The purpose of this paper is to understand how One Body Life (OBL), as a ministry, functions in its leadership and in the principles of teaming up or partnering with other ministries. Currently, OBL is a small ministry with only a few people serving to spread its message. However, the Gospel of Peace for the building up of the Lord’s Democratic Assembly (Ekklesia) is extensive with a global reach.

The spreading of the “Completion Gospel” (grace and peace) is still in its infancy, but it is destined to spread according to the truth of God’s eternal purpose. Therefore, a solid foundation is necessary; whether OBL is small or grows larger in the future, a scriptural foundation is needed to accomplish what God intends.

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Differentiating Ministries from the Ekklesia

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We have written extensively about differentiating ministries within the Lord’s Ekklesia. (Read One Ekklesia for a detailed discussion on this matter.) The confusion between the two (ministries and Ekklesia), on one hand, has caused confusion within some ministries, but on the other hand, it has, unfortunately, caused divisions in the Body of Christ.

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We may be unique in this differentiation by calling churches a place of ministries and God’s Ekklesia as a democratic assembly of diverse believers with freedom of speech to manifest the oneness of God’s people (1 Cor. 11:19 – 14:40).

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OBL’s view, in this respect, is essential for maintaining liberty for both ministers to serve without disruption and dissension, and God’s Ekklesia to gather without debates and divisions. When the two (ministry and Ekklesia) are conflated, believers can mistakenly object to the absolute or controlling style of leadership in ministries (churches) or try to exert control over the Lord’s Ekklesia, where it is detrimental.

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In the one (ministries/churches) by its very nature denotes a restrictive environment (i.e., the “minister” is normally “in control”); whereas, in an “Ekklesia environment” the atmosphere is “each one has” and “one by one”--i.e., the general assembly is officiating (I Corinthians 14) wherein a participating or contributing environment persists–no one dominates–it (the Democratic Assembly) belong to all of God’s people!

 

The Role of Specially Gifted Ministers

 

Although all followers of Jesus are a gift as members of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12); notwithstanding, the Lord gave many specially gifted ministers (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) to equip believers so they can capably function in building up the Body whereby they become one in the faith (Eph. 4:11-13). Therefore, in the Body there are many diverse ministries, gifts, and activities for her building up (1 Cor. 12:4-6). All specially gifted members should not gather men to themselves to start a faction, but they all should be for the building up of the one Body of Christ. Those ministers who are specially gifted will gain helpers to extend their ministry. Therefore, ones like Paul, Apollos, Barnabas, and others have helpers for their ministries.

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The Scriptural Model of Leadership and Cooperation

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Any ministry that has gained a following of helpers will have leadership, message/vision, target audience, direction, methods, goals, and financial needs. There should be an increasing number of ministries, but all should be for the building up of the Lord’s one Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly).

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Since ministries demand a governing body or person, we can understand that when Paul and Barnabas sharply disagreed about John Mark, they went their separate ways and became two different ministries (Acts 15:37-40). That was not division! They became two different ministries with two different leaderships. There was no need to “bring it to the church” to resolve their issue over John Mark–they attempted, and failed, to resolve the “contention” between themselves. 

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It is essential to recognize that, although they left each other and became two ministries, Paul continued to appreciate and positively cite Barnabas after they parted ways. He appraised Barnabas at the same status as himself, who served in greater hardships than other apostles (1 Cor. 9:6). It was also evident that Barnabas didn’t cast a negative light on Paul nor impede him in any way after their contentious exchange, since John Mark, who initially followed Barnabas, was able to go back and became a faithful assistant to Paul. This is a testimony that a ministry that becomes two ministries due to disputes should and can continue peacefully with mutual respect.

