Denominations

Its hard to imagine "The Church" with out thinking, what kind of church ? Do they believe this way or do they do things like that ? Are they high church or contemporary? No one can remember a time or really get a true sense of what it was like without the presence of denominations .

When people start talking about their church they go to they mention Church of Christ , Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Non- Denominational , Assemblies of God , or the countless others that are out there. It comes loaded with what that person has heard , saw someone else experience or heard of some pop or rock star who is far away from any resemblance of morality whose dad was a preacher of that denomination.

Then the debate comes up if denominations are good or bad? Some say they are good cause everyone is different . Some say they are bad cause they divide what is not meant to be divided. It does not really matter, because we have to wrestle with them.

A funny irony is when someone wants to unite the church and remove denominations from the equation. They then run off and usually create a denomination. Then have some type of rules or expression that makes sure you know they are not a denomination.

So how do we deal with denominations ? And what do you if you are looking for a church but you have grown up only one type of denomination ? Well I have come up with principles that I live by and that have shaped my church experiences when I have had to transition from one place to the other .

1. Do they believe the basics ? -Jesus died and was resurrected. That because of Jesus's death sin is removed and the gap that separated us from God is no longer there when we confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Do they believe in Water Baptism?Communion at least once a month or every week if your lucky? Do they believe that the Holy Spirit is alive and active? Do they believe that they are meant to do Gods work where they are planted and out in the world ?

2. Worship- This is where the debate gets difficult but I have thought about it and people need to learn something. Worship flows out of the heart and if your heart is criticizing...... Maybe its not the drums are too load or the girl singing is pushing her note way to high and is way out of key. It should not matter (do not worry I have to let go of theses things too) what type of worship. A lot of times people want an emotional experience from the band and atmosphere and yes you can ! But can you have that same experience in the complete quiet with just your thoughts and God? Is their a communal and flowing of worship and Love from your heart?

Sometimes you must let go of your ideals of what you think a good worship service is and be more flexible. Examine your self and see if worship is flowing out of the heart. If so you can learn to be in any time of environment or style of church service and be able to come face to face with a Powerful and Loving God. Just get out of the way and let God be in control.


3. Leadership- Follow the leadership. This is always the hardest cause our current generations, including me, have a very tough time following leadership. We are skeptics. We want to look for reasons to rebel or why we should not humble our selves and follow them. I am not saying be blind to corruption or true heresy ( not your opinion but true anti biblical teachings). If you have true God given grounds , then go talk to them about it face to face, or even if you just want clarification or discussion. Do not start a revolt or just leave.But follow their lead and do what they say. But do not get caught up in what type of hierarchies or boards or deacons or elders etc. Is there Godly leadership? That is trying to live out the Gospel ? Then follow and get to know them , you may see their heart.

4. Fruit - This is the final and most important point .Matthew 7:16-20 talks about bearing good fruit and by that you will recognize them. Are they doing Kingdom work ? Taking care of orphans and widows ? Not rejecting anyone and loving sinners. You will reconize Gods workings by the fruit that anything is bearing.

Those are things that I believe if you can get a good understanding you can fit it most protestant denominations. Cause a lot of times what you grew up as is not where you end up for whatever reason. Also we must work together as one Church body to reach this world. In spirit and in truth, even if it makes you uncomfortable.