Becoming One: The Merger Moment Week One

Written By David Conley

Becoming ONE: Merger Moment — Week 1

Becoming One: The Merger Moment

Two Churches. One Future.
A joint blog for the people of Ringgold Church and Grace Community Christian Church (GC3)

  1. A Door We Didn’t Knock On

Sometimes God surprises us by turning a hallway into a doorway. Neither Ringgold nor GC3 set out to “find a merger.” Yet here we are—two congregations, one future on the horizon, sensing that the Holy Spirit may be inviting us to explore a shared story. The elders of both churches have agreed to an Exploration Phase: a season of devoted to listening, serving, and discerning why God brought us together in this moment. Think of it as friendship with purpose. We’re not signing papers; we’re sitting at the same table, wide-eyed, asking, “Lord, what are You up to?”

2. The Adventure Starts on Our Knees

We’ll run some experiments—worship services, message series, shared outreach, pulpit swaps—but the most important action this week is prayer. At 7:17 p.m. every evening both churches are pausing to pray John 17:21:

“Father, make them one … so the world will believe.”

Set an alarm. Whisper it while washing dishes or coaching soccer. When both counties pray the same verse, heaven leans in. Imagine guests walking into either campus and instantly sensing, “These people love each other, and I’m welcome here.” Unity is our best evangelism strategy.

3. Your Voice = Our Roadmap

Exploration lives or dies on honest conversation. Each Friday you’ll get a 60-second “Merger Minute”—facts, not rumors. Each Sunday an Ask-It Box appears in the lobby (and an online form for the tech-savvy). No question is off-limits: worship style, staffing, budgets, fears, dreams. We promise a public answer every week. As you share, keep Philippians 2:3-4 in mind: “Be humble … take an interest in others, too.” Together we’ll chart the path toward becoming one—or recognize if God has another plan—while honoring both histories and aiming for bigger gospel impact.

Quick Ways to Lean In This Week:

  • Pray at 7:17 p.m. (set that alarm now).

  • Watch the inaugural “Merger Minute” on our microsite or socials.

  • Write one hope and one concern in the Ask-It Box Sunday.

  • Introduce yourself to someone from “the other church” if you spot a new face.

Family, the ink of Acts is still wet—God is still writing church stories. Whether this road ends in a formal merger or in two stronger churches cheering each other on, let’s walk it with faith, curiosity, and contagious joy. Two churches. One future. Thanks for stepping onto the porch with us.

See you next Friday for Becoming One: The Merger Moment • Week 2!

Pastor Don

David Conley