Synergy Series

a. We push people away rather than draw them in by the love and unity that Christ preached, lived and even died for.

b. Don’t deceive yourself people are watching --they are looking for a community with unity. They are looking for synergy!

i. Listen to this quote from the Amery Free Press, “…The other thought that stands out for me is how lucky this community is to have the number of sharp, smart clergy willing to minister to the needs of the community, as a whole.” Jerry Sondreal, Amery Free Press.

ii. Reference: Community Crossroads meeting at the end of the month.

iii. Reference the meetings with the Orland Mayor and the local ministers.

ii. People see the need for synergy today because in synergy there is power!

2. If the Body of Christ could unite together as one could anything stop us?

a. Illustration: reference the Movie – “Remember the Titans.”

i. Movie is focused on bringing together different cultures, races and developing them into a team. The coaches do this by hard work and intentional focus. The team does come together and becomes and unbeatable High School football team. It’s a team that is different but one that learned to function by practicing teamwork.

1. The team went undefeated in their High School season because of the concept of synergy!

a. Remember this movie is based on a true story!

ii. Today and tomorrow are the NFL playoffs – I am excited that the team I root for the Vikings are in the playoffs – tomorrow.

1. They will face off against the Dallas Cowboys and I want you to know that the team which synergizes the best and the most completely will be the team which wins this playoff game.

2. Vince Lombardi stated, “Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

3. A football team – a church – a Christian organization will only be truly effective as they work together as a team – a synergized team.

a. Individuals do not win football games! Synergized teams do!

b. Individuals are not God’s plan for reaching the world with the Good News. Synergized teams are!

i. Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” “I add and work together.”

b. Jesus knew that the power – the energy to change this world came from a synergized team of people. This is why he recruited the 12 disciples.

i. When He started his ministry the first thing he did was to start forming his team, the 12 disciples:

1. Matt. 4:18-22: “18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20At once they left their nets and followed him. 21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”