When sides have been taken, the church may stand in the gap between.
Jefferson City area pastors have seen this benefit related to several potentially divisive events in recent years, including the current aftermath in Ferguson.
Twice this week, people of faith stepped beyond their denominations and cultures to join in prayer - not for one side of an issue, but for all involved, said Rev. Rob Erickson, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
Even as a church from outside the community brought a message of hate and condemnation, churches like Second Baptist and First Presbyterian committed to a focus of love and compassion.
"It has been an inspiring time to see the Christian community in Jefferson City," Erickson said. "We're hoping other churches around our area will also be doing the same."
Inside Second Baptist Church, deacons and members were called to a time of prayer Wednesday. And they quickly invited others from the community to join them.
From that event, Erickson said he was moved to host another prayer vigil at First Presbyterian Friday.
"It was a good way to model what the Body of Christ might look like," Erickson said.
An important part to these churches, which vary in many ways yet are still able to come together at heated times, is the relationship they have built over the last few years, worshipping together and learning to trust one another, Erickson said.
"The more we know each other, the more we can respond to crisis when it happens," he said.
Friday's prayers extended beyond Ferguson's needs to both sides of the conflicts in Iraq and the Gaza Strip, as well as for spiritual concerns locally.
"Situations are going to happen and we will have problems, but Christ encourages us not to be the perpetrators," said Rev. Cornell Sudduth, pastor at Second Baptist Church.
When humans are jarred by such emotionally-stirring events, there are many voices out there.
"The church need to hear the voice of God," Sudduth said. "Information is out there and every day more is being added.
"The church needs to be led by the spirit of God."
Tuesday at least a dozen men in suits will leave from Second Baptist Church to join others from the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. denomination at its affiliate church in Ferguson. The convention president has called for 1,000 men to join them, Sudduth said.
"The church needs to be present and identifiable," Sudduth said.
By dressing alike in suits and ties, people will know the men of faith are different, he said.
"The main thing is to just be there," Sudduth said. "We hope positive things will come from just being there."
Most believers will not have such an invitation or opportunity to share their beliefs in such a pivotal moment.
The local prayer events offer an outlet.
More than that, Sudduth suggested this is a time of personal challenge.
"It's easy for us to come together in a sanctuary in prayer, when we walk out the door, that's when the real test comes," he said.
"The key is to show civility and concern for one another."