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Three Types of Coworkers Among Ministers

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In Paul’s epistles, three types of co-workers are observed:

Type 1: Direct Support and Extension

The first type can be those who directly supported and extended Paul’s ministry. They represented him like Titus, Timothy, Silas, Luke, Mark, Priscilla, Aquila, and others. These worked so closely with him that he said (concerning Titus) in 2 Cor. 12:18: "They walked in the same spirit and in the same steps." Similarly, Paul said Timothy was like-minded with him (Phil. 2:20). In other words, they were so faithful in representing Paul in his ministry that, in their spirits, minds, and ways, they were just like Paul (1 Cor. 4:17). These co-workers extended the reach of Paul’s ministry. They were so in sync with Paul that their ministries were extensions of Paul’s ministry.

• Volunteers: It seems that some, like Aquilla and Priscilla, who fully supported Paul’s ministry and even risked their lives for Paul (Rom. 16:3-4), supported themselves by making tents, as Paul did. They were financially independent, yet they were fully committed to amplifying Paul’s ministry as coworkers. Paul trusted their labor, acknowledging that, whether in Rome or Ephesus, they hosted and built the Lord’s Democratic Assembly (1 Cor. 16:19; Rom. 16:5).

• Full or Part-time Staff: However, others appear to have been fully occupied with Paul full-time, where they would have no time for any other job for income. In today’s terms, they would be on “staff” to do Paul's bidding. Paul could direct these brethren like Timothy and Titus to go to a certain place or stay right where they were (1 Thes. 3:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Cor. 8:6; Titus 1:5).

• Leadership Responsibility: Therefore, when they have a lack, Paul felt personally responsible for these to such an extent that he said: “These hands have provided for my necessities and to those who are with me” (Acts 20:34). Although these ministers with Paul were serving the Lord, yet Paul needed to work as a tentmaker to support them and care for them. Since they followed his directions and carried out his ministry’s burden, Paul had the sense of duty like a “boss” of a business to make sure his “workers” were physically able to continue. Generally, this is also the case with many ministries today. If one does not have the means to be an unpaid volunteer, then those serving in a ministry will be financially supported.

Paul did not seem to have a large team of this type of coworker, whether volunteers or supported. There were maybe at most ten co-workers, like Timothy and Titus, who worked under Paul’s direction. This small team, extending Paul’s ministry, "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). How impactful when a team is in the same spirit, mind, and step with leadership, laboring with a vision of God’s eternal purpose.

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Type 2: Independent Ministers with the Same Vision

The second type of coworkers are the many independent ministers with the same vision as Paul for building up the Lord’s Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly). Some might have been inferior to Paul as far as revelation and faithfulness; nevertheless, Paul treated them as equals. These would include brethren like Peter, Barnabas, Apollos, Andronicus, Junia, John, and the other apostles. Between Peter and Paul, certainly one was not answerable to the other, and their ministries targeted different demographics. Paul’s calling for his ministry was toward the Gentiles, while Peter’s was for the Jews (Gal. 2:7-8).

• Autonomy and Equality: It should be obvious that Apollos’ ministry was inferior to Paul’s as far as clarity of revelation concerning the New Covenant, since it was Paul’s followers, Aquila, and Priscilla, who helped Apollos to know the things of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26). Yet, Paul treated him as an equal coworker (1 Cor. 3:6-9). It is also clear that Apollos, with his own ministry, was independent from Paul. When Paul strongly urged Apollos to go to Corinth, Apollos refused (1 Cor. 16:12). This shows that Apollos was unlike the first type, where Paul could direct them to go or to stay in various places to represent him. Nevertheless, Paul still had a caring heart to materially support Apollos (Titus 3:13).

 

Type 3: General Gospel Ministers

The third group of co-workers is a collection of all ministers who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, whether out of good or bad intentions, whether for selfish gains or purely out of love.

• Preaching Christ: In any case, it does not matter because they all preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. There were a variety of ministers with different motivations. However, Paul did not reject those who preached for selfish reasons or even to cause him harm, nor did he overly appreciate those who preached out of love or goodwill. He rejoiced all the same, for Christ is/was preached (Phil. 1:18).

• Teaming Up: Paul encouraged all these ministers of Christ to “team up,” to co-work together for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He charged “that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving (Grk. “strive together as in a wrestling match”) together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).

