Denominations

The the apostles and elders with the whole church decided .... 

Acts 15: 22

Denominations seem to me to be a necessary evil. Too often they create separation between believers where there should be unity. Too often they quench the Spirit by resisting the bold vision of Christ, rather than holding high the cause of Christ for all to see and follow. Too often their decisions are about control rather than empowerment of people and churches. 

That is why para-church organizations can be so useful. Free from the controls and restrictions of church orders and administrative controls, they can empower people to boldly pursue Christ's mission. 

Yet, we stand on very shaky ground when we take a solely negative stance towards the denomination, because the problems we see there are the very same problems found in every church, and the very same problems found in every human heart. Our denominations will only be more godly than they are, when we are more godly then we are.

The challenge is that I might have a clearer view of Christ's vision, and be so taken by this, that I will be prepared to take positive steps to obey my Lord.