By Oyewole Sarumi
“Collaboration is like a muscle – it will only be strengthened through use.” – Mike Bohen
- INTRODUCTION
In an age when the church is called to be a beacon of hope, unity, and love, it is disheartening to witness the growing trend of competition among churches in Nigeria. While competition is a natural part of human existence, the church is fundamentally different in its mission and purpose. Rather than vying for influence, numbers, or prominence, the church should strive for collaboration, reflecting the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21: “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”
Many of the crusades and gatherings of today are like “Act One Scene Four” demonstrations meant for recycling members rather than affecting the unbelievers that litter our nation and begging for godly intervention.
If indeed we have “genuine salvation” in most of these meetings, individuals, families, schools, corporate organisations, the government, and even these churches are supposed to be better off and ought to reflect the deeds of saved souls!
However, what is obvious is contrary as the “salt of the earth” has failed woefully to salt the nation, while the “light of the world” has been occluded by the burgeoning darkness of our days! As the Kenya Senator Crystal Asige said, “if all you see is all you see, then you do not see all there is to be seen.”
This article aims to challenge Nigerian churches to move away from unhealthy competition and toward meaningful collaboration. By examining the dangers of competition, the biblical imperative for collaboration, and practical recommendations for church leadership, this article will advocate for a transformative shift in the Nigerian church landscape.
- THE POISON CALLED COMPETITION AND DANGER TO THE CHURCH
Competition in the church is not just a modern phenomenon; it is a poison that has slowly infiltrated the body of Christ. This unhealthy rivalry is often driven by a desire for recognition, numbers, and superiority over other congregations. It manifests in various ways, from competing for more members and resources to comparing the size of worship spaces and the effectiveness of ministries. Such competition runs counter to the core message of the Gospel, which calls for humility, love, and unity.
The Apostle Paul warned against such behavior when he wrote in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Competition often fosters pride, self-centeredness, and division, which are detrimental to the spiritual health of any congregation. Mike Bonem’s reflections in his article “Shifting from Competition to Collaboration” highlight the pitfalls of this competitive mindset: “Rather than focusing on the opportunities to support families, the children’s and youth ministries vie for spots on the calendar or the prime communication channels. Rather than partnering to share the gospel and transform the community, we treat the church down the street as an enemy.”
The consequences of such competition are grave. It breeds division, weakens the church’s witness, and often leads to burnout among church leaders and members. A divided church is a weakened church, one that cannot effectively fulfill its mission to make disciples and transform lives. The world is watching, and when churches engage in rivalry, they lose credibility and the ability to be a light in a dark world.
- THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST
Collaboration is not only important but essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ. In John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, knowing that such unity would serve as a testament to His divine mission. “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). When churches work together, they exemplify the love of Christ and become a powerful force for good in their communities.
The example of the ten Louisville churches that united to serve over 40 schools is a profound testament to the power of collaboration. By coming together to meet the needs of their local community, these churches demonstrated love in action, free from any agenda or desire for recognition. As one volunteer stated, “It is critical that churches work together. We must do a better job of sharing Jesus with people, and we can do that, partially, through how we unite.” The impact of their united efforts extended beyond the immediate needs they addressed; it sent a powerful message to the community that the church is a force for good, love, and unity.
Biblical collaboration is also exemplified in the New Testament church. The early church in Acts 2:44-47 is described as a community where “all who believed were together and had all things in common.” They pooled their resources, shared meals, and met the needs of each member. This spirit of unity and cooperation led to their growth in numbers and spiritual strength. In a similar vein, Apostle Paul emphasizes the interconnectedness of the church, stating in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts, form one body, so it is with Christ.” When churches collaborate, they fulfill their calling to be the unified body of Christ, effectively sharing His love and message with the world.
- MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP TO ENGAGE IN GODLY COLLABORATION
To move from competition to collaboration, Nigerian church leaders must take deliberate steps to foster a culture of unity and partnership. Here are several practical recommendations:
1. Promote a Kingdom-Minded Focus
Church leaders must cultivate a mindset that prioritizes the kingdom of God over individual church success. This involves emphasizing that every church is part of a larger mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples. Leaders should remind their congregations of Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” A focus on the kingdom encourages collaboration and reduces unhealthy competition.
2. Create Collaborative Initiatives
Churches can initiate joint programs and events that serve the broader community. These initiatives may include hosting community outreach events, organizing joint worship services, or partnering in social justice and humanitarian efforts. The Louisville church model of uniting to serve local schools is a practical example that can be adapted. By working together, churches can pool resources, share expertise, and extend their impact beyond what any single congregation could achieve alone.
