Church Unity: a challenging experience!

I've always been convinced that faith must have social impact - otherwise it is worthless. So, when we arrived in a certain town a few years ago, we felt a strong calling (Firita and I) to act as conduits for Christian unity (which we believe is vital for social impact). We invited church leaders for a meal (across the denominational spectrum) and shared the vision. It was embraced with enthusiasm and resulted in weekly prayer meetings and strengthened the existing pulpit exchange and various community engagements. I formed lasting relationships across the denominational lines. Looking back I think that that is perhaps the most fulfilling time in my ministry. One day a pastor (that I came to have a really good relationship with) told the rest of us that he was "told by God" to stop working with "unbelievers" like us. It tore us apart. I felt betrayed and used (so he could gain standing in the community). I became so weary of ecumenical partnerships (even though I've never lost the conviction that Jesus' heart for us was unity as set out in his John 17 prayer). I struggle to understand why we have to build our own kingdoms at the expense of God's loving and inclusive Reign.  It's been a long journey; wrestling with Scripture, deep prayer and conversation (with others). But today I want to commit myself publicly again to the difficult work of working with others for the sake of God's Reign. We cannot be effective on our own. We need each other. And this is what Jesus prayed that we should do (John 17). The old African proverb is still relevant today: When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. Let us pray for unity of Christ's Church as we prepare for Pentecost Sunday.