what is good about denominations?
Article Series - The Unity of the Church
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In relation to the discussion on Christian unity, here is an interesting series [that is still in progress] from well-known blogger and Presbyterian pastor Mark D. Roberts blog called: What’s good about denominations?
I’m not endorsing Roberts [although I'm close; he is pretty right on theologically], I still need to sift through my thoughts. But I thought this was interesting none the less.
Here is an interesting quote from the second entry in his series, entitled: What is a denomination?
So then, what is a denomination? Well, it is surely an organization of churches that have come together for some common purpose, and who have agreed (in principle, at least) to be governed by common rules, and who intend to be committed to each other over a long period of time. I think it’s essential for a healthy denomination to share core theological beliefs, a common sense of mission, and mutual accountability. It seems to me, however, that many mainstream denominations, not the least my own, have replaced these essentials with a minimal, common history. We are like a family that is bound together by common roots even though we can’t live together in harmony because we have so many profound differences and disagreements.
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Comments
roberts is just talking about what denominations in and of themselves have decided to do.
i’m pretty sure he would say that this principle is not found in the Bible. he’s just saying that it is typically a [putting words into his mouth] ‘extra-Biblical’ disctinctive of denominations.
First Corinthians actually implies that this mutual commitment should be for a long period of time, forever, in fact. You don’t get the idea that Paul envisions a Christian community as being mutually committed only for a while. The exception would be if a person must be excluded from the community because of unrepentant sin, as in 1 Cor 5. Peace.
Mark,
I must have not been clear in talking about 1st Corinthians. I meant to echo the same sentiment that you are talking about. The division of christianity is something that concerns me greatly, but I don’t really know how to go about doing anything about it.
In some ways, I do like denominations and in some ways I do not. I like them because they do unite certain beliefs and people together (just like Mark says). I like them because of the connectivinty between churches. If a denominational preacher needs to relocate another part of the country the leadership of the denomination can easily assit both churches (old and new) and the minister. There are some really great things about having denominations.
But I think that they also create some negative problems too. In witnessing or evangelizing to others, on of the biggest hurdles for many is how the one Heavenly church as fought and split over some many silly things.
2)Talking too many people, they say, “Oh, i go to the catholic , baptist, and methodist churches. People today have lost the desire for truth and knowledge (which I like), but they have also lost the loyalty of having a church to keep you accountable and to build you up. hebrews 10:23-25.
3)The older generation still has strong feels against many groups. In my particular church, the older people still have really strong feelings against the catholic church. forgiveness and love can be hard concepts for people.
4) Having denomniations makes discipline a pain in the butt. I confront a christian who is sinning and ask them to repent, they don’t, so then after many tried and failed attempts we ask them to leave until they can repent of the sin. So the person decides to go to the church down the street. The person can attend that church without anyone knowing their sin and can hide until the sin is found. then it is just a matter of finding another church. I have seen many people who average one new church every year! casey
A friend of mine was saying the other night that the worst thing about denominationalism is that it groups together all of the feet into a body, all of the hands into a body, and so on and so forth. The effect of this are denominations that are unbalanced from a 1st Corinthians perspective.
I think that is an unbiblical mandate. First Corinthians calls all christians to be united together in one mind and one spirit.