Why do we have different church denominations? I mean, I understand how they came into existence and the reasons behind it, but why?
I think that having different church styles is extremely important because it can be hard to meet the vast variety of needs amongst us as individuals. We are strengthened when we come together with our differences. However, saying that, I think the church has been splintered rather than strengthened by its denominations. Instead of drawing closer together under one banner, Christ Jesus, we've separated off into factions, each claiming its own ways and rights. If we follow Christ, and are His, why do we claim alegiance to any other spiritual background? Why do we place our identity in anything other than Him?
We are ultimately not Lutherans, nor Baptists, nor Presbyterians, nor any other denomination and we are not Non-denominational (which has become a denomination of sorts in its own right).
What kind of a witness are we? One to a fractured church? If you have placed your faith and trust in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ then you have been adopted into the family of God. You are His. And as His body, you are called to be unified. As a follower of Christ Jesus, a son of the King, and a brother in the family of God, I'm done being defined by what denomination I do or don't belong to. I am His, and that's where I choose to stand. It's enough.
Zach
Zach, this is so refreshing! I agree that it is absolutely enough to simple be His. It seems that the majority of the times denominations serve to separate and make people easily offended if their own is not thought of as the best. Honestly, it is all just tiring. I love what you said about the beauty of our differences, it is so true! It just seems like there is a better way to accent our differences and see them as beautiful without this denominational struggle we find ourselves in today.
I appreciated your insight about “non-denominational” becoming a denomination in its own right. I think that it’s easy as a member of a non-denominational church to justify yourself as exempt from the issues of the fractured church. Yet from that place of rationalized exemption one can sit in a place of judgment toward those who do claim a denomination, instead of simply embracing all believers as family.
Great thoughts. Really, this isnt something thats new, even in the last centuries. In Acts 15 there were thological disputes in Antioch and Paul and Barnabas were sent to clarify them. Later on those two ended up in dispute and split ways. I was reading that a few months ago and realized this schism thing has been hindering the church for a long time. It’s a very strong stronghold.
These are such important thoughts, Zach. The split of denominations and silent hostility toward one another is something that really frustrates me as well. I feel like it is because of denominations that the unity of the body of christ has been lost. It is vital for every church to agree that their loyalty lies with Christ, and in light of that encourage and come alongside one another as they live out the missio dei.
Zach, I love this. I think as we have heard from various pastors and spiritual leaders in the community of Spokane, my mind has been blown by the love that these vastly different people have for one another and what each church or ministry is doing. If we are to truly be the body of Christ, Jesus must become more important than the human labels we put on our groups gathering to praise him.