If Standing Together is So Great, Why Do We Keep Falling Apart?: Real Answers to Walking in Unity

by Tom Kraeuter

Book by Kraeuter, Tom This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1883002133
• ISBN13: 9781883002138
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: YWAM Publishing
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

On target, accessible, greatly needed

I got onto this book several years ago when I attended a worship leading conference given by Mr. Krauter. I thought, book on unity, needed topic, even though it's not the main focus of this man's ministry, I'll get a copy as it couldn't hurt (sort of like taking vitamin C for good measure). When reading the book, I kept thinking, GOOD POINT TOM! I don't normally mark up my books, but my copy is littered with big circles, exclamation marks, and underlining. It inspired me to preach a series on "Tongues Unleashed: Loose Cannons in the Church" at the church where I'm an elder. It was a good impacting series at the time, and since then we've had another helpful series on "Caring Criticism." However, in our church, and probably at yours, disunity and a critical spirit have continued to harm God's work, even as the practitioners have been seeking to serve the one who we are dishonoring. Tom Kraeuter's writing style is easy-to-read and fast-paced. His short chapters are full of scripture quotations, quotes from other writers, and anecdotes. If you're desiring an in-depth scholarly treatment, this isn't it. In fact, most of the scriptures on this subject don't need any fancy exegesis--they are bluntly obvious in their meaning. Any student of the word has read and comprehended this message already! However, the effect of having the most pertinent scriptures collected and organized by subtopic is remarkably impacting. Chapters 1-4 make a foundational case for unity [my notes in brackets]: 1. Virtual Reality [his facetious alternative to actual church] 2. Love One Another [Christ's command the cornerstone] 3. We Are One [accomplished fact] 4. Why It Hasn't Worked Chapters 5-17 are practical steps towards unity, no less scripture-saturated than the foundation: 5. Pray for Unity 6. Admit That We Need One Another 7. Be Willing to Follow Leadership [humble, nonauthoritarian, but clear] 8. Give Up Our Opinions for the Sake of Unity [balanced] 9. Questioning Correctly 10. Build Friendship Relationships 11. Forgive One Another 12. Honor One Another 13. Believe the Best About One Another 14. Encourage One Another 15. Speak Well of One Another 16. Be Patient of One Another 17. Maintain Loyalty to One Another. He ends with a motivational picture of the potential effects of real unity among the Body of Christ, with a call to make that vision a reality. 18. A Challenge. The chapters are 4-8 pages long and would make for a great discussion-based study for a small group. I hope many will purchase this book and experience great release of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in victory over His enemy who has found such success in our disunity. May God bless you and the flock in which you serve!

Great unity study!

Tom Kraueter provides a scriptural, in depth look at the issues that divide us in church ministries. Although this book is an easy read it covers the basic areas in which we must focus to keep the body of Christ working in unity. I plan to use this book as a study with my Praise Team and I would recommend it as an excellent resource for a small group study.