Are Denominations Headed To Their Deaths?

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.