Wall Breakers and Bridge Makers
In a world full of division, the Ministry of Reconciliation emerges as a beacon of hope. Its mission? To break down walls that separate us and build bridges that unite us through training people in the practice of reconciliation. To address division and needs within our families, churches, and our local communities, what we need most are Wall Breakers and Bridge Makers! But what does this mean in practical terms? :
Wall Breakers:
The walls that divide people are often made up of several or many of these elements: general misunderstandings, intentional/unintentional harm, political differences, racial biases, economic disparities, denominational differences, geographical boundaries, and generational gaps.
The Wall Breakers within the Ministry of Reconciliation are like skilled demolition experts. They dismantle these walls, brick by brick, within our families, churches, and local communities.
Their tools? Wall Breaking Conversations filled with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to understanding. They listen to the stories of others, seeking common ground and tearing down the divisive “Us against Them” beliefs that hinder our unity.
As a Wall Breaker, you pursue biblical truth, offer biblical love, confront lies and bias, challenge prejudice, and refuse to let walls stand unchallenged. You recognize that true reconciliation begins with tearing down walls of divisions.
Bridge Makers:
Now picture a bridge—a sturdy structure connecting two previously separated lands. Bridges span rivers, valleys, and chasms, allowing people to move freely from one side to the other.
The Bridge Makers in the Ministry of Reconciliation are tasked with restoring broken bridges and constructing new ones.
Their work involves connecting families, churches, neighborhoods, and organizations. They leverage resources—both human and material—to bridge gaps and address real needs.
As a Bridge Maker, you collaborate, build relationships, and facilitate connections. You recognize that reconciliation isn’t just about tearing down walls; it’s about creating pathways for healing, understanding, and for greater love and service to one another.
Jesus: The Ultimate Bridge:
Jesus exemplified both roles. He didn’t merely build bridges; He became the ultimate bridge between humanity and God.
His life demonstrated sacrificial love, breaking down walls of sin and separation. He invited us into the ministry of reconciliation.
As followers of Jesus, we shall not have any God before thee! We’re called to not exalt any personal, ethnic/racial, political, denominational, or cultural affiliation above Him. We are called to lay down our own biases, and become One within Him! By imitating His example, we are led to be wall breakers and bridge makers.
Being a Bridge Maker means bending to listen, leveraging and linking resources to provide real solutions to real needs in our personal relationships, churches, neighborhoods, and local and global communities.
Neither demolition nor construction are actions that can safely happen without adequate training and tools. Equipping people with these tools is the purpose of the Ministry of Reconciliation Training.
April-May 2024, we plan to train 36 Ministers of Reconciliation across three communities (12 from each city and surrounding counties)- Charlotte and Wilmington, North Carolina, and Clarksville, Tennessee.
Your Invitation:
So, dear friend, which role resonates with you? Are you a Wall Breaker, a Bridge Maker, or both?
Join the Ministry of Reconciliation. Be part of the movement that heals wounds, restores relationships, and unites families, churches, and communities.
Whether you swing the sledgehammer or lay the foundation, remember: We build too many walls and not enough bridges. Let’s change that narrative together.
Read more and apply through this link by Tuesday, March 26th if you are interested in becoming a Minister of Reconciliation!
