Reflections on a Name: Church of the Reconciler

One of our scriptures this past Sunday was 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. This scripture was the foundation for choosing the name Church of the Reconciler. At the time, we were a small prayer group searching for a name that would reflect our ministry. Fourteen years later, we still have to help people spell and even pronounce 'Reconciler.' It is a word that is foreign to far too many Christians.

Verse 19 in the New International Version says, "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." The Contemporary English Version puts it this way: "What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace."

So, the ministry of reconciliation is the ministry of peace. It's that simple. The heart of reconciliation is peacebuilding. If we lay claim to following the Prince of Peace, we must be active, not passive followers. We must become peacebuilders.

And what are the principles of peacebuilding?

1. In all things we are nonviolent.

2. We seek to eliminate disrespect.

3. We recognize success and and congratulate each other.

4. We acknowledge hurts.

5. We seek to heal wounds.

6. We choose and consult wise people.

7. We serve one another.

Which of these principles is hardest for you to practice consistently? Which is the easiest? How can you help other peacebuilders to live actively in a ministry of reconciliation?