Unity in the church is not just about getting along — it is a witness to the world of the transforming power of Jesus. It is about being a category-defying community, guarding against division, and capturing a shared mission for the gospel.

This week, we will reflect on what it means to live in unity for mission, rather than unity for comfort or convenience.

1. Warm-Up (10 min)

Begin with an icebreaker:

• When have you seen a group of people come together for a shared purpose, even though they were very different? What made their unity so powerful?

• Share a time when you were part of a team or community that had strong unity. What contributed to it?

2. Scripture Reading (10 min)

Read Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)

Read John 17:20-23 (Jesus’ prayer for unity)

• What stands out to you from these passages?

• How does unity among believers impact our gospel witness to the world?

3. Discussion Questions (30 min)

• In the early church, unity wasn’t based on similarity but on the reconciling power of Jesus. The gospel shattered social, racial, and economic barriers — Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, masters and slaves, all worshiped as one. How does this challenge the way we think about church today? What are the barriers in our own church community that need to be broken down?

• Paul calls out selfish ambition and vain conceit as threats to unity. What do these look like in a church setting today?

• Why do minor disagreements often become major sources of division in Christian communities? How can we practically guard against division in our church?

• Paul says, "In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:3-4) How does humility help us stay unified for mission? What happens when unity is only about relationships and not about advancing the gospel?

4. Application: Moving from Comfort to Calling (15 min)

The chart shown at the start of the message reminds us that movements decline when they move from mission to maintenance. This happens in churches when:

• We focus inward rather than outward.

• We care more about comfort than calling.

• We settle instead of seeking fresh vision from God.

Personal Reflection:

• Have I become too comfortable in my faith?

• Am I actively contributing to a church that is on mission?

• How can I be part of renewing a passion for the gospel in my community?

Commitment to Missional Unity:

• Widen the Circle – Who is someone in your life that you can invite into community?

• Bridge the Divide – How can we intentionally build relationships beyond our usual circles?

• Live Generously – What is one way you can give or serve sacrificially for the sake of the gospel?

5. Closing Prayer (10 min)

• Pray for hearts that burn for Jesus, not just for routine church life.

• Pray for unity in the church—not just for harmony, but for mission.

• Pray for boldness to step into God’s calling, even when it is uncomfortable.