What is denominationalism? For many people it is very much an unfamiliar term, and yet many of the same people can readily cite names of various church affiliations for which the word categorizes. The collective membership of these churches is vast and growing, contributing to a high visibility in neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the nation and throughout the world. Denominationalism is generally associated with the Christian faith, but a search through the scriptures would reveal nothing to support the word’s use; for there are no references that would indicate that any biblical figure ever subscribed to a particular denomination. For instance, there is no evidence to suggest that within the Jewish culture Moses was a Presbyterian, or that Mary was Lutheran, or Peter was Methodist, or even that Paul was Foursquare. Sure, someone could attempt to make the case that John was Baptist. However, I submit that the reference 'the Baptist' had more to do with the fact that he baptized people, rather than him being a member of a neighborhood congregation. 

So what is denominationalism? A denomination is a splinter group or faction of Christian churches that share the same spiritual pedigree, and distinguishes itself by its mutually accepted, liturgical beliefs and ritual observances (teachings and practices). A group of such factions gives you denominationalism, relatives within the same faith-based family. For example, you and your siblings are of the same family and share its historical roots. You are subjected to the same rules and guidelines set forth by your parent(s), yet each of you has distinctly different names, physical features, and personalities. In spite of your differences it is the commonality of origin and relationship that defines you as a family. In addition, you are related by blood. Likewise, this is true of the separate denominations that give us denominationalism; which, by the way, are also related by blood, the blood of Jesus Christ! Due to this fact that denominational worship is not referenced in scripture, some legalistic minds try to marginalize, challenge, and even discredit denominationalism legitimacy; and yet many of these same people, themselves, adhere to some form of ritual practice and liturgy in their own church that is not supported in scripture. Those that are quick to discount the legitimacy of denominationalism’s viability as an instrument of God’s truth solely on the basis that it is not mentioned in scripture, or on the basis that the churches comprising it has adopted a different way to communicate God’s truth, should refer to Romans 12:4-5. The apostle Paul wrote: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the other.” That word ‘function’ could also be interpreted as purpose, use, and even personality! In the following paragraphs I will share three snapshots from different angles of our family members that serve God through denominationalism.

Oftentimes I get many of my best ideas in the shower. Somehow, for me, it is conducive for creative thoughts and deep reflections. On one particular morning, as I was in my “zone”, I had an epiphany as I pondered over ideas for use in the writing on this topic. I began to reason how characteristically similar denominationalism is to a fraction. A fraction is an equation that is made up of two components, a numerator and a denominator. While the numerator, essentially, indicate parts of a whole, the denominator is the sum whole of something by which various numerators agree and takes part. In short, they share a commonality. Likewise, denominationalism is comprised of various numerators or, as we refer to them, denominations; which, although each differs in their liturgical adherences, subscribe to the same principles and inspired teachings of one author. Just as with the characteristic of a numerator in a fraction, so it is in Jesus, our Lord and Savior, which denominations agree and ARE a part.

But denominationalism can also be compared to the ice cream industry. Throughout the country and, indeed, around the world you can find this favorite creamy, frozen treat. From country to country and language to language it is known by different names, marketed under many different companies; and yet it adheres to the same basic recipe and is categorized under the same English subject heading, ice cream. And whether it is purchased in venues such as grocery stores, frozen treat parlors, amusement parks, or restaurants—to name a few—it is still ice cream. To increase their market shares, the industry created numerous flavors—distinguishable by their individualized special additives—to appeal to various groups of people with preferred taste. The flavors are often referred to by absurdly goofy and gimmicky names. Yet despite the flavor or its name, it is STILL ice cream! Likewise, there are countless numbers of different churches around the world that identify themselves as being Christian, but they are affiliated with various sects known as denominations. While these different denominations may, to some, give the false impression of doctrinal discrepancy or worst yet, hypocrisy, it is suggested that they exist simply because of people’s desire and preference for a particular kind of worship experience. The flavor of worship (denomination) attempts to do for its members as the many different bibles attempt to do for its readers. It’s a matter of taste and a mater of clarity! It is about a desired means of expression that enables a better view of our Lord and Savior that encourages a relationship with Him. And as is the case of ice cream, Christianity holds to the same simple, incomparable, time tested, basic recipe, regardless of the flavor of worship! 

