There are as many reasons why people join organizations, as there are people in them.
However, in the Book of Acts chapter 20, the Apostle Paul addresses the elders in the church in Ephesus. He warns them that wolves will sneak into the flock and spare no one. In addition, sneak in they did!
Today, we are told that in the last days Perilous times would come. People would be rude and mean, ruthless and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Yet they would still have an appearance of religiosity. [2Tim3:1-5]
As a Pastor, I get calls all the time from singing groups and evangelists looking to make a booking and get an offering from our church, though we have never met. We just happen to be on the path to where they are going next.
How do we know if a person is a wolf or not? Jesus said we know them by their fruit. He did not say we would know them by their gifts. The only way to know about a person’s fruit is to get to know their heart and their character. That takes time and requires being in a relationship. That is what the Alliance of Christian Churches is all about: relationship and fellowship.
Thus, for us, the Alliance is not only a great way to fellowship with other believers, but also becomes a safety net for local churches and other ministries. It is an opportunity to get to know the character and fruit of other believers.
Now I have learned that without a way to know someone’s character, I don’t risk opening that door. We are called to be in relationship by Jesus Himself [John 17] and to walk in love one with another.
Therefore, the benefits are myriad, and the relationships are blessed. But best for me is the opportunity to know other believer’s heart and to walk in true unity is a rich enough reason to be in the ACC.
Submitted by Rev. Sam Kader, Affiliations Committee Chair, Alliance of Christian Churches FY 2006-2007
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