The third type of coworking is to team up and serve alongside all other ministers who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Discernment of motives is not necessary, whether some are doing so out of envy, selfish ambition, to cause harm to other ministers, or purely out of love; those whose conduct is worthy of the gospel of Christ are coworking with all ministers in one spirit with one mind.

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Unity in Diversity, and Present Salvation

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This is truly diversity in unity among such differences of ministers. Those working in unity will have victory over the enemy and, in so doing, express God’s salvation in their lives (Phil. 1:28). When ministers are divided and competing, striving to grow their own ministries, Satan is victorious by causing division. Therefore, the unity of diverse ministers is a sign of the enemy's destruction, and it is the manifestation of the minister’s salvation. This salvation is not referring to the future salvation from perdition, but to a present salvation, in the here and now.

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An extensive survey done by the Barna Group in 2022 showed that more than 40% of American pastors would rather quit and do something else, and close to 60% feel discouraged. They need salvation! This is not a future salvation at judgment or in eternity, but salvation now. That salvation is available for those who can serve together with diverse ministers in unity.

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The Humble Mind of Christ

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Paul in Philippians 2 shows that the barrier to teaming up is due to pride, not humbling oneself to work together as one. Therefore, ministers need lowliness of mind; they need to esteem all other ministers better than themselves and look out for their interests. Ministers who can work with other ministries, even when some of those ministers are for selfish gain, can only do so with the mind of Christ. Though equal with God, He became a servant before He was exalted (Phil. 2:9-11). This is truly experiencing the cross, to have the spirit and mind needed to team up with other ministers/ministries.

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Work Out Your Salvation

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“Therefore, …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12) is often controversially taken out of context to show that Christians have an insecure salvation since they have to work it out in fear and trembling. This is a common verse quoted to show that a believer can lose their salvation in the future. However, in context, especially with that verse beginning with “therefore,” it shows the original antecedent of the word “salvation” was Paul’s request for them to have the humble mind of Christ. “Salvation” here refers back to the salvation in Philippians 1:28. It is not referring to an uncertain salvation in the future, but to a present salvation expressed in teaming up in unity with other ministers. How to work out your own salvation? Have the mind of Christ and team up with other diverse ministers for the faith of the gospel.

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This matter of coworking again is highlighted in chapter 4 when Paul implored two ministers, Euodia and Syntyche, to work together in the same mind. If they can’t work it out themselves, then someone needs to help their unity (Phil. 4:2-3). They needed a present salvation.

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The Type 2 co-workers may be considered those with a clear vision that their ministries are for the one Body of Christ. They preach both grace and peace to bring divided believers together. They are not building up sectarian groups, but God’s one Democratic Assembly (Ekklesia).

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Moving on to Type 3 includes those with the ambition to draw people to themselves for building their group (church). Since the knowledge of the Lord’s Ekklesia, a democratic assembly, is not yet widely understood, most ministers, by default, only preach the gospel of grace and are innocently or inadvertently committed to building up their church group. However, those with an understanding of the Lord’s Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly) and who have the mind of Christ can team up to preach the Gospel of Grace and Peace with all those who may only preach the Gospel of Grace.

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This is the teaming up or striving together for the faith of the gospel. This is how to destroy Satan (our adversaries) on earth, and the way to work out our own present salvation. This matter of teaming up in unity among diverse ministers is central to God's heart (“. . . for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure”—Phil. 2:13). Therefore, work it out with fear and trembling.

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Here, OBL draws a distinction between the Gospel of the Grace of God (found in Romans 1 through Romans 8) which deals with the individual from “sinners” to justification and ultimate glorification (ref. Acts 20:24). Whereas, Romans 9-16 speaks to the “Gospel of Peace” by which God is glorified by those in one accord and Satan is ultimately crushed under the feet of brethren who are united in peace (Rom. 15:6; 16:20).

