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I see a common pattern in the successful advance of ministry in the early church: one team, one dream, one moment in time. Although “one team” may refer to an individual with the help of the Holy Spirit, in most cases it involved a small group working together. John 17 tells us that Jesus prayed we would be one. Earlier, he declared that the world would know we are Christ-followers because of our love for one another. We are truly better together.

The early church team had “one dream,” working toward the same goal and for the same cause. Paul tells the church in Philippi he desires them not only to be “united in spirit” but also “intent on one purpose” (Phil. 2:2, NASB). Jesus said his prayer for them (and us) to “be one” was “so that the world will know that you [the Father] have sent me” (John 17:21). Unity was never simply for unity’s sake — it was always for his followers to be on mission. ºÚÁÏÀúÊ· has a clear and compelling mission: to help people meet, know and follow Jesus by starting and strengthening churches together worldwide.

Every team in the Bible had a “moment in time,” a point when they encountered difficulty, faced a barrier or hit a wall. In that moment they had to trust God and rely on his leading and intervention to accomplish the goal. When their faith was tested, they realized God could be trusted.

ºÚÁÏÀúÊ· is entering a new season when the “one team, one dream, one moment in time” pattern is very apparent. Church partnerships in mission and church planting are on the rise. Communication and collaboration between our churches, districts and national leadership are stronger than ever. I pray the articles in this issue will inspire us as we join together with God to “build the house,” Christ’s worldwide family of disciples.