Very true! But before, I didn’t really want to be part of a denomination; I simply desired to be a servant of God who could serve in any part of the body of Christ without any affiliation. This is because, nowadays, many believers prioritize their denomination over the name of Jesus, often placing their church identity above their identity in Christ. It’s essential to remember that a denomination, no matter how established or influential, is just a human structure meant to serve the greater purpose of the Church. While it plays a role in fostering community and doctrinal unity, it is not the means of salvation. The mission of the Church should always be to point people to Jesus, not to a particular denomination or organization. The Kingdom of God is bigger than any one denomination.
I have many friends from different denominations, and in our conversations, they sometimes compare their churches with each other, and at times, these discussions even turn into debates. I usually just listen. But when they ask for my opinion, I always make it clear that I do not exalt the name of my denomination but rather the name of Jesus. It’s not about which denomination we belong to it’s about who we belong to: Jesus Christ. Yes, I respect and submit to church leadership as long as they teach and lead in accordance with Scripture, but my full allegiance is in Christ alone. Many times, this perspective challenges them, causing them to reflect on whether they, too, are truly exalting Jesus above all else. It’s important to ask ourselves: Is our faith centered on the gospel, or are we putting too much focus on man made structures and titles?
You're right that it is also essential to recognize that being part of a church community is important because it is a command from God (Hebrews 10:25). Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith, helps us grow spiritually, and provides accountability. The Church is meant to be a family where we support one another in our walk with Christ. It’s a place where we encourage each other, bear one another’s burdens, and grow together in the knowledge of God’s Word. Being part of a healthy, biblically grounded community helps protect us from spiritual isolation and equips us to be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.
However, believers must always remember that our focus should not be on elevating a denomination but on exalting Jesus. A denomination, no matter how established or influential, cannot save people only Jesus can. We must never forget that our faith is not about loyalty to a church label but about loyalty to the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the end, salvation is not found in church membership but in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The name of Jesus is the only name by which we are saved, and it is through Him alone that we have access to eternal life.
That is why, while I respect my church and its leadership, I will never allow my faith to be dependent on a denomination. My faith rests solely on Christ, who is the only way, the truth, and the life. Denominations, while helpful for doctrinal clarity and fellowship, should never be the foundation of our faith. The Church exists to glorify God and spread the gospel, and every believer, regardless of their denomination, is part of the body of Christ. What truly matters is our personal relationship with Jesus and our obedience to His Word. We are called to make disciples, not denominational followers.
At the end of the day, our goal should not be to promote a denomination but to preach the gospel, make disciples, and lead people to a genuine relationship with Christ. That is what truly matters in the Kingdom of God. Denominations will come and go, but the Word of God and the name of Jesus remain forever. Our allegiance must always be to Him.
And to your final question, "What denomination is the right one?" is a valid and necessary one to wrestle with. Choosing a denomination is not about finding perfection, but about finding a community that aligns with your understanding of the gospel, Scripture, and God’s call on your life. It’s about finding a place where you can grow, serve, and remain accountable.
The key is to find a denomination that honors Scripture, remains faithful to the core doctrines of the Christian faith, and provides opportunities for spiritual growth. While there may be disagreements within denominations on secondary matters (such as the role of women in leadership or certain theological views), secondary matters are important to the life and practice of the church, but they do not directly affect our salvation. Salvation, according to Scripture, is centered on core doctrines, particularly the core aspects of the faith like the divinity of Christ, salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ alone, the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and the authority of Scripture which must remain central.
Hey Jane! Thanks for the message! I hope it didn’t come across as me saying denominations were essential for salvation or played any part in it. Far from it! Our salvation, assurance, and hope is solely in Jesus. My argument for the benefit of a denomination was to point out the added accountability.
Asking which denomination is the right one at the end was just me being a bit cheeky
Don't worry, you didn’t come across that way at all. I understand your point. I just wrote it this way in case someone else reads it and finds it helpful too. Maybe there's someone like me who enjoys reading comments for insights. Haha. I also answered your question because I thought it would help clarify things. I guess I took your post a little too seriously, but I tend to engage deeply with topics. Sorry for the length I just love writing long responses when I’m passionate about something. Of course, unless I get distracted and lazy then I keep it short! If I hadn’t followed God’s calling, I might have become a journalist which is why I love essays!
Even this response ended up being long again. But I really like the topic!
This is really on point, I can see the rising tide in people (not just churches) interpreting the Bible wrong and using the Bible as a way to reflect todays culture rather than reflect God. I grew up in a non denominational evangelical church and have experienced this tide. I've also been to many churches belonging to different denominations and I've seen this rising tide in those churches. Although I don't believe it's an isolated issue on denomination, it goes to show how denominations should'nt be your main priority when looking for a church. I also personally believe the main challenge with many churches today is that they are focusing on preaching that strictly aligns with their denomination.
There needs to be more encouragement on having a relationship with Jesus by todays churches and I feel that's where denominations may lack. I think that's why there was such a big ressurgence on social media through out covid and even lasting till now, it's because people we're sharing the gospel with out a denomination being attached to it, just simply the love of Jesus and their own personal testimonies. Not that I think all of it is good, or that's what you should solely rely on but it's definitely encouraged people to seek a relationship with Jesus and place their faith in him.
