Common Grounds Unity Blog

Written by Paul Stinnett, January 15, 2022

On February 3, 1964, I was born to proud parents, the first of two children in what would become the quintessential, one boy, one girl nuclear family, circa 1965. Black and white photographs reveal a happy family, living in the parsonage, posing by the church sign which identified my dad as the minister, times of meeting, and their affinity for acapella music. For the first twenty-five years of my life, Dad continued as a full-time preacher, eventually forced from conventional ministry because of his unconventional views. 
   
I am a Restorationalist at heart, immersed in it since birth. I love the accounts of Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, Walter Scott, and others, during the early days of the movement, each noted for their denominational backgrounds but seeking unity among believers. “Christians only, but not the only Christians.” “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things love.” “No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible, no law but love, no name but the divine.”
   
My association with the Churches of Christ now stands at 38 years, the Christian Churches for 18 years, and the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) for two years. My experience is that all three streams have at least one thing in common; we are all flawed. Please take some time to sit with that statement because if there is hope for unity, I believe it starts there.
   
At a young age, my parents introduced me to faith. They also introduced me to a way of faith, a particular practice of religious philosophy inherently fraught with both good and bad. I love my heritage and often reflect on the mainline acapella church – known as “people of the book,” a tag given to reflect their dedication to and knowledge of the Scriptures. I miss hearing sermons replete with Biblical references from men like Jimmy Allen and Marshall Keeble during an era when the churches of Christ were among the fastest-growing churches in America. I miss area-wide Singings, Sunday evening services, Open Bible Studies, Jule Miller filmstrips, and going “door knocking.” Thank you, Churches of Christ, for your influence on my life.
   
I served as the youth minister for thirteen years during my tenure with the Christian Church. While there, I discovered an organization called Christ In Youth (CIY), whose mission is to “call youth to Christ and into a life of Kingdom work through the church” (ciy.com). I took my first mission trip with a group of students, and then a second, coordinated by this organization. We attended many other CIY youth conferences; many included Jeff Walling as their speaker. If it were not for the Christian Church, CIY would not exist, which would be a shame.
   
I was stuck, needing a spiritual jumpstart, especially in the areas of leadership and discipleship. In May of 2020, right as COVID was making its first formidable stand, I joined a ZOOM meeting sponsored by the ICOC for those interested in a church plant in Kalamazoo. I participated more out of curiosity than interest, sowing a seed that resulted in my wife and I joining the church plant. We are a little more than a year into this new work. Pen and paper cannot convey what a blessing this has been! I have been challenged to be a better disciple, study Scripture intentionally, mentor others by sharing my faith, and examine my past and present life. Prayer has become my first option. There is nothing like seeing the “one another” Scriptures becoming flesh before your eyes! The International Churches of Christ have made this possible, and I am grateful for their example, wisdom, and support. 
 
We are three streams but one river. I reflect on the tributaries and our accomplishments. I also dream about what it could be if we unite. I am blessed by my depth of experience in this river. Brothers and sisters in Christ, the water feels good! Why wait until heaven? “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 133:1, ESV).