Unity Build brings area churches together
By: Meredith Lynn
To honor the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s “Declaration and Address,” churches separated by doctrine will share in an act of service to encourage Christian unity.
Habitat for Humanity provided the opportunity for multiple congregations to work together toward a common goal, with the project appropriately named the Unity Build.
In the early 19th century, Presbyterian preacher Thomas Campbell wanted to reform the church and unify Christians by getting rid of denominational creeds. He wanted to return to the model of the first-century church described in the New Testament. Campbell’s “Declaration and Address” is the founding document of what is now known as the Restoration Movement.
Christian unity, however, did not last and the church has witnessed many divisions over doctrinal issues since then. The three main branches formed from this movement are the Churches of Christ, the Independent Christian Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
In 2007, groups from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Churches of Christ were scheduled for the same Habitat for Humanity project. Tom Russel, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) member and then member of the build’s planning committee, commented on the mix up.
“When we got there they told us there was a scheduling error,” Russel said. “I told them, ‘No, God’s trying to tell us something; we are supposed to be in unity working together.’”
When Russel realized this year marked the 200th anniversary of the Restoration Movement’s founding document, he decided to intentionally create a collaborative build.
Russel came up with the idea of the Unity Build and took on responsibility as coordinator. He is excited for the turnout.
“We should have at least 15 to 20 churches participating,” Russel said.
All participating congregations will gather at the build site on the first workday to take communion together. A person chosen from each church branch will preside over part of the service. Chip Kooi, Oklahoma Christian University professor of Bible, organized the service and will be representing the Church of Christ group.
“It should be interesting,” Kooi said. “It is on a Saturday, so we will see [how people react].”
The team is going to build a house for Stacy Lasley and her two children, Craig, eight, and Grace, five. Lasely works as a cashier for the Edmond municipal court.
“If you have gotten a traffic ticket, you have probably met her,” Russel said.
Lasely attends Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. She and her family are members of the People’s Church in Oklahoma City. Russel shares a quote from Lasely regarding what receiving this house means to her.
“It is about having a home that is mine, painting my own walls and having a yard for my children,” Lasely said. “It’s about setting an example for my prince and princess.”
According to the organization’s website, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live.
Those in need of a Habitat home submit applications for approval based on their current need and willingness to pay back loans. If chosen, they are required to attend Homeowners University where they learn how to care for property and manage finances. In the past, the program proved successful in training conscientious homeowners.
“In all the years [Habitat for Humanity] has been around, only two homes were taken back in the Oklahoma City area,” Russel said.
Although Habitat relies on volunteers for the success of its projects, the soon-to-be residents are required to contribute their own time towards the completion of their home.
“It is not a giveaway program,” Russel said. “[Recipients] have to put in 300 hours of sweat equity.”
The build starts on Sept. 26 and lasts for three weeks. Students interested in the build can contact Tom Russel at 405-946-5909 or email Kooi at chip.kooi@oc.edu for more information.
Photo by: Whitnie Huser
