In our 2022 community survey, one of the common requests from community leaders was that churches in our area work together. Our community is asking us to demonstrate greater unity so we can make a greater difference. They’re asking us to do what Jesus desires and commands.

“The unity of God’s people enhances the witness and impact of God’s people.” - Chris Pollard, City Movement Strategist

Come Closer seeks to provide a forum in which we can pursue God’s purposes for Spartanburg County together. There are a few statements that we have found helpful in shaping a Kingdom mindset and fostering Kingdom collaboration for the glory of God and the good of our community.

Kingdom Focus Statements

• We can do more together than we can alone.

• We aim to cooperate rather than compete with one another.

• We aim to build His Kingdom, not our own.

• We are willing to minister to people regardless of whether they sit under our church’s roof on a Sunday morning.

• We care more about the name on our hearts than the one our buildings, business cards, and t-shirts.

Partnership Points of Agreement

For churches to embark on mission together, it’s crucial that Christ be at the center, His Spirit be in us, and His Word be our guide. We certainly seek to cooperate with other organizations and individuals in the community when the goal is to achieve the common good, so long as we carry out, rather than stray from our biblical call. But among those who consider themselves church partners, we request agreement with the following things for the sake of unity:

• Agreement that the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God.

• Agreement that the gospel of our Lord Jesus is central and non-negotiable.

• Agreement with the principles of the Lausanne Covenant for evangelistic partnership.

• Agreement to selflessly pursue the purposes of God for our geography in partnership.

If you have a desire to join with other churches in our area in this collective call to partnership, send us an email. We’re happy to meet, answer questions, and lock arms in the pursuit of loving Spartanburg to life in Christ.