3. Foster Open Communication and Trust
Building trust and open communication among church leaders is essential for effective collaboration. Regular meetings, forums, or retreats can provide a platform for leaders to share their vision, challenges, and successes. Transparency in these conversations is vital to building trust and understanding. A commitment to humility and listening, as Paul advises in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves,” will pave the way for meaningful partnerships.
4. Utilize Shared Resources
Churches should explore opportunities to share resources such as facilities, volunteers, and educational programs. For instance, a church with a large worship hall could offer its space to a smaller congregation in need. Churches can also collaborate in training and development programs for their leaders and members. This resource-sharing approach maximizes the utilization of available resources while promoting unity and fellowship.
5. Recognize and Celebrate Collaborative Efforts:
Leaders should highlight and celebrate instances of successful collaboration. This can be done during worship services, through newsletters, or on social media platforms. Celebrating these efforts publicly will encourage others to embrace collaboration and inspire further initiatives. As Mike Bonem suggests, “People pay attention to what is rewarded and celebrated. Whenever you see effective collaboration occurring, call attention to it.
6. Encourage a Spirit of Humility and Service
Pastors and church leaders must model humility and service, following the example of Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). By prioritizing service over self-promotion, leaders can foster a culture where collaboration is valued over competition. It is essential for leaders to continually remind their congregations that the church exists not for self-aggrandizement but to serve God and others.
7. Align Goals with the Great Commission
All collaborative efforts should be aligned with the Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This alignment ensures that the focus remains on spreading the Gospel and fulfilling God’s mission rather than on personal or organizational gain. Church leaders should regularly evaluate their activities to ensure they are consistent with this overarching goal.
8. Combat the “Scarcity Mindset”
Many churches operate with a “scarcity mindset,” fearing that collaboration will dilute their influence or drain their resources. Leaders should embrace an “abundance mindset,” trusting in God’s provision and understanding that working together can multiply impact. The story of the early church in Acts 2, where believers “had all things in common” and “the Lord added to their number daily,” is a powerful reminder of how God blesses unity.
9. Implement Training and Education Programs:
Churches can offer training sessions and workshops on topics such as conflict resolution, collaboration, and community outreach. Educating church members about the biblical basis for collaboration and the practical benefits it brings can help shift attitudes from competition to cooperation.
10. Pray for Unity and Collaboration:
Unity is a spiritual endeavour, and church leaders must pray earnestly for a spirit of collaboration. Praying for other churches, their leaders, and their ministries can soften hearts and create a fertile ground for unity. As James 5:16 reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
- CONCLUSION
The Nigerian church must wake up from the slumber of competition and embrace godly collaboration. I remember during the bank recapitalisation era about 20 years ago, some Christians who are consultants and strategists put together a comprehensive document on how the churches in Nigeria could collaborate to take advantage of the bank recapitalisation exercise as implemented by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo – CBN Governor then, and now Anambra State Governor.
The document was frozen in the cooler, but thereafter many churches came out with their banks, and we can see how well they have done today! Many other collaborative strategies were attached to the document for Mega Bank establishment by the Nigerian church through the instrumentality of the parent body that housed the five blocs recognised under the law.
Well, that has become history now, but it shows an absolute lack of collaboration, but a strong competitive spirit within the Nigerian church. Of recent some churches have legislated that ministers from other denominations cannot be invited to preach in their churches, although this has been the norm for ages in most of the popular denominations across the country. The irony is that most of these denominations regularly invite the GOs of these churches to one another’s conventions and conferences, but their pastors cannot do the same! Does that look like hypocrisy? Let us interrogate that in the comment section.
The world needs to see a united church that reflects the love of Christ, one that works together to spread the Gospel and transform communities. The success stories from Louisville and the challenges outlined by Mike Bonem are powerful reminders of the potential and need for collaboration. By adopting these recommendations, Nigerian church leaders can create a culture prioritizing unity over rivalry, strengthening the church’s witness and impact on the kingdom of God. As we heed Jesus’ prayer for unity, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of His blessings and the expansion of His kingdom here on earth.
Oyewole O. Sarumi Ph.D., ACC. Chief Strategy Officer, Christian Leadership Institute of Management Development, Faculty, Leadership and Enterprise Development Unit, ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos. Email: leadershipmgtservice@gmail.com Tel/WhatsApp No.+234 803 304 1421