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One Body Life (OBL): Applying These Scriptural Principles

Henry Hon initiated OBL with a vision of building up the unity of the Body of Christ among diverse believers. The foundational motivation and revelation for this ministry is the Lord’s prayer in John 17. To carry out this ministry, he has thus far written six books, which represent the body of teachings OBL is advancing. This set of books was produced from what may be newly recovered understandings of Scriptures concerning God’s eternal purpose, which is His Ekklesia, a kingdom where there is true diversity, equity, and inclusion; and, yes, “teaming up.” To help equip believers for unity, OBL also curated a body of knowledge to unlock the understanding and experiences related to the three gifts given by our Lord Jesus in John 17: Eternal life, truth, and glory.

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Henry is also a “tentmaker,” financially supporting the spread of the OBL message over the years and, by God’s grace, into the foreseeable future. It is truly a blessing from the Lord to provide the resources needed to spread the Gospel of Peace. There is confidence that as the Lord opens more doors to extend this message, resources will continue to increase.

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No, OBL does not expect all ministers to be “tentmakers.” All gospel preachers should be supported by those benefited (1 Cor. 9:7-12). God will touch the hearts of His people to support all His workers. Like other ministries, OBL is open to working with financial partners (donations) for spreading the Gospel of Peace.

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Ministry as a Business

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In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus tells a parable about making wise use of the resources God provides, for He expects a return on His investment. With the resources, Jesus commanded, “Do business till I come.” The “business” of His servants is to build the Lord’s Kingdom (Ekklesia—Democratic Assembly) on earth while He is praying for them in heaven. Ministries should be treated like a business investment in the sense that the resources provided by the Lord should not be squandered. Ministers are accountable for the resources provided. The Lord expects them to yield results in furthering His Kingdom on earth. OBL’s resources consist of the message/vision, time, and money.

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Current coworkers (Teaming up)

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Currently, OBL co-works with all three types of ministers/ministries:

• Type 1: Some are working closely with OBL under its leadership and are committed to furthering its mission. They consist of both volunteers and those financially supported.

• Type 2: There are also independent ministers with the same vision of building up the Lord’s Ekklesia, with whom OBL closely works. OBL provides regular or occasional finance and/or other resources.

• Type 3: Additionally, OBL also supports ministers who are building their own ministries, without discerning whether they do so out of envy and selfish ambition, since they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, OBL currently supports and works with all three types of coworkers.

 

The premise of coworking in harmony between preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that there is mutual respect, acceptance of one another, and not demanding adjustments to each other’s messages. This is OBL’s attitude as we team up with all kinds of ministers to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Most ministers who preach Jesus Christ also have their distinctives. For example, some believe in “once saved always saved,” and others believe salvation can be lost due to choice. Many believe in the supernatural gifts, and, conversely, some believe that miracles have ceased. OBL has teamed up with many of these variations of ministers. For the sake of the gospel, we will continue to seek to strive together with all kinds of preachers of Jesus Christ, including those in the Catholic or Orthodox Churches.

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to cooperate with any ministry that is critical of our message. Those critical and undermine our message would not team up with us in the first place, and if they do, it would be hypocritical.

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Strategic Team Size and Resource Allocation

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Just as Jesus’ team had twelve, and Paul had a similar number, OBL, which may cover a much bigger geographic area (global), does not expect to have a much larger Type 1 team in the future. This is unlike most successful ministers expecting their congregants to be committed to their ministries. As the gospel of peace advances and the vision for building up the Lord’s Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly) gains ground, Type 2 and Type 3 coworkers will steadily increase. Currently, we are already working with a good number of these coworkers, but this number will accelerate in the near future.

Since OBL has a clear mission and message, resources have to be allocated wisely to ensure its mission is accomplished. Therefore, resources are prioritized first for our own projects and team, where financial commitments are required; then for Type 2 coworkers; and finally, in smaller measure, for Type 3 ministries. All resources should be strategically utilized to accomplish what God has assigned to OBL.

