In a time when division seems to characterize everything, from politics to morality, a movement of unity has emerged and seems to have taken hold of the Christian churches in Fayette County.

"The unity movement that's embracing most of the south metro area had its epicenter in Fayetteville, when a very small group of ministers decided to develop friendships across denominational lines," said Rev. John Hatcher of River's Edge Community Church, who has been instrumental in the organization of the unity services.

"Those friendships have grown into relationships of high trust," Hatcher said. "Through mutual trust, we were able to meet together for prayer, Communion, and eventually bring our congregations together for joyful worship."

Approximately three years ago, Hatcher and Chuck Griffith of Fayette Assembly of God began meeting once a month. About a month later, Gray Harwell of Cherith Ministries in Fayetteville joined them. Eventually, as the men began inviting other pastors to participate, over 25 different churches and denominations from the area were represented.

"There has never been any attempt to dismantle denominational distinctives," said Hatcher. "As one of Southern Baptist heritage, I have no interest in converting my Pentecostal nor liturgical brothers and sisters. But since we all believe in and serve the same Lord Jesus Christ, I do have an interest in us getting together to make a statement."

The first unity service took place Sept. 29, 1996 between River's Edge Community Church, Fayette Assembly of God and Agape Community Church, which merged with River's Edge in 1997. These smaller unity services continued later including Edgefield Baptist Church and Abundant Life Church.

"We're celebrating Jesus and unity in Him and enjoying the diversity in the body of Christ whether it's Lutheran or charismatic," said Harwell.

Six more even larger services have followed including the largest yet, which filled the Starr's Mill Auditorium in August with over 1,500. Ron Kenoli was the guest speaker and praise leader. The March for Jesus was also part of the unity effort.

Excerpts and interviews from the service along with River's Edge services will be featured next month on nationally-known Christian leader Pat Robertson's show, The 700 Club, as an example of successful unification.

"What's happening here is special, not unique," said Harwell. "The enthusiasm and the number involved is extraordinary. We have churches now seeing 'the church.'"

The group known as the Church of South Atlanta Leadership Council has also been making efforts to bridge the gap between churches that are predominately white or black.

Edgefield Baptist Church, which has a large black congregation, has been active in the unity services and has often combined their congregation in services with River's Edge Community Church.

Pastor Edward Thomas of Edgefield will be the guest speaker for the upcoming unity service.

The Nov. 1 unity service to be held at the Atlanta Christian Center with Rev. Rick Snow is a predominately black congregation that has been so successful "mixing races" that is was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Now readying to celebrate the seventh unity service, the pastors behind the services are looking beyond church buildings to the work God has called them to do to impact all of the South Metro area.

"We're discovering a wider purpose to the unity movement," Hatcher said. "And that's to provide a unified message to our community that what the world needs is Jesus."

"The unity movement is taking definite shape and form with practical purpose," Hatcher said. "We all believe that the South area would be in a whole lot better condition if Jesus Christ were Lord on every street, in every school, in individual businesses and even in our churches."

The leadership council adopted a Statement of Faith and Purpose last week that is "inclusive enough that all those who confess Jesus Christ can be involved," according to Harwell, who sees part of his personal ministry as encouraging more pastors and church officials to become active in the group.

The purpose of the council is "to provide leadership mobilizing the whole Church to reach South Atlanta with the whole gospel." The Statement of Faith is the same used by the Promise Keepers, recognizing the Trinity, the inerrant word of the Bible, deity, virgin birth, sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It further recognizes the Holy Spirit and original sin with salvation only through the belief in Jesus Christ.

More specifically, the council is developing a strategy to involve all the Christian churches in the south Atlanta area.

'We seek to provide a platform in the south metro area so that various Christian churches can combine vision, resources, and relational encouragement to make Jesus Christ known in our communities," Hatcher said. "We care not is people identify with the house that Luther built or the house that Wesley built or the house that Peter built. Our concern focuses on the foundation and cornerstone, Jesus Christ."

Right now, the men continued to gather asking for direction and guidance from the Holy Spirit, who has been the organizer from the beginning, said Harwell.