On the Benefit and Value of Denominations

Last week (June 12-13, 2018), we all watched with bated breath as denominational leaders and messengers from local churches across the nation met in Dallas, TX for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. To be quite honest, the weeks and months leading up to this year’s annual meeting were trying to say the least. We watched in horror and sadness as several of our top leaders resigned or were removed from their positions due to moral failings. We endured divisiveness and contention in social media outlets as various groups argued over their particular theological and ministerial soap boxes. And we questioned how, or maybe even if, it would possible for our beloved denomination to move forward in its primary purpose, i.e. the proclamation of the Gospel.

Now, looking back, we must say that there is great cause for hope for the future of the Southern Baptist Convention. Many good things were both said and done by our delegates in Dallas, and it seems, in hindsight, that Godly wisdom prevailed. Oh sure, there were some vocal minorities who continued to clamor for their particular pet agenda, but for the most part the Gospel was prioritized, Christian love and unity was maximized, and our churches were energized. However, this raises another question, namely, what is the benefit, the value, of denominational entities? Are they still useful and beneficial for the cause of Christ, or are they more like distractions that divide the body of Christ?

It is no secret that most of the mainline denominations in our country are on the decline, and, over the past 20 years or so, we have seen the exponential proliferation of “non-denominational” churches across the Christian landscape. Some groups even refer to themselves as “pre-denominational” as if they have thrown off the baggage of denominationalism and gone back to the nobler and more biblical way of being and doing church. Still others point to the numerous theological, ministerial, and organizational differences that separate and divide Christians from one another. “Can’t we all just get along?” seems to be the sentiment of the day. After all, didn’t Jesus and the New Testament authors teach us that our unity and love for one another is a primary means by which we display and proclaim the truth of the Gospel?

Living and ministering in the Bible Belt, I am uniquely sensitive to these critiques. Growing up, denominational divisions were like hard lines drawn in the sand which could never be crossed. There seemed to be constant argument over various denominational distinctives. So, it would be very easy for me to succumb to the temptation of believing that denominations are ultimately ploys of the enemy meant to divide us. However, I do believe that denominations are still good and useful in the body of Christ, so in what follows, I want to provide just a few reasons why I believe that denominations are still beneficial and valuable.

First, denominations allow us to embrace our cultural, theological, and ministerial distinctives. There is great diversity within the body of Christ when it comes to how we express and practice our faith in Christ. This diversity is a good thing, because it helps us to realize that the Gospel transcends the particularities of time and place. The simple fact of the matter is that no one person, group, or tradition can claim to have an exhaustive and complete knowledge of God’s word, God’s will, or God’s ways. Differences in belief and practice among Christian denominations are vivid indications that people and churches are grappling with the inspired Word and how God has revealed Himself to us through that Word by His Spirit. So, distinctives should be embraced, cherished, and held dear by those who have done the hard work of studying to show themselves approved.

Secondly, and this follows on the first,  denominations force us to listen to, learn from, and love those with whom we differ on the non-essential facets of belief and practice. An oft quoted but wrongly attributed quotation expresses this thought succinctly, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”  There are certainly beliefs and practices that are essential to the Christian faith. These essentials define Christian orthodoxy, and any person, group, or church calling themselves Christian must adhere to these essentials.  These are most clearly defined in the classic creeds of the church. However, beyond these first order essentials, there is room for discussion, or even passionate debate, all the while grounded in humility and Christian love for one another. There is a great many things Christian denominations can learn from each other, or as Proverbs 27.17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Or we might say, “one denomination sharpens another.”

Finally, denominations allow people and churches of like minded belief and practice to pool their resources for the church’s primary mission, namely, the advancement of the kingdom. This is one hallmark of the Southern Baptist Convention that stands out in particular distinction among the many denominational bodies that speckle the Christian landscape. Southern Baptist churches across the country designate a portion of their undesignated receipts to the Cooperative Program, and through this Cooperative Program, the Southern Baptist Convention funds its six seminaries, the International and North American Mission Boards, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Lifeway, and Guidestone. Through this Cooperative Program, smaller churches with limited financial resources are able to join with churches across the nation in a participation that advances the global cause of Christ.

Ultimately, as good and beneficial as denominational bodies are, we must remember that

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)

We are all part of the body of Christ, and as a part of that body, we all have our part to play in the advancement of the Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, let us embrace our unique theological and ecclesiological distinctives, even as we join together for to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.