Denominations have a bad rap today. Maybe it has been earned over time through bad press, poor corporate choices and missional drift. But I don't think I'd join a "non-denominational" or "independent" church and here's why:
1. An independent church has less financial accountability. It is not always the case, but often an independent church simply does not have the checks and balances that a denominational church requires of each local church. Is there accountability to the treasurer and/or pastor? Is there an audit of the books? Are there stringent policies in place to make sure that finances are handled appropriately and with integrity? These are important issues.
2. A denominational church has more theological accountability. While it may sound appealing at first to be open to what everyone believes, it does not ultimately play out well. Our theology drives our practice and methodology if taken seriously. When it is not clear what a church believes, discipleship and mission suffer. Open ended theology results in the lowest common denominator which produces shallow disciples who are not engaged in understanding biblical truth. The theological framework of a denomination also holds preachers, teachers, and leaders accountable to orthodox theology and rejecting aberrant teachings that an individual pastor might introduce to the congregation.
3. An independent church has less moral accountability. Who is overseeing the pastor and the leadership of the church? While moral failings are certainly not exclusive to non-denominational churches, an avenue of reporting wrong behaviors, addressing moral failures, and working through them is typically clearer and more accessible within a denomination. History is replete with examples of church leaders who significantly compromised their biblical ability to lead in the body of Christ through immorality. We ought always to be concerned with leaders who refuse to be accountable to the body. While we should be able to trust Christians, trust and accountability are not mutually exclusive.
4. A denominational church often has more clarity about its polity. How does one become a leader? How is one ordained? How is conflict resolved? Who has authority in different areas and ministries within the church? How are major financial decisions made? Who has authority over the day to day administration of the church? These are all important questions that are not often asked by the average church attendance. A clear and consistent way to choose leadership, operate church ministries, and manage church assets is essential to prevent manipulation of people and abuse of authority. I am part of a denomination that has processes laid out about how we make decisions as a church for the sake of unity and missional fruifulness.
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5. Independant churches are often built around the personality of the pastor. While we should be grateful for significant leaders who have talents and gifts they are using for the kingdom, we must remember that the Kingdom of God has a foundation: Jesus. Certainly pastors are worthy of a double honor according to the Bible, but they should never be the object of our worship and devotion. The crowds are looking for a "celebrity" they can follow. Pastors need to point people to the Son of God.
6. Denominational churches typically spend more money on missional efforts beyond their local community. While denominational churches often complain about the "budgets" or "allotments", these funds are working toward a greater and broader ministry impact. The great commission involves our local community work, but also compels us to minister to the "ends of the earth." Churches that are "independent" often focus more on local mission than global mission.
7. A non-denominational church is actually a denomination of one church. Local churches in a denomination are simply working together with other churches, often internationally, to accomplish the work of the Kingdom of God. Small churches that might not be able to fund missional work around the world or support a missionary by themselves can pool their resources in a denomination for greater impact. An "independent" church is really only a very small denomination consisting of one church.
While there are no doubt some advantages to being part of a non-denominational church, I believe the disadvantages far outweigh the positives. What do you think?
What are some advantages of being an "independent" church? What are some advantages of being part of a denomination?
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