ve deemed it important to build into such relationships because Christ deemed it important first. Just before the events of the passion and the cross, Jesus prayed, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23). Christ suffered in order that we could be unified under Him. When we achieve harmony it gives testimony to what God has done for us through the cross. When there is unity in the body there is a beautiful harmony that resonates throughout our world. Do you hear the harmony? Are you working to create it?