The Synergy of Synchrony

A lot divides us as a church. With nearly 22 million members, we are in constant threat of global discord, which is why we must continuously emphasize what unites us as a movement. We are united in what we believe about God: the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. We are united in how our governance is conducted: the Church Manual. We are united when we study the Bible with the Sabbath School Bible study guides. We are united in mission, in giving, and in service for Christ. Last, we are united in our global communication through the journals of the Adventist Review and Adventist World.

With other unifying events such as the General Conference Session, camp meetings, and other regional convocations, Adventists devote a premium to these resources. Why? Because of synergy.

The world is comprised of nearly 200 nations, thousands of cultures and languages, tens of thousands of people groups, and, after November 2022, 8 billion individuals. The church has been tasked to reach this entire world: “to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6).

How can our movement do that, especially one that is unstable, transient, division-prone, and full of fallen and broken human beings? Vesta M. Kelly said, “Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” Unity points our movement to focus, purpose, order, resources, momentum, and ultimately, synergy.

What exactly is synergy? It’s the extra output that is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, if A and B are 1 each, but combining A and B equals 5, that extra 3 is precious synergy. Unity isn’t some political, fluffy mantra, but a medium for productive results. And we miss out on this synergy when we work in isolation.

Not a national, local, or congregational movement, the last-day remnant church is a global one. With potential to overcome global discord, imagine how much synergy is possible with 22 million working together. Furthermore, not only horizontal synergy, but imagine how much vertical “synergy” is possible when linked with divine resources. Not a homogeneous church of one country, one culture, one language, or one people group, but “there is one body and one Spirit, . . . one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6). Better is a house in synchrony than in solitude. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the great love of our Father, may we stick together to complete the mission mandate of Jesus.