Theology Blog

I have had the opportunity to have some interesting conversations about denominations lately. I did not grow up in a church or the church at all. I also come from a generation (and those after my generation) that do not necessarily believe in or care much about denominations. Mainline denominations are shrinking while non-denominational churches are not shrinking as much. So, what do we make of denominations.

Denominations struggle (and the culture struggles with them) when the institution becomes too important or when the denomination becomes too focused on hierarchy and systems. I have the gift of being part of the LCMC which does not have some of these issues. We must first be Christians, followers of Jesus and then second our denomination. Ultimately denominations are our theological homes, recognizing that we must be about the movement of Christ, we must realize that we do not have it perfectly right and we must remember what our purpose is. Denominations as they function now in the US may not survive the next 100 years, but if we get back to the movement and focus on what we are truly about, we may not only survive but renew. Denominations are a gift, lets be sure to be a part of making them all they can be instead of running to the nearest or best non-denominational church that does not have the history, developed theology, or beauty that denominations can offer.