Why have denominations?

I though for sure I'd posted this...I've been using it on message boards for years. Joe Carter at the Evangelical Outpost has an entry criticizing the denomination quizzes, and for the most part, rightly so, since they are horribly inaccurate. But he seems to be criticizing them more for pushing the idea of denominations than for misunderstanding denominations.

There's a very good reason for denominations...

When choosing a denomination you have to keep in mind that theology is only one aspect of the differences between the various Christian denominations. Below are the main differences:

Organizational Structure
Some denominations are structured from the top down, with the local church under the authority of a regional group, which is in turn under the authority of a national group, which would then be under the authority of the main leadership. That's called a presbyterian style denomination.

Other denominations are structured from the bottom up with the local church having almost complete autonomy (the only limits being whether or not they are allowed to claim that they belong to the denomination), and the local church sends representatives to decide issues for the regional, national and main leadership. This is called a congregationalist type structure.

Then some churches have no part in any organization beyond the local church.


Worship Style
Some denominations practice a very liturgical, tradition worship that focuses on solemn reverence.

Some denominations practice a more relaxed but still traditional worship that incorporates moments of solemnity as well as measured celebratory praise.

Some denominations practice a very robust worship focusing mainly on expressive celebratory praise.

Mission Funding
Some denominations fund their missions work collectively. This is very efficient, but lacks the personal involvement of individual members and congregations

Some denominations fund their mission work through the individual churches. This tends to be inefficient, but offers a special relationship between the missionaries and the local congregation, and allows the local church to feel more a part of the mission work.

Theology
While this is obviously the most important, it also tends to be the easiest. Unfortunately it also is something some people fail to take as seriously as it should be taken. Find out what the denominations you are looking at teach, from their material as well as outside sources that list numerous denominations. The church you attend will be like the food you eat -- what's the best looking or tasting is not always the healthiest.

Also seriously consider that there comes a point when a Christian needs to move from being ministered to, to ministering. Coasting is never a virtue in following Jesus Christ.

Conclusion
The denominational identities and labels serve to identify these characteristics of individual congregations and therefore are an aid to worship, not an excuse for division. Those that claim that any denominational label is divisive (namely those who dubiously claim to be non-denominational) are themselves causing division by ignoring the variety of ways other Christian choose to worship, organize, support missions or believe.

Posted by Danny Carlton at June 21, 2005 10:43 AM