Build a Bridge and Get Over It!

Book excerpt: Unity. Jesus prayed that his followers would experience it. The apostles worked hard to achieve and maintain it. Christians today rarely enjoy it. God's desire is for our churches, marriages, families, and interpersonal relationships to be characterized by unity and agreement. But all too often, strife and discord prevail instead-why? Because we fail to realize that our differences-be they doctrinal debates, generational clashes, or other personal preferences-don't have to create division. Unity and unison are two entirely different things. The key to practicing biblical unity is to "build a bridge and get over it!" Drawing insight from key passages of Scripture as well as years of leading a dynamic and diverse congregation, this author explains in very practical ways how we can improve our relationships and deal constructively with our differences and disagreements as followers of Christ. Paul Earl Sheppard has been senior pastor of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Mountain View, California since 1989. Under Paul's visionary leadership, this church has become one of the largest and most racially diverse congregations in northern California. He serves as speaker for Enduring Truth, a popular daily radio program heard on stations and networks around the country. A native of Philadelphia, Paul has studied at the University of Pennsylvania, the Center for Urban Theological Studies, and the Southern California School of Ministry. He holds a Master's degree in Ministry and a Doctorate of Divinity. Paul sits on the board of directors of NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) and is a highly sought after speaker and conference leader. He was married to his wife, Meredith, in May 1982. They have two adult children, Alicia and Aaron.