Between October 2024 and January 2025, Churches Together Hebburn (part of South Tyneside Churches Together) held six workshops to explore what Jesus meant in John 17:20–23 when He prayed for believers to be “one” and in “complete unity.” The aim was to understand what unity looks like for ordinary Christians in daily life and how we can live it out together, despite our differences.
Workshop Themes
- Unity in practice – Explored whether unity is about actions or shared identity, and how we can work and pray together even when we don’t agree on everything.
- Inclusivity – Focused on how our language and church structures might unintentionally exclude people, and how we can be more welcoming.
- Living vs dead faith – Discussed the importance of living, fruitful faith and whether church buildings help or hinder unity and outreach.
- Understanding differences – Looked at why denominations vary in traditions and beliefs, and how these differences can be acknowledged without becoming barriers.
- What does ‘complete unity’ mean? – Reflected on Christ’s vision for unity and what it means in real-life church contexts.
- Churches Together links – Explored how local churches relate to the wider Churches Together network.
Key Insights
Participants spoke openly about their own traditions, creating space for honest and respectful dialogue. Although differences exist, there was a shared sense of fellowship and a desire to grow in unity. The group agreed that unity starts with the Spirit, even if full agreement in doctrine takes time. There was openness to sharing spaces, worship, and mission beyond our own buildings, especially in community settings. A recurring issue was that certain terms and phrases are understood differently across traditions—highlighting the need for clear, inclusive language.
Our challenges
The limited involvement of clergy was noted as a concern. Many felt unity could deepen if more people learned to see beyond their own denomination. Practical unity already exists in activities like shared coffee mornings, choir, and events—but more can be done. Recognising our shared faith in Christ, despite our differences, is key to moving forward. This journey is just beginning. With humility, openness, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the hope is to move toward deeper unity—not by becoming the same, but by working together as one body in Christ.
Next steps
A small group from different churches has come together to explore ways of building stronger connections. We’ve agreed on some practical steps—for example, joint social events, shared prayer and fellowship gatherings, and making better use of our buildings for ministry and mission. We are also considering setting up a prayer line.
We know this won’t be without challenges. Many churches are already stretched, but we believe unity is God’s will for His people. With prayer at the heart of all we do, we’re committed to persevering and trusting the Lord to guide us on this journey.
Download the full Christian unity in Hebburn report.
Find out more about South Tyneside Churches Together.
Main photo: Churches Together Hebburn Worship on the Street, which takes place on the first Saturday of the month.