Three Things Denominations Have in Common

Denominations exist because of differences. That is a simple fact.

Christian denominations survive and thrive because groups of Christians cannot agree on certain beliefs, practices, or both. Therefore, they separate into Christian sub-groups with names such as "Baptist," "Methodist," "Presbyterian," "Episcopal," "Lutheran," or even "Christian."

The differences leading these divisions are often over issues such as the meaning of the sacraments/ordinances, the composition of the church, and God's vs. man's role in salvation. A cursory look around the Christian landscape makes it clear that denominations aren't going away any time soon.

Despite these differences, Christian denominations do agree on at least three things. Regardless of the name Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, or even Roman Catholic, all primary denominations agree on the existence of the three following aspects of church life. All denominations not only support these practices but also encourage them.

The three areas of agreement:

1. Big Buildings

Almost all churches within the main denominations have large buildings in which they meet. These buildings obviously differ in size, shape, style, and expense, but they still remain large enough to hold far more people than most houses ever could.

These buildings also cost a great deal of money. Many local churches are far in debt because of their huge mortgages. Those who have paid off their edifices still have enormous utility bills and general maintenance costs.

For most churches, these buildings are where most of the "holy activities" occur on the "holy days."

2. Professional Clergy

Regardless of form of leadership and church polity, all denominations have salaried clergy who are viewed by most people in the churches as the experts. The experts at least lead if not make the important decisions. They also do the primary teaching/preaching.

All denominations expect certain things from these leaders/experts. They may have the title "pastor," "elder," or "priest," but they are still expected to perform activities - such as baptizing and leading the Lord's Supper - that the "laity" in the church normally don't perform.

3. Scripted Services

The primary gathering of the week within all major denominations is a scripted service largely led by the professional clergy in the big buildings. These gatherings may be referred to as a "Mass" or "Worship Service," but they are largely the same in style (if not in meaning).

A few people lead from a stage or platform. The activities are planned ahead in a specific sequence that varies little from week to week. The experts determine this order beforehand (which is often then written in a bulletin). The vast majority of the people have no input in what the activities will be. Most of the "laity's" activities involve singing songs led by a "worship leader," and "active listening" to the clergy deliver a prepared speech.

If you attend any denominational church this Sunday you will almost always experience the above three factors.

Here's a question: why would the denominations disagree on other issues, but at the same time agree on big buildings, professional clergy, and scripted services? I think I know the answer:

The divisions between the denominations are largely due to differences in biblical interpretation. Those in the denominations look at passages that discuss issues such as the Lord's Supper, baptism, the church, etc., and they see different things. These differences divide.

When it comes to big buildings, professional clergy, and scripted services, there is no biblical evidence. Therefore, there are no bible passages over which to divide. The bible says nothing about churches gathering in big buildings, churches being led by professional clergy, and church gatherings being scripted beforehand. Because of the complete lack of biblical evidence for these practices, there is nothing over which to argue. Instead, man-made traditions rule the day. All denominations fall in line accepting these.

I find it both fascinating and troubling that denominations, whose existence is based on disagreement, actually agree on three things that are so unbiblical. Frankly, I shouldn't be that surprised because denominations themselves are unbiblical.

Instead of falling prey to these man-constructed ideas, let's follow scripture. And what does the scripture show us?

I'll not address the three areas of denominational agreement here because I've done so elsewhere. Instead, let me simply point out that Christ desired unity among His church. This is undeniable. And nowhere did Jesus imply that His followers would "be united in spirit, but not in church membership." That's just rationalization.

Denominations are not of God. Instead, they divide His church.

Let us be united and look to the scriptures to inform our decision-making.