By Richard Long

Ottawa is experiencing an unprecedented level of unity among congregations of every stripe and style. It makes me proud to live here and proud of the Church. Truly, we are experiencing the blessing promised to those who commit to the “unity of the Spirit”.

Recently, a delegation from southern Ontario sat down with our Love Ottawa team, intent on learning how we created and sustain this collaboration we enjoy. They were impressed by large events like The Big Give, where last summer more than 50 churches joined in a day of extravagant generosity, touching thousands of lives. They were also fascinated by cooperative outreaches to students, like Dig & Delve and Friends for Dinner. We excitedly shared with them about the many group efforts going on in Ottawa.

However, wonderful as these large events are, they are not how we measure unity. We stressed to our guests that something else must be the focus.

“This is where unity is forged—long before anything happens on a stage or in the street.”

Behind any large effort, invariably, there is a small team of leaders who spend hours together. It is in these planning meetings that believers from different church traditions learn to listen to each other, wrestle with historic divisions, and pray together. They share a meal, swap stories, laugh and weep together, and learn to carry each other’s burdens. This is where unity is forged—long before anything happens on a stage or in the street.

Across our city, every month, there are numerous small gatherings of pastors, Christian businessmen and women, and every-day believers, meeting across denominational lines. Usually food is involved.

Believers gather in other cities as well, but what sets Ottawa apart is the remarkable number of brothers and sisters regularly sharing fellowship and breaking bread across denominational and cultural divides. Over an early breakfast, a short lunch, or an evening dessert, men and women gather to share their lives, take strength from the Scriptures, and support one another in prayer.

“We are learning to resist the urge to pass on a bad report.”

These connections form a web of interconnectedness across the whole region. Through this web, the Church in Ottawa is learning “how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.”

Certainly the unity gets tested. But whenever we hear negative rumours about a ministry or leader, we have a choice. Together, the Church in Ottawa is learning that our first response should be prayer—bringing the news to our shared Heavenly Father.

More and more I see believers also responding by reaching out to the subject of the rumour, asking how they are doing. We are learning to resist the urge to pass on a bad report. Because of the deep spiritual friendships, we begin with concern. Increasingly, we respond with compassion, rather than judgment or scorn. A culture of honour has begun to permeate the atmosphere. We are learning to protect each other and guard our own tongues.

That is how we measure unity in our city. Massive gatherings and collaborative outreaches are the wonderful fruit we enjoy, but the roots are deep friendship, compassion, and genuine love. This is what has carried us so far, and this is what will continue to flourish the Church in the days ahead.

Richard Long is the director of Love Ottawa. Having served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, he has a special interest in seeing the body of Christ work together for Christ’s Kingdom. He spends a lot of time these days eating and drinking coffee with local Christian leaders.