Bulletin Articles
NOT A DENOMINATION?
NOT A DENOMINATION?
One of the most difficult concepts to explain to people is the undenominational nature of the Lord’s church. When Christians say that “the church of Christ is not a denomination,” others will invariably ask, “What do you mean by that? You belong to one ‘church,’ and I belong to another ‘church.’ So, what’s the difference?” Would you consider with me some of the reasons why the church of Christ is not a denomination?
In order for us to appreciate the fact that the Lord’s church is not a denomination, one must first learn just what a denomination is! Then, we can show how the church of Christ does not possess any of those attributes. There are four attributes of a denomination, which are not present in the Lord’s church. They are: institutionalism, creedalism, hierarchism, and sectarianism. Don’t let those “big words” scare you. Instead, let’s examine these distinguishing characteristics, one at a time.
Institutionalism, or the “Historic Church” concept, sees the church as an individual’s link to God. In other words, the church is viewed as the means of salvation. This concept is downplayed by many today, but it has strong roots in Roman Catholicism. The Catholic Encyclopedia says, “only by entering the Church can we participate in the redemption wrought by Christ” (Vol. III, p.752). Further, “It is to the Church that Christ has committed those means of grace through which the gifts He earned for men are communicated to them. The Church alone dispenses the sacraments. It alone makes known the light of revealed truth. Outside the Church these gifts cannot be obtained.” The problem here should be obvious. This concept makes “the Church” our Savior, instead of Christ (cf. Ep.5:23). In truth, the church does not save, it IS the saved! JESUS is the Savior, and man’s only link to God (Jn.14:6; 1Tm.2:5)! That is one fundamental difference between a denomination and the church of Christ.
Creedalism is the concept of “legislative power” residing within “the church.” In other words, the church is seen as a lawmaking body. This explains why churches meet in synods and councils to “discuss” and “vote” on doctrinal matters for their church. What they “vote in” becomes embodied in their “creed” as the official doctrine of that church. Again, the problem here should be obvious. In the Bible, the church has NO legislative power! There is only “one Lawgiver,” and His name is Jesus! (Jm.4:12; cf. Mt.28:18; Col.3:17; 2Jn.9). The church of Christ is a submissive body, not a legislative body (Ep.5:24).
Hierarchism sees “the church” as a functioning organization made up of congregations. In fact, this is one of the definitions of the word “denomination” in Webster’s Dictionary. It says that a denomination is “a religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations.” In other words, local churches are tied together organizationally. This manifests itself in a variety of ways, such as Conventions, Synods, Councils, or Associations. This becomes a means of maintaining institutional control over the various congregations of that denomination, and of activating the “universal” church in an organized fashion. By contrast, the Bible reveals that each local church was an independent and autonomous body. Each church was organized alike (Ac.14:23); and the overseeing body of each church was limited in function to that “flock” ALONE (1Pt.5:1-3). Each church made its own decisions about how to carry out God’s will (Ac.6:1-6; 11:27-30; 1Cor.16:1-3). But the New Testament provides no authority for an organization of churches! Incidentally, this is why brethren get so upset when churches of Christ seek to “cooperate” as a collective body; for such results in the organizational essence of a denomination! In truth, local churches may only cooperate by acting concurrently (as opposed to collectively) toward a common end (e.g., 1Cor.16:1-3; 2Cor.11:8).
Sectarianism is the inevitable result of all the above. Basically, it is the solidifying of various “sects” (sections) of professed Christians on the basis of their doctrinal differences. According to Webster, denominationalism is “the emphasizing of denominational differences to the point of being narrowly exclusive; sectarianism.” Notice that, by definition, “denominationalism” IS “sectarianism.” Indeed, it is the very essence of denominationalism! A “sectarian” is a divisive man; he seeks to divide groups of believers into “sections.” Sectarianism is a sinful work of the flesh, that will cause one to be lost (Ga.5:19-21; Tit.3:10-11). The words, “heresies,” and “heretic,” in these passages denote this sectarian mentality. This concept is rank error, and is a key mark of distinction between the church of Christ and a denomination. Denominationalism EXCLUDES on the basis of human creeds; but the Lord’s church INCLUDES on the basis of Divine truth (Ac.2:38,41,47).
I’ve tried to briefly set forth that which distinguishes the church of Christ from a denomination. Of necessity, my comments are abbreviated. But hopefully, you have a better grasp of “where we’re coming from.” If you have further questions about this matter, please contact us.
--Lanny Smith
