I love that the John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries has in its bylaws that we will serve all denominations, all races, and all opportunities to share the Good News. I am a Methodist. I have always co-operated with other denominations and participated in their ministries. The older I get, the more I see the great things that other denominations and ministry groups are doing.
My eyes were really opened when I worked on the steering committee with Dr. Bill Bright for his God-sized vision to start 5 million churches and win 1 billion people to Christ. I met people of every slice of the Christian faith and witnessed in all parts of the world the marvelous work that God is doing. I made five trips to India to train about 3,000 pastors each trip. The church that hosted the pastors was an Assembly of God church that averaged over 46,000 people each Sunday.
I have had marvelous experiences with people of all denominations in European, South American and Asian countries. God is at work in the world! Getting to know and work with pastors around the world has given me a greater appreciation for teamwork for carrying out the Great Commission.
In one week of September 2026, I experienced that right here in central Alabama. I met with and taught a large group of seminary students who represented several denominations. I spoke in a dynamic non-denominational church.
On Sunday morning, I preached the 140th homecoming service for the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Crenshaw County. A lot of rural churches have primarily older people. Mt. Zion is an exception. They had so many young couples, children, and college students. Their pastor, Mark Perry, has a great vision for bringing people to Jesus Christ.
On Sunday night I participated with the Landmark Church of Christ in honoring Rev. Buddy and Stephanie Bell for thirty years of ministry. Most people can’t believe that a Church of Christ and a Methodist can work together. Buddy and I have been great partners over the years in doing ministry. I am inspired by him. He and his church break the mold of the picture many people have of a Church of Christ.
He gives leadership to one of the largest and most effective recovery ministries I know of. They invited me to speak at the 25th anniversary of that ministry. They have about 75 plus people every week. They minister to all people who are looking for help with breaking addictions.
Landmark Church is the largest Church of Christ in the Montgomery area. They continue to grow. At the celebration Sunday night, the elders announced a huge program to give training to young pastors and to partner with schools who are training pastors. They have a big vision!
I am so grateful to be in this leadership ministry that is not only open but commands that I participate with all denominations and races and ministry groups. Several of us ministers who are of different races work together regularly to bring about unity in our community. Mike Henig provides a large office space at Henig Furs, and this is where most of those important meetings take place.
Churches today need to quit competing and start cooperating! The more we work together, the more Jesus’ prayer to bring the Kingdom of God on earth will come to reality. TEAM means—Together Everyone Accomplishes More! Teamwork works!
Are you on the team?
