Unity Vs. Uniformity

In this episode of Faith in Pieces, we begin our new series, Where the Church Gets It Wrong, by reflecting on Christie Johnson’s sermon about the difference between unity and uniformity. We explore how the church can make room for different gifts, perspectives, and callings without expecting everyone to think, serve, or belong in exactly the same way. True unity, we discuss, is not sameness. It is choosing to stay at the table, listen well, and build something more beautiful together. The conversation then turns to another place the church can flatten what God has made rich: the way we teach Scripture, especially to children. When Bible stories are reduced to tidy behavior lessons like “be brave like David” or “obey like Noah,” we can miss the larger story of who God is. Instead of forming disciples rooted in grace, mercy, and love, we risk forming rule-followers shaped by performance, guilt, and judgment. Faithful Bible teaching begins not simply with “What should I do?” but with “What does this story show us about God?”