My Church is Not Jolly…What Should I Do?

My Church is Not Jolly…What Should I Do?

It is likely that you have heard or been involved with a situation that escalated to a place it had no place being at in the first place. The situation had no eternal impact, but it quickly became the focal point of your church. Despite your efforts, these moments kill momentum and church-wide unity. If meetings are tense and gatherings amplify grumbling within the body, things likely are not jolly. So, what do we do?

The answer to this kill joy is unity. Ephesians 4 calls each believer to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). This requires humility, gentleness, patience, love, and an intentional aim towards unity (Ephesians 4:2-3). Unity does not just happen. It takes a constant denial of self and a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of each believer. We must fervently pray that the Spirit unites the body! Our preference and pride will easily get in the way without a work of God. 

We must realize that there is more to the mission of God than our preference and convenience. The inclusivity of the Gospel is the same for all who repent and believe. God’s Grace is sufficient and all powerful to unite our differences for His Kingdom expansion through the local church. 

Jolly churches do not just happen. It is a work of the Spirit that God alone can accomplish. We must understand that the church is not about me, but God working in and through me. A Spirit united church then equips individuals for Kingdom work (Ephesians 4:12). Kingdom work is the body “joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). 

If your church is not jolly, uncover the root of the problem. That problem is likely a spiritual malnourished to body or a body not functioning together with the same end goal in mind. Preach Christ and His grace saving work and pray for the unity of the Spirit to do a work that He alone can do.

Written by Justin Beville. Justin has been married to Amanda Beville for over six years and has one son named Luke and twin boys, Tucker and Turner! He received his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with a minor in Student Ministry from the College at Southeastern. Justin went on to complete his Advanced MDiv. at Southeastern. He currently serves as the Pastor of Students and Outreach at Kingsland Baptist Church. Like this article? Read more from Justin here!