Why Denominations Don’t Work
April 22, 2008 by Jonathan Brink
Blue Like Elvis has this great quote from a guy I don’t know. But I like it.
“If we act like a denomination, we become irrelevant.” BGCT Executive Director, Randel Everett
At the heart of mission is restoration of relationship. And by default, denominations create barriers to relationship. Our role is to become so distinct in reflecting His love that we draw people in, not draw lines that keep them out. To be restorative is to tear down those barriers that keep us from relating to people.
And the natural argument is to want to counter with, “but how will we know what we believe?” And this I believe was the trick the enemy loves to pull on us. Jesus didn’t focus on theology in the abstract sense. He didn’t focus on the subtle esoteric nuances of belief. We either did or we didn’t. And those that didn’t He let walk away. He didn’t focus on how we believe. He focused on how we loved.
Perfect theology is to love, as expressed in his two greatest commandments.
Related Post: Help - What Denomination Was Jesus?
It’s too bad more people don’t think like you. So many Christians have such petty hangups over what seem to be such little things. Did you get wet right? Did you pray a prayer the right way? Do you go to church on the right day? Do you worship with the right kind of music?
And then there’s the bigger things…
Do you accept everyone as they are, or are you exclusive? Do you accept gays and lesbians? Transpeople? Do you cast the first stone or do you wait for someone else to go first… Of course, my sin is never as bad as your sin >grin<
It seems to me many people are more interested in being right than in doing what’s right. And doing what’s right seems so obscure at times, but to me it’s exactly what Jesus taught and what you mentioned… Love God with all your heart and love those around you as you love yourself.
I think if we all focused on loving God and those around us, we’d forget all about the things that set us apart from each other.