AN ANSWER TO THOSE WHO ARE ANTI-DENOMINATIONAL

A denomination is defined as, "a subgroup of a religion." While it is en vogue to say, "this is not a religion, it's a relationship," technically Christianity IS an organized religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This religion of 2 billion people is comprised of a myriad of subgroups or denominations. Are denominations a new phenomenon of the last 500 years (since the Reformation)? Are denominations dying out? Is there such a thing as not being a part of a denomination? Let's answer all three questions...

First, considering the definition of the word "denomination," subgroups have always been present from the start of Christianity. For example, (1) in Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50, there was a man that regularly invoked the name of Jesus (and was effective); but he had not adjoined himself to Christ's movement or group. Evidently the man had a following; because demonized people came to him for deliverance. Thus, this was a subgroup. The apostle John was appalled at this. But, Christ's answer was to leave the man alone because,"he that is not against us is for us." (2) It was early on decided that there would be two major subgroups of the faith: a movement among the Jews and a movement among the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8). Next (3) various subgroups sprang up around the personality of outstanding ministers of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:11-14; 3:3-6). Remember, the New Testament canon would not be complete for a couple hundred years. So many of these groups even accepted or didn't accept different "books" as Scripture. Also, (4) you had a major subgroup of Christianity called "Gnosticism." If the apostles had not have addressed it (e.g., 1 John 2:18-27) this subgroup would have taken over the faith. Thus, denominations are nothing new. 

Second, as long as you have people, you will have denominations. It's human nature to divide into and join subgroups that are favorable toward our beliefs, practices and values. Denominations are not bad in themselves. More can be accomplished collectively than individually. For example, many denominations sponsor: hospitals, universities, missions outposts, publishing houses, humanitarian relief and most of all: major promulgation of the Gospel. As long as we recognize that there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5-6); and as long as we do not honor our denomination more than we do our God; then God can get glory in and through through denominations. Yes, there have been abuses, scandals and cover ups in denominations. BUT, there has been the EXACT SAME THING to happen among those who choose to not be a part of a denomination. So let's quit fighting about who's right or wrong. 

Third, it is a persons (or church's) prerogative to not be a part of a denomination. But, (1) there is no such thing as "independent." The body of Christ is One (1 Corinthians 12:12-20); anything independent of the Body would be VERY questionable - I would venture to go as far as saying "cultic." For a person to say "I only answer to God" is dangerous. We must be accountable to someone. Even Jesus had to submit to John's affirmation (Matthew 3:13-15). Paul had to be accountable to the apostles (Galatians 2:1-2). (2) Even for those who say that they are not a part of a denomination must remember that a "fellowship," "apostolic network," "covering," etc., is STILL nothing more than a SUBGROUP of the faith. And, many times the practices, liturgy, etc of these subgroups are borrowed from major denominations. Thus, whatever you call it; it's really a denomination. Denominations have been around for 2,000 years - and there will continues to be subgroups until Jesus returns. 

The best result is if you are a part of a denomination, don't "bad mouth" those who aren't. If you are NOT a part of a denomination, don't badmouth those who are. Really, if we focus on (1) the Great Commission (2) keeping ourselves pure and unspotted from the world - we would have NO TIME to be fighting each other in the first place.