What do I mean by corporate strength? It refers to strength as a body as opposed to individual strength. Just because a church body has lots of individual strength does not mean it possesses corporate strength. Our two houses of Congress and the White House Administration are a good example. Each of these entities has been vested in much power. But together, they appear to be powerless in getting things done these days.
That’s really what it’s all about—getting things done. The church will effectively do that only if she operates as a body as opposed to an army of individuals. Paul the apostle makes that abundantly clear in chapter 12 of his first epistle to the church at Corinth.
Three Characteristics of a Strong Church
Corporate strength is not a given for a church or any other body. It comes only through a concerted effort of its members. I believe that if a local church is strong at its very core, it will significantly reflect the following three characteristics.
1. Corporate Unity. This refers to the church’s ability to act as one. Before returning to heaven, Jesus prayed for us to be one. Neither the local church nor the body of Christ collectively can be effective for the Kingdom when it is plagued with a lack of unity. Jesus warned, “Any city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25). I can relate to this truth. The previous church I pastored was virtually crippled by division.
Think about the church on the day of Pentecost. It was when the believers dwelt together in unity–with one accord (Acts 2:1)–that the Lord commanded the blessing. The phrase “with one accord” comes from a word that means “with one mind.” They tarried for about 10 days, but nothing happened until they became as one mind. The same applies to us today.
2. Corporate Synergy. This aspect of corporate strength speaks to our ability to accomplish as a team what we can’t do individually. Sometimes, the team work of two people can be characterized by the equation 1+1<2. That means the two of them working together accomplish less than the sum total of their individual efforts. But when corporate synergy exists within a local church, the teamwork can be characterized by the equation 1+1>2. That means the members working together accomplish far more than they can with each member doing his or her own thing.
3. Corporate Authority. A good example of this aspect of corporate strength can be found in chapter 18 of the book of Matthew. Jesus says if a case involving two members at odds with each other becomes elevated to the church, and the offender refuses to hear the church, “Let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (verse 17, KJV). Then Jesus says when the church issues such a decree on earth, it will be honored in heaven (verse 18). The local church needs to believe and then operate as if it has authority backed by heaven when it gathers in the name of the Lord.
Corporate unity, corporate synergy, and corporate authority should interest every local church. A church’s corporate strength is a function of the degree to which she operates in these three vital areas.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.
Jeff Mootz
This is so good! The church is meant to be a place of corporate strength, which only happens as we connect to God and one another in real ways. As we do this, the Ephesians 4:11-16 body will be matured and edify itself in love, which will result in impacting the lost around us.
As a pastor and prayer ministry leader, I 100% agree with your statements and believe these principals are lacking but will grow tremendously. The church will see so much fruit and offer so much transformation to others as it grows together.
One other benefit to what you’re saying is that the unity of the church results in deep, enjoyable friendships, families, and discipleship.
frankking025
Thanks Pastor Jeff for reading and commenting. I concur with your statement on the benefits of unity in the church. Our local churches need to become stronger as a local body. Every member in the body of Christ has been blessed to contribute to the the corporate strength of the body.