I want to share something with you that brings me a tremendous amount of joy.

Years ago, I began to imagine what it would look like to see local churches in our area united in worship. Each church has its own place, of course–its own flavor, style, vibe, traditions, and all the unique qualities each local church has–but what if we were to intentionally decide to gather for the sole purpose of worshiping Jesus in the kind of unity that He desires? That He Himself prayed for?

What might that look like?

I know this is not a new concept. Unity among the Church has been an issue pretty much since the Church began. But when we catch glimpses of that unity, I believe we are catching glimpses of heaven itself.

At about the same time as I was envisioning this type of unity, a woman in my local church connected with me, and I learned quickly that she had the same vision and desire. She, too, wanted to see times of gathering for Jesus’ followers in our local geographical area, and we both wanted to focus those gatherings on connecting young people.

So we reached out to local ministry leaders/pastors and began a journey that led us to what is now known as “RVA NOW” (The “NOW” is short for “Night of Worship”). The concept is simple to explain but not as simple to execute: Bring together musicians, vocalists, worship leaders from a variety of local churches, and have them collaborate where no one claims to be “in charge.” Each servant submitted to the leadership of God while they cooperated together in leading those gathered in authentic, unified worship.

Last night was our most recent RVA NOW, and it was, in a word, glorious. Can you imagine a crowd of young adults, some teenagers, and a few older adults (because all are welcome) gathered together in unity under the banner of Jesus? No denominational banners, no local church banners, no theological banners. Just the banner of King Jesus.

I had the privilege last night of sharing a word of welcome to all those gathered to worship. I shared from my heart that we had gathered for two things: First of course, to worship Jesus. But also to build unity among local churches. I asked, “What if our best worship has nothing to do with the song list? What if our best worship has nothing to do with the experience here tonight, or how loud we sing? What if the highest praise we can give Jesus is a unified bride?”

Believe me, I understand theological, doctrinal, and even denominational differences. I grew up in the local church and know all too well the things that can separate us. I’d even call some of them worthwhile conversations and important distinctions. But the central question whose answer unites us is this: “Who is Jesus to me?” If I asked you, “Who is Jesus to you?”, what would your response be?

Those who claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord are those He Himself calls His Bride. And Jesus has much to say about what He expects and desires of His Bride. The keystone desire of Jesus’ heart in terms of us, His Bride is found in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, specfically in John 17:21:

“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

There’s a simple life principle I’ve learned in my years on earth so far: What grows is what’s watered. RVA NOW seeks to water unity among believers; the very unity Jesus prayed for. And little by little, that sprout has broken the surface and is slowly reaching its way heavenward as it grows.

If you live in the Chesterfield, Virginia area and would like to know when the next RVA NOW is happening, simply follow @rvanightofworship on Instagram. There, you can stay informed about upcoming ways to unite the body of Christ in our area, and join in as we prepare to present to the Groom His Unified Bride.