Which denominations (I)? The “reality” I live in… Part 5

Ask many Christians which is the right denomination, you will often hear “Mine!” And since this claim is widespread, and there are between 30,000 and 40,000 registered Christian denominations, it is no no wonder the World is skeptical! But it is no solution to become anti-denominational as some have, quoting Paul’s condemnation of those who say “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas” … (1 Corinthians 1:12). In fact, I know of those who have gathered under this banner saying “We will not take any name.” And in doing they are in grave danger of becoming a “no-name” denomination, in the same way we have “no name” products in the supermarket! I mean “no name” products are still products!

So let’s say it up front, there is no such thing as a perfect church or denomination. If you find one come and tell me, we will join, and it will no longer be perfect because you and I are there! There are no perfect churches, because there are no perfect people. As in Corinth it is inevitable that we will relate better to some leaders, or to this or that denomination. But what Paul is condemning in this passage, and this is what the “no -name” denominations seem to be missing, is the pride that allows these things to bring division (verse 10). We are to be eager to preserve the unity and the reconciliation that Christ purchased for us on the Cross (Ephesians 4:3; 2:14-16). But how can we preserve the unity with those who are wrong?

Well let me say first, that it is important to acknowledge that not everything that calls itself Christian is Christian. I have even heard of Church leaders who do not believe in God! So there has to be some basis for unity, after all “What fellowship has light with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14)? I have found that Parachurch organizations (Christian faith-based organizations that work outside and across denominations to engage in social welfare and evangelism) useful in this regard. Necessarily the needed statements of faith that come out of such organizations have been forged within the furnace of interdenominational dialogue. Consequently they have sorted out a set of nonnegotiable essentials from denominational distinctives and/or preferences. The remarkable agreement among the the statements of faith of these organizations InterVarsity and Operation Mobilization for example, gives testimony to the success of this endeavour.

Father, thank You that You have already broken down every dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14-16). It is sobering Lord that You have given the World permission to judge that we are Christians by our love for one another, and this has to be across denominational lines as well as within local fellowships. We need Your help Lord and Your mercy and forgiveness. Thank You that You have promised to build Your Church, and that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:8) in Jesus Name Amen