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Movement Between Types

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A worker in relation to OBL can move from Type 1 to 2 or from 2 to 1. OBL welcomes such clarity and diversity. For example, a person can serve as Type 1, but at a certain time find themselves disagreeing with a portion of OBL’s message or leadership method. They should bring up such controversies for discussions, and like Barnabas and Paul, these contentions (serious “differences”) can be such that they can no longer work together on the same team. OBL will respect and seek to co-work as Type 2 with those who leave Type 1. Those who become Type 2 co-workers can be more genuine than those who stay on as Type 1 but internally harbor resentment or doubt. Remember, Type 1 are those with the same spirit, mind, and steps as the leadership and message of a ministry.

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A Type 2 or 3 minister can have dual status as Type 1 as well, on a per-event or project basis. While they have their own ministries, when OBL has an event or project, they may desire to support OBL. OBL wholeheartedly accepts such coworking as long as, during such an event, they are committed to following the message and direction of OBL. OBL reciprocates; OBL can be invited to Type 2 or 3 coworkers’ events, and if OBL accepts, we will minister as directed and not cause trouble to those in leadership. We may support such events with resources when necessary.

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Same Spirit, Mind, and Step with the Message

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The essential distinction of OBL is not a personality, but the message. To be in the same spirit, mind, and steps is to have the conviction of the Spirit that the message is the truth unveiled in Scripture. All leaders, although having an important role in leading a ministry, have personal faults and shortcomings. Therefore, loyalty cannot be to a personality, but to the message (viz. “vision”) itself. A person can disappoint and have faults, but the knowledge of the truth is eternal.

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Henry may be in leadership today, but that role can be passed on to someone(s) more capable to advance the message/vision of OBL. For this reason, anyone seeking to work closely with OBL should carefully study and, according to their God-given ability, deeply understand the message of OBL as revealed in its books. By God’s grace, OBL has been entrusted by the Holy Spirit with a kind of ‘investment trust’—not to sit idle, but to be actively invested in advancing the very trust committed to it. OBL has accumulated this “trust” from scores of the Lord’s servants who, as OBL, have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit to the merit of the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” 

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These Type 1, 2, and 3 relationships to OBL are not intended as a ‘classification of the brethren,’ but to clarify how ministers can labor together, equally and at various levels, for the glory of God. By understanding these three types of coworking, OBL may be the most open to partnering with all ministers/ministries without judging their motives, doctrines, or practices. Do a search on the internet, and you will find that we may be unique in using Philippians 1:27-28 to encourage coworking even with those for selfish gains.

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The Vision of OBL Academy (OBLA)

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The current mission of OBL is to turn its six books into a 12-course online academy (OBLA). Read the vision of OBLA at www.onebody.life. The goal is to equip believers—regardless of the church or ministry affiliation—with the truth of God’s eternal purpose: diversity in unity as expressed through His Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly). We will integrate a portion, or the entire course, with other seminaries and Bible schools. Independent ministries may make use of the content of OBLA for their own teaching programs.

To promote OBLA, we will present our message wherever doors are open around the globe. Online social platforms will be utilized to increase the reach of our message. We will actively pursue partnerships with other ministries and churches to discover open doors for the gospel of peace. While there are untold numbers of ministries that focus on preaching the gospel of grace to “sinners” for personal salvation, OBL is focused on preaching the “completion gospel” (both grace and peace) to believers to break down barriers for fellowship among diverse believers in the Kingdom of God.

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Target Audience and Spread

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OBL’s direct target audience is to reach mature believers with a strong Biblical background who have influence or are in leadership. This includes seekers who may have dropped out and become “dones.” However, we also work with and support independent ministries that have adopted our message for their own target audiences—students, newer believers, Nigerians, Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, and an increasing number of others.

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OBL has no intention to grow and spread its own church as another defined group under its banner. However, independent ministers and pastors may make use of the content of our books to build their ministry and/or a church to equip believers. OBL will support them similarly to other Type 2 or 3 coworkers. As long as the message the Lord has given us is spreading to God’s people, we rejoice.

Governance

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As a USA IRS approved 501c3 organization for tax purposes, OBL has three members of the Board of Directors overseeing financial matters. None of these three members receives financial compensation for their services.

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For the advancement of its message, we will start having a quarterly gathering as well with a Board of Advisors.