Dr Russell Moore (one of the leading men at Southern Theological Seminary) has an article at the Wall Street Journal today entitled, Where Have All the Presbyterians Gone? Nondenominational churches are the fastest growing in the country.
One of his comments is striking:
The evangelical “Veggie Tales” cartoons—animated Bible stories featuring talking cucumbers and tomatoes—probably shape more children in their view of scripture than any denominational catechism does these days.
The gist of his conclusion is this:
If denominationalism simply denotes a “brand” vying for market share, then let denominationalism fall. But many of us believe denominations can represent fidelity to living traditions of local congregations that care about what Jesus cared about—personal conversion, discipleship, mission and community. Perhaps the denominational era has just begun.
The Breadline 
Good Post! I hope you’re not making any plans on becoming a mega-church! :)
Or are you hinting at a petition to the SB Convention? Let’s see…”Clifton Park Community Baptist Church”? Just joking haha
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Hey Dwight – Thanks for thinking of us! I found Dr Moore’s observations to be pretty keen, but, no, I’m not making any plans to join a denomination in the near future… We do have to combat the “tide of culture” which often tries to sweep away sound structures….
pdb
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Isn’t “denominations” just another way of saying sects ? Aren’t there different denominations because each has their own subtle differences in their traditions and what they believe and how they worship Almighty God ? I’m kind of confused..didn’t Jesus as well as the first century Christian evangelizers preach oneness of faith with no divisions.
(Ephesians 4:1-6) 4 I, therefore, the prisoner in [the] Lord, entreat YOU to walk worthily of the calling with which YOU were called, 2 with complete lowliness of mind and mildness, with long-suffering, putting up with one another in love, 3 earnestly endeavoring to observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace. 4 One body there is, and one spirit, even as YOU were called in the one hope to which YOU were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all [persons], who is over all and through all and in all.
And also here at
(1 Corinthians 1:10) 10 Now I exhort YOU, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that YOU should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.. . .
Isn’t it true that this line of inspired word should be used in all instances where some have a differing opinion or belief than that which was taught by Jesus ?
(Romans 16:17) Now I exhort YOU, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that YOU have learned, and avoid them.
Are the different denominations of Christendom the very divisions and sects referred to in the scriptures ?
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Hello Zen,
While Christians are called to unity in their local places of fellowship, there are many valid reasons for the existence of distinct local churches, as well as for distinct denominations within biblical Christianity.
If you read the whole article, I think you will see the author’s desire for greater connectedness and community (in order to preserve sound doctrine) among believers.
pdb
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