Are Denominations Dead?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Wed, October 07, 2009
- Viewed 51
- (2) comments so far
Ed Stetzer doesn't think so: "Where some see age, decay, and obsolescence in denominations, many others actually find longevity, maturity, and wisdom."
That's just one of the quotes from an address captured over by Trevin Wax over at Kingdom People. (Hey Trevin... My son is named Trevin too... you're the only other Trevin I've ever heard of!)
In full disclosure (as Ed often says), Ed works for a denomination.
That said, he has some really interesting and point-on things to say about the future of denominations. He believes denominations are valuable tools for churches on mission. Denominations will persist into the future because churches on fire for the Great Commission find they have to cooperate. The kind of denominations we hope to see in the future are theologically orthodox, methodologically diverse, and in service to local churches.
Here are some quotes as captured by Trevin:
Whenever a church becomes institutionalized, there is a danger for that church to begin working hard at preserving its unique identity instead of being willing to sacrifice its identity for the sake of the lost.
Denominations that are effective for the kingdom of God unite in doctrine and diversify in methods.
Fifty years from now, what will historians write about us? That we were warrior children of the Conservative Resurgence, splintering into dozens of subgroups? Or that we were warriors for the Great Commission, spreading the gospel to the nations?
God’s mission never comes on a work-for-hire basis to a denomination.
A denomination is not just a place to get something; it is a place to give and serve.
You can read more here. And read more of Ed's stuff here...
What do you think?
Comments
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Ronnie on Wed, October 07, 2009
A denomination is not just a place to get something; it is a place to give and serve.
I like the above statement. First of all a denomination itself is like a church where we support one another and work together for a common purpose, that is to glorify God, our ultimate purpose. Many heads are better than few.
Secondly, it is a place to give and serve in a greater sense! Jesus promised of greater things we shall do, together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A denomination can do much more than just a few churches coming together.
Last but not least, there is this fast vanishing word called, “ACCOUNTABILITY” that still can be found in a denomination.
rbud on Thu, October 08, 2009
Stetzer seems very perceptive. Denominations can be a good thing. They provide a useful place for people to practice their faith in way that is most beneficial to them.
Denominations tend not to fulfull that role, however. Denominations tend to divide the flock, bent on heightening their own importance and uniqueness, insistent upon minute differences in theology or doctrine, which when the chips are down, count as nothing toward salvation. We need to spend more attention toward unifying the fellowship, instead of dividing the fellowship.
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