Many times the word “unity” and “ecumenical” are used interchangeably. The definition of ecumenical includes promoting unity among groups of churches.Biblical unity is regarded highly by God in both testaments. There has been a subtle shift away from the biblical concept of unity in ecumenical thinking. Unity is concerned with a common core of theology and salvation; ecumenical thinking has become a euphemism for compromise.

Unity is used throughout the Bible. Two becoming one flesh (Matthew 19:5), intimacy with God (John 17), in faith (Ephesians 4:13), in knowledge (Ephesians 4:13), of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3), in mind and thought about Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-12), one body (Ephesians 4:3-6) and the list goes on. God values unity for a Godly cause. He wants His people to be on the same page. This does not mean God does not want differing opinions or viewpoints (Acts 15:39), but He does want us to agree on the core of a relationship with him. The scriptures point toward an agreement (from the Bible) of who God is and how to be in a relationship with Him.

Ecumenicalism is less about finding the core of agreement as it is about compromising the core. Everything becomes negotiable. Opinions and convictions become interchangeable. The Bible becomes a nuisance. Unity at any price is not unity at all. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites greatest threat was not necessarily converting to a new religion, but fusing another local belief system with Yahweh worship (Exodus 20:3). Jewish theology and conversion was muddled by synthesized ideologies.

Some in our movement have gone the way of ecumenicalism because they do not want conflict. Others desire church (numerical) growth over sound doctrine. Many have become sloppy in their Bible study or understanding of God. Others suggest we are Pharisees for adhering to strict theology and should compromise. Such compromises save no one.