Do you know what “kind” of church you go to?
One of the challenges that I face as a leader in the church
is the question, “So what do I do when someone disagrees with me?” I don’t mean
one of those kinds of disagreements where we argue over what color the broom
closet should be painted. Historically,
the Church has not handled this well—especially when those in the argument
think that what they are talking about is very important. Typically there has been one of two
responses: go to war or split. The end
result of this (coupled with the fact that governments increasingly frowned on
religious wars) is that we have hundreds (or thousands?) of flavors of
Christianity throughout the world that exist because of these little wars and
splits.
Despite this fact, I wonder whether these factions, or
“denominations”, of churches have any relevance in the world. In fact, I would suggest that (in most cases)
no one outside the church really cares about the different flavors. Does it really matter if a church is Methodist,
Presbyterian, Catholic, Baptist, or whatever? To those on the “outside” I don’t
think it matters much. (If you are
thinking that it does, I would guess that you are a Christian…) If you don't know a name or term I use here, please Google it. You may even find it interesting or helpful.
My question is not whether or not the churches themselves
have relevance or impact on their communities, but rather if their “flavor” of
Christianity does. In fact, I believe
that the existence of “flavors” of Christianity has more to do with the fact
that sin persists in the church more than it does with the grace of Jesus
Christ. I believe that we have been
divided into denominations because we are still a people in the need of Christ’s
mercy. Denominations exist because
people had to be right rather than forgiven.
They exist because someone’s issues became more important than the
mission. They exist because people would
rather be the “same” rather than deal with the diversity God has created in the
world.
In Paul’s day (back around the start of Christianity), they
had this issue too. They too had
problems with people who got stuck on interpersonal connections rather than the
God they were following:
A Church Divided Over Leaders
10 I appeal to you, brothers and
sisters,[a] in the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say
and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in
mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from
Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What
I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”;
another, “I follow Cephas[b]”; still another, “I
follow Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and
Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were
baptized in my name. 16 (Yes,
I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I
baptized anyone else.) 17 For
Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and
eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (1 Corinthians
1:10-17, NIV)
I think that fortunately for us, we have a chance to
overcome this muddle of denominations that we have found ourselves in. Functionally in my experience, being part of
a denomination allows a certain amount of personnel control and organization
for a group of churches that wouldn’t be possible without them. It allows us to draw upon the history and
theology of some pretty cool Jesus-followers.
However, I am finding that churches are becoming orphaned from their
roots. I am noticing that denominational
executives are more concerned with protecting our “heritage” than on our
effective proclaiming of the gospel. So
here is our chance: the average person in the congregation and those outside it
no longer understand the difference between the denominations.
No longer can I say, “We follow the interpretation of John
Wesley” or, “We are Calvinists.” In
order to explain to my family and friends what a “Free Methodist” is, I have to
engage in a brief history lesson and hope that in a mere five minutes I can say
anything that would make sense. Even
worse, those distinctive elements which once separated churches are no longer
readily apparent. I am sorry, but those
of the reformed tradition who supposedly preach that we are “predestined” (which
means that God already determined for us) to go to heaven or hell sure act like
it really does matter if we chose to or not.
And those in the opposite camp who say that we have a choice (theological
term: “Arminianism” or “Wesleyanism”) sure
ascribe an astounding number of things to the control of God. Realistically, the only practical difference
between denominations (aside from political bent, which I will not discuss
here) is the way that they are organized.
So what do we do then?
Do we need to engage in radical ecumenicalism? Unite the churches and fix the mistakes of
our forebears? I don’t know if it is
worth the effort. My denomination works
to a degree that is sufficient to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the
world. Does yours? If yes, then lets move on. The only thing that I have to say about this
is simply make sure that you love Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, and
strength! Because if you do, you will be moved to share that with your neighbor
(and love them too)!
As long as Jesus Christ is the only thing you need to gain
salvation, then you have nothing to worry about. (If someone is telling you that you need
more, than you need to leave and find someplace that preaches only that). We can use denominations for what they are
worth: organization. Let’s forget the rest
and focus together on Christ.
