In 2018, a group of pastors gathered with a shared desire to support each other and their fellow pastors. They noticed the evangelical community becoming increasingly influenced by political agendas and social media, and pastors felt this shift deeply. Their communities and congregations were experiencing heightened partisanship. Divisions within the church reflected the broader divisions in society. This group of pastors met to discuss how best to support each other in navigating these polarizing issues, to guide their communities to live out the Gospel and to place their identity more confidently in Christ.

 This group of pastors recognized the importance of having a peer community of pastors and Christian leaders who could understand each other’s unique challenges while empathizing and learning from one another. Additionally, they saw the need for resources to help pastors and Christian leaders navigate and address contemporary challenges while faithfully leading their congregations and organizations. 

Out of that desire, this cohort of evangelical leaders then collaboratively authored “A Call to Act in Hope.” This document aimed to articulate the contemporary concerns evangelical pastors and Christian leaders were facing regarding the harmful polarization in our country and congregations, discuss what the Bible says about being a peacemaker, and encourage evangelical leaders to join in this hopeful endeavor. With the acceptance and agreement of this call, the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship was formed.

 Since 2018, the fellowship has been growing. We have organized numerous trainings, workshops, and seminars. We have had the privilege of connecting hundreds of pastors and Christian leaders with one another. We have created spaces for pastors to rest and return to their ministry with renewed vigor. God is at work, and our history itself is a testament to his faithfulness, as churches around the country reject partisanship and division in favor of Christian unity and peace.

IF we work with Evangelical Pastors and Christian Leaders to shape positive norms and behaviors within their groups, and IF we create a sense of fellowship among them, THEN we will create a more unified Church that is more resilient to toxic forms of division and ready to lead peacemaking efforts in their community and beyond.