No one knows the exact date when peanut butter and jelly were married for the first time (some say Julia Davis Chandler in 1901). But this creation has kept many grade-school students and adults alive, healthy and happy for over 100 years.
Likewise, where would we be as a society without the amazing invention of H.B. Reese? It was he who combined peanut butter and chocolate to make Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the 1920s (remember "Two great tastes that taste great together"?). This candy single-handedly saved our planet in the movie E.T.!
People from ancient history until now have realized the power of unity and strategic partnerships. We live in the epicenter of powerful alliances: Woz and Jobs, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
The same goes with sports — where would Magic have been without Worthy or Jabbar; Jordan without Pippen; Montana without Rice? Hollywood took note early and combined Laurel and Hardy, Astaire and Rogers, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, Tom and Jerry, Batman and Robin, and more recently, The Avengers.
Many of you know that I am driven by church unity and kingdom partnerships. I'm referring to what God called us to in John 17, Philippians 1:27, 2:1-3, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and elsewhere.
Yet too often pastors, leaders, non-profits and churches operate as kings and kingdoms unto themselves. It's sad that other segments of our society value unity, collaboration, partnerships and synergy, but it's not as true within the one I love the most - The Church!
Don't get me wrong; great things are happening. Pastors trade pulpits; churches occasionally work together to serve their community. In times of disasters churches champion love, sacrifice and service; and conferences like Urbana and Lausanne have brought together over 190 nations to collaborate on missions.
But is this enough; is God pleased by the state of His church? Do we fully understand the gravity of the spiritual and moral war our faith and church is involved in, and the need for us to stand together with one voice against all darkness?
In the Early Church
The early church wasn't perfect by any means. But they spiritually fought for, and then gave their lives to build One Church! I wonder how sad and embarrassed they would be if they saw Christians today divided into 35,000 denominations.
Answer these two questions honestly: first, do you really think that you can accomplish God's will on this earth alone? Second, do you really believe your church can single-handedly bring even 1 % of the 90% lost in your metro area or state to know Jesus? If your answer to these questions is "no," then what are you going to do about it?
I have learned so much from spending time with amazing leaders that I can honestly say my work and ministry today is far better because of those kingdom friendships. I firmly believe leaders need to learn and collaborate with one another regularly.
Here's the Challenge
With that in mind, I have a very specific challenge for you. Over the next 12 months, schedule 8-10 breakfast or lunch meetings with a fellow pastor or leader of another church/denomination or non-profit (that's less than one per month).
As you eat or drink together, share your ministry and family successes – as well as failures. Share your dreams for your region; get to know one another better as kingdom leaders and friends. Don't make it complicated or just boast about the good things. Be real; simply love one another as God loves you. Let God make the kingdom connections for you and see how you might be able to help one another, and do what God has called you both to do.
As PB&J and peanut butter cups have shown us: alone we're good, but together we can be GREAT!