CHRIST CULTURE VISION?

He requests that all believers would be one, emphasizing that this unity serves as a witness, enabling the world to recognize that the Father sent the Son. With this understanding, the world can believe in the One whom God has sent (John 6:29) and accept the Father’s love for them. Just as the Father loves His only Son, He also loves us.

When the Church embraces various nations, traditions, worldviews, cultures, and different walks of life, and learns to unite, it becomes a testimony to the oneness that our Lord Jesus prayed for. This unity fosters a new culture, which we call “Christ Culture.” This culture represents a higher standard, as it encourages all other cultures to align with Christ’s ways of being and doing.

It is not a call to eliminate all cultures; rather, it invites us to submit all cultures to the ultimate reign of Christ in every aspect, including culture. In this submission to Him, we find common ground that allows us to unite at various levels—spiritually, mentally, and as one Body. We cultivate a new culture, and this culture is what we at Still Waters now know as “Christ Culture.”

The Prayer of Jesus as Revealed in John 17

Still Waters intentionally seeks to fulfil Jesus’ prayer and Paul’s vision of the Church as expressed in John 17, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. Every member is essential and valued; each individual possesses unique gifts that are necessary for the Church to grow in faithful witness and service. Members rely on one another as integral parts of the same body.

The diversity and unity within the congregation are gifts of the Holy Spirit. As members, everyone depends on the Holy Spirit’s guidance for ongoing understanding and growth as disciples, which, in turn, strengthens His body.

While individuals from diverse cultures may experience tension and conflict when forming a community, appreciation, compassionate honesty, open communication, and a genuine desire to learn from one another can foster growth toward the unity that Christ prayed for and that Paul envisioned.

My interest in unity stems from my experience at Still Waters Community Church, which was founded by eight individuals, including myself, twenty-five years ago. As the senior pastor, I have found this period to be a miraculous time of learning. Throughout my journey of following God’s Spirit, I have made many discoveries about understanding people from different walks of life and discerning our role in His vision of unity. With a multitude of cultures represented at Still Waters, achieving unity is a goal we continually strive for. Despite the various traditions, worldviews, and cultural differences that often create division, fostering unity is essential to our faithfulness to Christ’s prayer for unity found in John 17:22-26.

This call to unity extends beyond Still Waters; it resonates throughout the whole Church. Those of us who are working to build the Church must recognize that our neighbors now come from every nation in the world. For all Christians, the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 are more relevant than ever: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This generation doesn’t need to travel to distant lands; the nations are right here among us. With renewed minds and hearts, led by His Spirit, we can fulfil His directives and show the world JESUS the Son of GOD.

Rev. Dr. Carole Hulslander, Still Waters Community Church

[email protected]; Still Waters Community Church | Norcross, GA ,Still Waters International Academy, 1560 Oakbrook Dr. Norcross Georgia, Private Christian School: (stillwaters.academy)