Occasion: ADOTT Region 4 Clergy & Wife Meeting
Date: February 5, 2022
Theme: One in Christ
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Convener: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Augustine Unuigbe
Text: John 17:20–26
Introduction
A second-grade teacher once gave her class an assignment:
“Bring something from home that represents your religion.”
When the day arrived:
- A Catholic child brought rosary beads and explained their use in prayer.
- A Native American child showed a dream catcher.
- A Jewish child lit a Hanukkah candle.
- A Southern Baptist child unwrapped a chicken casserole—because for many of us, fellowship means food and gathering.
But is that all fellowship means?
In John 17, Jesus gives us a glimpse into true fellowship and spiritual oneness. He prays that believers would be one, just as He and the Father are one—a powerful image that reveals how unity in the Church is more than a social bond. It is a divine strategy for evangelism.
I. The Power of Unity
A. Misconceptions about Fellowship
Many see fellowship as a side activity—like meals or social events outside of worship. These are good, but biblical fellowship is more profound.
Jesus saw fellowship and unity as a vital evangelistic tool. In John 17:20–21, He prayed that believers would be one so that the world may believe.
🔑 Jesus didn’t say preaching or singing would draw people to Him.
He said the unity of believers would.
Unity isn’t just good for us—it’s God’s strategy for the world to see His love through us.
II. The Prescription for Unity (U.N.I.T.Y.)
Using the acronym UNITY, we can explore five characteristics of Christ-honoring fellowship:
U – Uplift
We are called to build each other up.
Jesus, nearing the cross, encouraged His disciples:
“You will take my gospel to the world.”
He saw greatness in them. We must speak life, affirm purpose, and call out God’s potential in one another.
N – Need
We exist to meet the needs of others.
A little boy once shouted in prayer, asking God (and loudly hinting to Grandpa) for a blue bike from Walmart. Why? Because he understood that God often meets needs through people.
Unity becomes real when we acknowledge both our needs and our duty to meet others’ needs.
I – Integrity
Jesus said, “I have given them the glory…” (John 17:22).
The glory of God includes His purity and holiness.
💡 Integrity means wholeness—not just doing right when others are watching, but being true even when no one sees.
In the Church, integrity builds trust, and trust builds unity.
T – Trust
Where there is integrity, there can be trust.
Jesus trusted His disciples with the mission—even unto death. In the same way, we must trust one another to do our part in ministry, without control or suspicion.
When trust exists, we can serve with confidence, knowing others are also faithfully at work.
Y – Yielding
We must yield in two ways:
- To Christ – Submitting to His Lordship in every area.
- To one another – Putting others before ourselves for the sake of the gospel.
“That the world may know…” – That’s the mission. And for that mission, we must lay down ego, ambition, and preference.
Conclusion: Protecting the Gate
Centuries ago, China built the Great Wall—a massive structure meant to keep out invaders.
It worked… mostly. But within 100 years, China was invaded three times.
Why?
Someone bribed the gatekeeper.
They had strength, strategy, and structure—but unity failed at the gate.
Likewise, we may have:
- Great buildings
- Powerful preaching
- Committed leaders
But if we neglect unity, we leave the door open for the enemy.
Final Charge to ADOTT Clergy and Wives
As leaders in this Diocese:
- Uphold integrity.
- Foster trust.
- Commit to unity.
- Promote Christ above self.
Our oneness in Christ is our greatest strength. Let us guard it, live it, and extend it to the world.
✝️ “By this all people will know that you are my disciples—if you love one another.” — John 13:35
Let Us Pray…
🙏 Father, make us one—as You and the Son are one. Let our unity glorify You and draw the lost to Your love. May we live with integrity, meet one another’s needs, and yield to Your purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