Perhaps my most favorite illustration of denominationalism is to compare it to a symphony orchestra. A symphony orchestra is generally comprised of approximately a minimum of one hundred members strong. They differ in age, gender, race, and in nationality; and each are divided among four sections. These sections are woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. The instrument of each member determines his section. Many of these instruments are as funny looking as they are named, and each one presents its own distinctive sound. In front of each member is positioned a music stand with select pieces of music that will be performed. However, the musical arrangement for each differs from section to section. The notations have been specifically written for certain instruments and appear on different ranges of the scale for the purpose of producing a certain quality of sound, or creating a particular mood and/or movement within a musical composition. Before the performance commences, the orchestra will generally engage in a pre-performance warm-up that is similar to a singer warming up his vocal chords. But instead of a wonderful sound, this exercise by this sea of instruments oftentimes results in an air of loud unpleasantries. Screeches, chirping, blast, shrills, sour and in descript sounds resonates and reverberates all over the music hall! With clenched teeth and hairs on the back of the neck standing straight as soldiers at attention, you wonder if and how anything good could come from all of this         NOISE!

Then moments later a figure enters the stage. The audience quickly recognizes him as the maestro or conductor. There is an uproarious applause as he crosses to a podium at center stage and positions himself behind a music stand, facing the orchestra. Not visible to the orchestra and lying on the stand before him is the complete score for the symphony, including all of the various parts for the different sections of instruments. He unveils a long white baton that he taps loudly on the edge of the podium. Suddenly all of the noise and applause ceases. As he peers over the orchestra, he can see he has each of the members’ attention. With a gloved hand he slowly raises the baton over his head, as the members position themselves and their instruments expectantly. With one swift downward move of his baton the orchestra bursts into life, but now with the most beautiful tones! As he continues to gesture with his baton and hand, the orchestra carefully follows his lead as he skillfully uses their talents to interpret the drama through a variety of sounds. Occasionally he motions to a particular section with his baton or hand when they are to play a certain part that is accented in the musical piece. To think, just moments before the sounds produced by this same group were very uncomplimentary; in fact, they were offensive to the ears! So what was it that transformed these divided sections into this orchestra? Was it the tapping sound of the baton against the music stand? It certainly put an end to the noise and got the attention of the members of the orchestra. Or was it the baton itself? From the moment it was raised and throughout the musical piece, all of the members’ eyes were completely focused on it. OR, was it the presence of the figure wielding the baton? I believe it was the latter two. The baton, although it is the extension of his will that captured and held their attention, it in of itself is only an instrument, a symbol that is only relevant because it reflects the measure of the man holding it. For it is the measure of the one holding the baton that gives the baton its relevancy!

God has a symphony orchestra. He formed it from his heart of heart and designed it for His glory and His pleasure. It is comprised of millions of members strong and it too differs in age, gender, race, and nationality. Likewise they are divided among various sections, each having its own distinctive sound and bearing such unusual names as: Lutheran, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Foursquare, and many others! Within each section, every member’s an instrument with usable abilities, skill, and talents that can be used for furthering His kingdom. The deciding factor used in determining which section a member performs in is solely one of individual preference, and there is no section that is of lesser or greater importance to Him.  In this orchestra, members perform by the dictates of one inspired arrangement. It is called the Holy Bible. World renowned composer, the Holy Spirit, in a collaborative effort, helped composed this majestic masterpiece! The distinctive character of each section provides a panoramic flavor of the same love song. Undertaking the huge task of conducting this mass orchestra is none other than Jesus Christ, who entered onto the world’s stage amidst sinful humanity to orchestrate mankind’s attention back toward God. In the truest sense, Jesus willingly made Himself a baton for the hand of God; who did lift Him up for all sections, for all time to see! Today, two thousand plus years later, Jesus is still the reigning maestro of our faith, commanding the orchestra of God; and when all eyes are stayed on Him and His directions are adhered to, it produces a wondrous sound that is pleasing to God!

But, however, too often the fellowships that make up God’s church is more attentive of the minor denominational differences between them such as: the method by which baptism is conducted; that some believe in speaking in tongues; the absence or presence of musical instruments in worship services, and if so which ones; whether it is acceptable for women to wear pants, especially in church; and which Sabbath day is truly Holy and should be worshiped—to name a few. This is not to suggest that there could not be a legitimate basis for debate on these issues, but that in the larger scheme of things it is of little importance! Rather than the church entertaining the differences in regards to ritualistic practices, greater emphasis should be given to what is taught and believed. I do not wish to belabor the symphony orchestra analogy, but truthfully we, as a body of Christ, could learn much from observing how it is able to perform harmoniously as one; even though it is comprised of so many different sounding instruments that are playing different notes. What is more important, a denomination that follows Christ and adheres to his word, yet whose choice of worship practices does not compromise or breach the integrity of the faith; or one that consciously or unconsciously edits and compromises the sanctity of God’s word, and supports and condones those things that are contrary to His will?

In the final analysis, it isn’t our differences that define us but our oneness in Jesus Christ! We are His family and as such we should all strive together to show the world that we bear a strong resemblance to one another, but especially to Him whose name we bear. Simply stated, to use a sport’s analogy, we may wear different jerseys and play different positions, but we are on the same team, performing for the same coach, and following the same playbook!