Ministry News

Is Denominational Loyalty a Thing of the Past?

Details: Thursday, 13 August 2009 19:06

QUOTE: "Denominations are not necessarily a bad thing. [They are] a way to categorize our belief system. But today, I do find people are not nearly as loyal to the brand of their denomination as much as they are to their commitment to Christ. … It's coming from two sides. Those who are in denominations cannot take parishioners for granted. They have to work hard to see that those people's needs are met. Those that are not a part of big denominations are no longer exempt from an opportunity to be heard and considered as a major place of worship. But it's a new day in other ways and churches have to adapt. One of the things I'm noticing today is people watching ministry over the Internet, participating in services from home. Who would have thought that technology would allow you to have an audience at home as large as the audience in the pews?" —T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas, who this week returned to his ministerial roots in Charleston, W.V., for the largest conference ever held in his hometown [AP, 8/12/09]

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Comments

0 #5 Adelo M 2009-08-18 03:47

These days it seems fashionable to criticize denominations. While I find some legitimacy in what is said. I have a few questions about those who criticize. Why is it that the most popular ministers who call question to loyalty to denominations, have started their own organizations that resemble denominations, under the guise of covering and mentoring? These organizations also demand such loyalty in finances and submission, to the point where the leader's declarations over you are equated to The Word of God. While one major criticism of denominations, is the politics; these other organizations are saturated with nepotism and self interest. On a more positive note, I believe that many in denominations are realizing that relationships should supersede the organizational systems and structures; while at the same time those outside denominations are realizing the need to organize in order to maximize our potential as a church. And you cannot have organizations without structure.

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0 #4 Jackie 2009-08-17 04:41

If we look at Jesus' ministry, we see where He "went out" to heal and love. He went to the well where he encountered the woman and taught her about the "living water". He touched Peter's mother-in-law and the fever left her. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man with leprosy. We are His body and He call's us to "GO into all the nations and preach the gospel". As we serve the needs of others, the gospel is preached. God designed us to be in relationship with Him and with others. Jesus sent out the disciples (Matthew 10), telling them "As you go, preach, heal,cleanse. Romans tells us to "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality, Bless and rejoice with others, mourn with those who mourn. Jesus said "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35) Love is not easily received over the internet. Certainly can't wash one another's feet in cyberspace!

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+2 #3 Arcofillius 2009-08-14 19:58

Of course. I don't think that God recognizes denominational differences as much as we do. Yet, it is true that when different people-groups disagree on certain interpretations of scripture, there will be conflict. "We know in part" and our calling as the church is to come to a fuller knowledge of the truth. When denominational wars cause division in the church, we are doing the devil's work for him.

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+3 #2 tc 2009-08-14 11:52

the born again christians are the church, the living temples of God. Believers can very well assemble anywhere, where there are 2 or more gathered in Gods name, God is in the mist!..............Quoting Jean:

The Scriptures do not teach denomination. The scriptures teach Holiness. If only the church would preach and teach the Word of God like Jesus commanded. Many souls are going to be lost because man continues to ignore the commandments of God. Holiness will never change.....ever! LIke, never. Holiness is a way of life and not a life style. The scriptures also teach to forsake not to assemble yourselves together. There is no such thing as attending church on the internet. You have to assemble. People change, but the Church does not adapt to the the people. The people have to be born again to fit in Gods kingdom. Holiness without, no man shall see the Lord. This will never change. Be not deceived.

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+4 #1 Jean 2009-08-14 11:33

The Scriptures do not teach denomination. The scriptures teach Holiness. If only the church would preach and teach the Word of God like Jesus commanded. Many souls are going to be lost because man continues to ignore the commandments of God. Holiness will never change.....ever! LIke, never. Holiness is a way of life and not a life style. The scriptures also teach to forsake not to assemble yourselves together. There is no such thing as attending church on the internet. You have to assemble. People change, but the Church does not adapt to the the people. The people have to be born again to fit in Gods kingdom. Holiness without, no man shall see the Lord. This will never change. Be not deceived.

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