Denominational Gap
Somewhere in China, there’s a group of people meeting together in someone’s home. A well-worn, if not tattered, and incomplete New Testament is being read from. God is smiling, and they are reverent in Him who gives them the strength and courage to go on meeting in secret so they are not thrown in prison or worse.
I’ve been a member of Community United Methodist Church since the 6th grade. I couldn’t begin to tell you what it means to be a Methodist. I’m told that my church for a long time hadn’t necessarily been really Methodist, and I’ve been to other Methodist churches that were… well, old people churches. So, maybe I’m just out of the loop.
I have friends that are Baptist, Assembly of God, uh, goers…, Seventh Day Adventists, Nondemonationalists, etc. and aside from a few key issues (like predestination), I’m not quite sure what theology I believe in. I guess after the predestination conversation (which went VERY well, I might add), I’ve been wondering if it matters. The theology of it all, that is.
From there, my brain starts thinking about other churches. What are they like? Why do we have so many denominations in the first place? I guess it’s due to differences of opinions on things such as styles of worship, predestination, sacriments, snake-handling policies, etc.
What about the home church in China? What denomination are they? What are their thoughts on predestination, sacriments, etc.? Do they care about that stuff?
I guess I just wonder, why all the options? Is it building up the gospel to have so many options, or is it being watering down because of them?
What do you think?
Denominations are what God allows, “because of the hardness of hearts”–kinda like divorce. People will naturally revert to killing each other and having inquisitions, if we don’t have denominations. (My position on snake handling: pro.)
Another HUGE question.
My answer is that all that stuff doesn’t matter…. generally.
But then there are always things that I see as being basic which other people do not – and that’s where we start having problems.
If there is something that I believe is absolutely essential for salvation and you believe that it is not essential or even necessary in any way then how can we work in ministry together?
Most of what Christians disagree about is non-essential stuff. Predestination, pre, mid or post tribulation rapture etc and we really shouldn’t allow ourselves to fall out about it.
However, we (and the Chinese house church) have to decide what we believe is absolutely essential and basic and not allow anyone to teach the contrary. Even the early Church had this issue: Titus 1:10-11 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.
I think it hurts the gospel to have so many denominations – and we need to do something about it… but what?
Ditto to Peter P. I don’t have an answer about what to do as a Church. But, as individuals, be gracious. Be steadfast in the essentials, but open and kind about the non-essentials. Preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified with total abandon, then just politely discuss the rest and agree to disagree. Focus on what really matters.
In the end, only Christ matters. I believe all of us are wrong somewhere in our theology. . . we are imperfect man. . . but I think God allows some of these inconsistencies to help an imperfect world relate to him. . . take predestination. . . if anywhere in my reading I come to the theological conclusion that predestination is the only way to look at Christianity, I’m out, I mean, so long, see ya, I’m converting to satanism or something else completely different that Christianity. Yeah, it makes THAT little sense to me. But I know many God-fearing people who can not fathom why I am a believer in Free Will. I do not doubt their salvation, importance to God, nor their ability to further the Kingdom just because of that. But one of us is wrong. I don’t think God really cares about much of it. (unless you are directly contradicting commands, like adultery, murder, etc)
Much of the denominational differences are minor. . . more singing, less singing, more “relevant” less “Relevant” to today’s society, more grace, more fire and brimstone.
There are much more stark differences, such as the permanence of salvation, predestination, the importance (and even the present existence) of the gift of tongues (some churches believe you are not saved if you do not posses the gift of tongues) and the more stark the difference, the more important it is to pay attention. . . but in the end, it should be Christ crucified, died, and made alive. . . once we build an honest relationship with Him from there, I think He is more than capable of helping us iron out the important stuff
The church that we often see today is not the church of the apostles and prophets long ago. There is so much “man” in them that we have denominations and even non-denominations denominations. For example, what a pastor is expected to do today is probably 25% at best biblical. What about the other leadership/office gifts in Ephesians 4?
The crux of the problem is a lack of understanding and submission to the message of the gospel which is “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe this good news.” Jesus proclaimed this gospel and gave it to the disciples to proclaim. Jesus is the basis for this gospel as he is King! The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God. Being “at hand” means now! And, he demonstrated the presence of the Kingdom of God with power. So, the question here is, where is the power of God today? Is not the church somewhat bankrupt apart from the power of God?
