It was a celebration of our “Better Together” way of biblical interdependency – more than 100 leaders from 17 countries across Asia came together in Thailand last November for the Better Together Converge event.

We celebrated a growing unity across the Free Methodist Church in Asia. As believers, we understand we are Better Together because of a Shared Identity. Because we are created to bear and reflect the image of God (imago Dei), through faith, we become more like Jesus each day (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we recognize each of us is created in God’s image, we are compelled to treat one another with the dignity and respect that reflects the love God has shown to us through Christ.

We celebrated the way we are Better Together because of our Shared Mission. Accurate knowledge helps us restore ownership of the mission. Everyone in Asia has gifts to offer for the advancement of God’s mission (mission Dei). The mission is not our mission but God’s. No one needs to spend time protecting boundaries and borders when we recognize our shared mission.

Together we celebrated our Shared Acceleration. Leaders in Asia are accomplishing more as they work, serve and love together to reach the lost. As we form gospel partnerships, especially cross cultural partnerships, a force-multiplying effect happens, allowing us to accomplish immeasurably more than we would on our own.

Shared Sustainability was another part of our celebration. Many of us, particularly those in the West, believe in a myth of independence. The myth points us to a time when we “grow up” – we succeed, no longer need others or the things they have to offer. Somehow, we have concluded independence is the definition of success. But the concept of independence is not a biblical reflection of Christian living – we are called together as one body (1 Corinthians 12) – biblically interdependent. As we work together to solve problems and undo the schemes of our enemy, we are participating in Shared Sustainability. We give generously, love dangerously, live radically and work together with brothers and sisters around the globe, influencing as many people as possible toward Jesus.

Finally, we celebrated the way we are “Better Together” because of our Shared Destiny. Something powerful about our shared eternal home inspires us toward a common vision, challenges us toward missional unity, and motivates us to run the race together with endurance.

FMWM-Asia celebrates how we are Better Together when we come together united around our Father’s mission. Join us in celebrating this “Better Together” way!