Three Reasons to Reject Denominationalism

The prevailing mindset among religious people in this country is that one church is just as good as another, so "join the church of your choice." I cannot be too critical of this mindset because I once shared these sentiments and for years supported the works and activities of a variety of different denominations. I've been there. I know the feeling.

And yet in this brief article, I'd like to glean from one simple text three reasons as to why we all ought to reject the notion that denominationalism is acceptable to God.

The text is John 17:20-21...

"I do not pray for these alone [the apostles], but also for those who will believe in Me through their word [that's all of us]; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

Why should we reject denominationalism based on this text? Three reasons...

1. We should reject denominationalism and refuse to partake in it because we want to be like Christ. In this beautiful prayer in John 17, Jesus' relationship with the Father is given as a model for Christian unity. Just as Jesus is "one" with the Father, so also are we instructed to be "one" with one another. The fact is, we cannot embrace denominationalism and simultaneously be like Christ. Christ is all about perfect unity. Not just some semblance of unity, but perfect unity. Do Jesus and the Father have different views on worship, salvation and eternal life? Of course not! They have one spirit and one mind, and if we want to be like Christ, we will pursue this same unity with others who call on the name of Christ.
2. We should also reject denominationalism because we want to glorify Christ. If Jesus prayed for unity, then all those who truly wish to glorify Him will strive for religious unity, not religious division. When we refuse to let go of denominationalism, we are choosing ourselves, our families, and/or our society's traditions over the will and plan of Christ!
3. Finally, we should reject denominationalism because we want to lead more sinners to Christ. In the text above, Jesus makes the point that when the disciples are "one," the world will consequently believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be. In other words, Christian unity - true, perfect unity based on the common standard of God's word (John 17:17; 1 Cor. 1:10) - will bring others to Christ. Conversely, when Christians are divided and disjointed, fewer people will believe. Many today see Christianity as a joke for this reason.

I know that denominationalism is often equated with Christianity in our culture. I know that there are a lot of "good people" in denominational churches (click here to listen to a sermon I preached on human "goodness"). I know that in your mind, you're probably still thinking that God cannot possibly be displeased with any of the major denominations. I get it. I do. 

But it's clear based on Jesus' prayer in John 17 that denominationalism was never a part of God's plan. Therefore, if you want to be like Christ, glorify Christ, and lead others to Christ, you have to turn away from what man has created over the millennia and get back to the simplicity of Christ's plan as found in the New Testament.

If you have any questions, shoot me a message. I'd love to chat with you!