Why Be Part of a Denomination? - Part One

It is common for churches today to be non-denominational, sort of like religious free agents without ties to any particular team. There are many reasons a church may choose not to be part of denomination, but often it is either because they do not want to be controlled by some outside group or it is because they want people from a wide variety of denominations to feel comfortable attending their church. Both of these concerns are valid. However, being non-denominational is not the only avenue available in these situations. Such an approach has many disadvantages.

While non-aligned churches may do well under the leadership of energetic and charismatic pastors, what happens when they experience times of difficulties? Difficulties will come. It is not a matter of “if” but “when.” Difficulties may come after their popular pastors are no longer with leading them. It may be a serious problem with a building, a staff member or some internal church conflict, but trouble will eventually find its way to all churches because that is just a reality of fallen world we live in.

When churches that are part of a denomination experience trouble, they have a built in support system to help them. While some denominations are better at helping than others, all offer some level of assistance to churches going through transition. Unaffiliated churches do not have that support structure. As a result, they often struggle more than needed. Some do not survive the transition. Though every denomination has its strengths and weaknesses, there is something valuable about being part of a group that offers guidance and assistance.

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Terry Dorsett has been a church planter and author in New England for more than 20 years. He is a happy husband, a proud father and adoring grandfather. He is a cancer survivor and believes that God works powerfully through times of suffering. Find all of his books at:
http://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Terry-W.-Dorsett/e/B00405U4NY