Sometimes we speak different languages, but our hearts are the same.—Ukrainian author Mykyta Isagulov

If you have ever tried to communicate with someone who speaks a different language, you know that our inability to fully understand what is being expressed can sometimes lead to misunderstanding or frustration. In some extreme circumstances, a failure to communicate can lead to conflict, threat or even war. However, when we begin to understand the heart of the other, we realize that our motives, dreams and hopes may be much more alike than we first thought possible.

This same sentiment can be applied to those who share a language. If you have ever tried to get a large group to come to a consensus or decide on a potentially polarizing topic, you know that different beliefs, traditions and preferences mean you might not be communicating in the same language—metaphorically speaking.

Over the last few months, I have been actively engaged in trying to understand the “pulse” or “heartbeat” of my current congregation. I want to know what their desires are and learn what will motivate them toward active mission. In this process, I have been asking members and non-members to share their hopes and dreams for our church and to offer suggestions that could allow our congregation to make a bigger impact on our community.

What have I learned? We are not all speaking the same language! Let me explain further by sharing two recent conversations.

A man in his mid-20s who grew up in The Salvation Army joined me for coffee at a local café. He suggested that the Army’s Orders and Regulations are too regimental and restrictive. We are not inclusive enough and have left people feeling unwelcomed. We aren’t doing enough to fight against injustice. We have sometimes placed too much emphasis on hell and damnation and not enough emphasis on the love of Jesus. He felt that it was somewhat ridiculous that The Salvation Army still requires its soldiers to refrain from a glass of wine during an evening meal with friends, or from purchasing a 50/50 ticket at a local sporting event. He believes that positions or regulations such as these act as barriers to church growth.

Contrast this with the opinions of a senior who has been an active Salvationist for many decades. With tears rolling down his cheeks, he lamented what once was. He expressed his frustration with the lack of commitment he sees around him and the decline in weekly church participation. He misses the prayer service before the Sunday night salvation meeting, and the times when souls were saved regularly. He longs for the testimonies, parades and open-air meetings of his youth. He wonders where all the uniforms have gone. He wonders why the pomp and regalia of a congress event no longer attracts people by the thousands. He wonders where his Salvation Army went.

In the days that followed both conversations, the task of trying to support both individuals (along with all the other opinions in our congregation) was daunting. How in the world will we ever find common ground and move forward when these two perspectives seem to be headed in the opposite direction? It is painfully obvious that they were speaking a different language from each other.

But then I began to look at things through a more positive lens. Both men believe in the need for sacred space to worship God; have a longing to see people introduced to Jesus; want to be active participants in something that is bigger than themselves and make a positive impact on their communities. Both men want the church to be better. Both men want to honour God and see his kingdom expand.

At any ministry unit, it’s easy to identify the many differences that can act as barriers between people—we all have our own desires and preferred methods for mission. But allowing these differences to come between us and turn into conflict solves absolutely nothing. We are so much better together, and I believe that God will honour our united co-operation.

Our hearts are the same—we just need to find a way to start speaking the same language. Care to translate?

Captain Sheldon Bungay is the corps officer at St. John’s Temple, N.L.

Illustration: dane_mark/Digital Vision Vectors via Getty Images