Our Partnership in the Gospel

President Timothy Teuscher

by Timothy Teuscher

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3, 5). It is significant that the word “partnership” which Paul uses in these verses comes from the Greek word koinonia, and which is translated in English by a number of different words—“fellowship, participation, partnership, communion, association, close relationship with, be connected with, share in.”

Such partnership or fellowship is first and foremost a communion we have with God the Father (1 John 1:3), the Son (1 Corinthians 1:9), and the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:13)—a communion we enjoy as Christians baptized into the Triune name of God (Matthew 28:19-20). It is a coming together of the bread and wine with the very body and blood of Christ, the joining together of the person who partakes of the Sacrament with Christ Himself, and the close relationship of those who partake together of Holy Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). And it is a joining together of people—whether they be “Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female” (Galatians 3:28)—in worship services who believe and confess one and the same saving faith in Christ (Acts 2:42).

What was one of the main practical expressions of this fellowship that existed between the apostle Paul and the church at Philippi? It has to do, perhaps surprisingly, with money. In fact, in 2 Corinthians 9:13, Paul even calls monetary offerings given to supply the needs of others who confess the same faith as koinonias, or “contribution” as many English versions translate it.

Paul’s work in Philippi began with preaching the Gospel to some women at a place of prayer by the riverside. It was there that Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, came to faith in Christ. She then provided for the physical well-being of Paul and his companions by insisting that they stay at her home (Acts 16:15). The work in Philippi continued when, on more than one occasion, the congregation sent help to Paul for his needs while in Thessalonica (Philippians 4:16).

The Philippian congregation later partnered with Paul in his appeal for relief funds for the church at Jerusalem. He urges the Corinthian congregation to also participate in this ministry, reminding them that the churches in Macedonia, which included the Philippians, “gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part (koinonian) in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4).

Later, while in Rome awaiting trial before Caesar, Paul writes to the Philippians: “I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

What’s the point of all this for us today? Just this: congregations of our Synod are joined together in the confession of one and the same faith. And one of the primary expressions of this fellowship in the Gospel is, just as it was with the Philippian congregation, our gifts and offerings that we send through Synod to provide resources for missions and ministry here in Canada and throughout the world—by supporting the training of pastors at our seminaries, assisting other congregations in need who are unable to provide for a pastor, having Regional Pastors and Circuit Counsellors who supervise and care for our pastors and congregations, providing for missionaries and mission-supported churches, and the like. This is why our Handbook states: “Every Member Congregation shall provide the means and opportunity for its members to support and advance the mission of LCC” (SB 1.17 b.).

Congregations of our Synod are joined together in the confession of one and the same faith. And one of the primary expressions of this fellowship in the Gospel is our gifts and offerings that we send through Synod to provide resources for missions and ministry here in Canada and throughout the world

There are many congregations of our Synod who are giving generously for this purpose. To them, I say in the words of the apostle: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… because of your partnership in the Gospel” (Philippians 1:3, 5).

An increasing number of congregations, however, are giving little to support the work we do together. At a time when we as a Synod are facing a serious financial shortfall, may all of us take to heart the words of St. Paul concerning the money and earthly treasures that the Lord has given to us and which we are to use as an expression of our fellowship and partnership in the Gospel:

“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift” (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)!

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Rev. Timothy Teuscher is President of Lutheran Church–Canada.

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