The Jesus followers
The ecclesia (Church) is a participatory community of the followers of Jesus Christ, built upon the proclamation of Jesus Christ and his Kingdom, nurtured under leadership of those called by God, situated in a particular time and place, demonstrating the power of God, for the glory of God and the salvation of many.
What is the foundation of our unity? What is great enough, all encompassing enough to bring together people from every tribe, nation, language, social class, and background?
That answer is not a “what” but a “who,” namely, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
The unfathomable love of God, displayed in Jesus Christ is what binds us together. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26–28). We are marked, forever defined and compelled by the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). If the church is the “coming together” of those called out of darkness and into light, Jesus Christ is the one who called that gathering, opened the door and welcomes us in as brothers and sisters.
Furthermore, in our current cultural situation, many people have no problem speaking about God, as long as they can speak of Him vaguely, generally and without offending other religious perceptions or moral convictions. We know, however, that the God who made it all has revealed Himself in His only Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:9). It is therefore of inescapable importance that we intentionally make clear that our hope and anchor is not in some vague, subjective conception of a “Higher Power” but specifically in the person of Jesus Christ, the only name under heaven by which man can be saved. (Acts 4:12)