This ought to get a few of you going…
Wow, these are some awesome responses so far. From “denominations are what God allows” to “where is the power of God today?”
The “denominations” aspect of religion is what seems to get in the way in the first place. It takes God and tries to stuff Him into an exclusive members-only club, thus creating an exclusionary environment. God loves ALL of us whether we’re Lutheran, Seventh Day Advantist, or even Muslim. It’s “organized religion” that turned me away from pursuing God for decades — I didn’t want any part of the “God club” because I felt like I didn’t know the rules. The thing is, in that regard, there shouldn’t be any rules, and there weren’t meant to be any rules. I’ve become hopelessly hooked on the writings of Pastor Erwin McManus who speaks on this very topic in his book, “The Barbarian Way.” I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who’s either new to Christ or wants to jump-start their faith. And, since I’ve always known you to be a creative guy, you ought to check out “Wide Awake,” which is the newest book he’s written and speaks a great deal about why God wants you to be creative and why we, as humans, are actually DESIGNED to enjoy ourselves. It’s good stuff.
I think denominations as I think of the passage in the NT where Paul talks about food offered to idols. To many it is a stumbling block because of the weakness of temptation. I think people feel safer when they huddle with those with as much similarities as possible. I belong to a non-denominational church because I love the variety of discussion and perspectives on the non-essentials. But, in our hearts we agree on the essentials, and there is a beauty and a strength in being unified in one faith: object of our love: the Jesus Christ of the Scriptures. That’s why I have always focused on belonging to a Biblically founded teaching as the core of their ministry.
Bonnie – Isn’t the act of labeling yourselves non-denominational creating a denomination?
Doesn’t it just seem like we’re finding ways to clarify that we’re not those Christians?
I always remember that during youth group, a common joke (and it was a joke) that our youth leader would say if we were doing something stupid was, “Oh we’re from [Another church name here].” And it was funny. And it’s funny to have some of the classifications that are humorous. Like, I know that Methodists like to eat. We’re expert potluckers.
But haven’t you ever caught yourself asking a fellow Christian what denomination they are, then judging them based on that fact?
“What do you believe in?”
“I’m a Christian.”
“Oh yeah, what kind?”
“Pentacostal.”
“Ohhh… That explains it…”
I’m in no way saying that I don’t do this too, but it just doesn’t seem right. “Christian” should be a good enough answer for all of us. Right?
Unfortunately, I see more damage coming from denominations than I do good things. But maybe I’m too close to the situation and my perspective is seriously skewed.
I work for a Baptist organization. I used to (we’re searching for a new home church) attend a Baptist church. From where I’m sitting, the Baptists are more concerned about “the Baptist way” than “the Jesus way”. And that’s where the damage begins.
When you vilify something or continue to narrow parameters Scripture condones because your denomination doesn’t…damage. But again, I could be skewed. Anyone? Anyone?
Hey Brian – I wasn’t aware calling myself non-denominational creating a denomination! Yikes! I merely meant I don’t care what everyone’s denominational bent is given we all love the same Scripturally revealed Jesus. I’m definitely intentional in saying I belong to the body of believer’s in Jesus around the world first, before I talk about what “church” I belong to (I made sure to put this in my “About” page. I have attended Baptist, Missionary Alliance, Pentecostal and some in between, so can say, there’s something wonderful in all. But, most importantly, it’s the phrase “sound exegetical Biblical teaching within the context of a real community of believers” that floats my boat.
Oh, I wanted to add, having been an overseas missionary in China and meeting house church pastors, no one has ever asked me what denomination I was from. Being a Christian was enough to welcome me into a warm handshake, leading into a reunion of spiritual brothers and sisters at the dining table, with some food, some Bible study, and wonderful fellowship. So, yes, saying we are Christians is plenty enough!
Found on a post by a friend on Facebook: Reggie McNeal: “North American church culture unfortunately now reflects the materialism and secularism of the modern era. Not only do we not need God to explain the universe, we don’t need God to operate the church… The culture does not want the powerless God of the modern church.”
Short answer…People are imperfect and given the opportunity will always try to shape things around their own likings and preferences.