A personal relationship with Jesus is absolutely paramount, and I love how people are just sharing the gospel as well. Peter was a fisherman, so it shows we don’t all need a doctorate in theology to share the gospel. Jesus will equip us for the work. A denomination is just a tool that can be used to ensure we’re not spouting our own gospel but the gospel
Since English is not my first language I'm not sure if my church would be considered a denominational or non-denominational church. Either way I believe that every believer should have a church (a group of other believers) he meets with where there are other believers and if possible more mature believers, for all the reasons you listed above.
Since I started working last year for a mission organization where there are all kinds of Christians (not one single denomination), I learned to appreciate the PoVs of other denominations. I think there is great value and power if Christians lay down their differences and worship together.
At the same time I'm glad that my church worships in a way that works for me as well, while other Christians might appreciate a maybe more liturgical approach.
I don't worry too much about there being different types of churches as long as their doctrine is biblical and as long as those different churches are able to work together as one body for the kingdom of God.
Very true! But before, I didn’t really want to be part of a denomination; I simply desired to be a servant of God who could serve in any part of the body of Christ without any affiliation. This is because, nowadays, many believers prioritize their denomination over the name of Jesus, often placing their church identity above their identity in Christ. It’s essential to remember that a denomination, no matter how established or influential, is just a human structure meant to serve the greater purpose of the Church. While it plays a role in fostering community and doctrinal unity, it is not the means of salvation. The mission of the Church should always be to point people to Jesus, not to a particular denomination or organization. The Kingdom of God is bigger than any one denomination.
I have many friends from different denominations, and in our conversations, they sometimes compare their churches with each other, and at times, these discussions even turn into debates. I usually just listen. But when they ask for my opinion, I always make it clear that I do not exalt the name of my denomination but rather the name of Jesus. It’s not about which denomination we belong to it’s about who we belong to: Jesus Christ. Yes, I respect and submit to church leadership as long as they teach and lead in accordance with Scripture, but my full allegiance is in Christ alone. Many times, this perspective challenges them, causing them to reflect on whether they, too, are truly exalting Jesus above all else. It’s important to ask ourselves: Is our faith centered on the gospel, or are we putting too much focus on man made structures and titles?
You're right that it is also essential to recognize that being part of a church community is important because it is a command from God (Hebrews 10:25). Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith, helps us grow spiritually, and provides accountability. The Church is meant to be a family where we support one another in our walk with Christ. It’s a place where we encourage each other, bear one another’s burdens, and grow together in the knowledge of God’s Word. Being part of a healthy, biblically grounded community helps protect us from spiritual isolation and equips us to be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.
However, believers must always remember that our focus should not be on elevating a denomination but on exalting Jesus. A denomination, no matter how established or influential, cannot save people only Jesus can. We must never forget that our faith is not about loyalty to a church label but about loyalty to the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the end, salvation is not found in church membership but in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The name of Jesus is the only name by which we are saved, and it is through Him alone that we have access to eternal life.
That is why, while I respect my church and its leadership, I will never allow my faith to be dependent on a denomination. My faith rests solely on Christ, who is the only way, the truth, and the life. Denominations, while helpful for doctrinal clarity and fellowship, should never be the foundation of our faith. The Church exists to glorify God and spread the gospel, and every believer, regardless of their denomination, is part of the body of Christ. What truly matters is our personal relationship with Jesus and our obedience to His Word. We are called to make disciples, not denominational followers.
At the end of the day, our goal should not be to promote a denomination but to preach the gospel, make disciples, and lead people to a genuine relationship with Christ. That is what truly matters in the Kingdom of God. Denominations will come and go, but the Word of God and the name of Jesus remain forever. Our allegiance must always be to Him.
And to your final question, "What denomination is the right one?" is a valid and necessary one to wrestle with. Choosing a denomination is not about finding perfection, but about finding a community that aligns with your understanding of the gospel, Scripture, and God’s call on your life. It’s about finding a place where you can grow, serve, and remain accountable.
The key is to find a denomination that honors Scripture, remains faithful to the core doctrines of the Christian faith, and provides opportunities for spiritual growth. While there may be disagreements within denominations on secondary matters (such as the role of women in leadership or certain theological views), secondary matters are important to the life and practice of the church, but they do not directly affect our salvation. Salvation, according to Scripture, is centered on core doctrines, particularly the core aspects of the faith like the divinity of Christ, salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ alone, the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and the authority of Scripture which must remain central.
Hey Jane! Thanks for the message! I hope it didn’t come across as me saying denominations were essential for salvation or played any part in it. Far from it! Our salvation, assurance, and hope is solely in Jesus. My argument for the benefit of a denomination was to point out the added accountability.
Asking which denomination is the right one at the end was just me being a bit cheeky
Don't worry, you didn’t come across that way at all. I understand your point. I just wrote it this way in case someone else reads it and finds it helpful too. Maybe there's someone like me who enjoys reading comments for insights. Haha. I also answered your question because I thought it would help clarify things. I guess I took your post a little too seriously, but I tend to engage deeply with topics. Sorry for the length I just love writing long responses when I’m passionate about something. Of course, unless I get distracted and lazy then I keep it short! If I hadn’t followed God’s calling, I might have become a journalist which is why I love essays!
Even this response ended up being long again. But I really like the topic!
I love your long responses Jane! Don’t hide the light and gifts Gods given you
Thanks, Aodhan! I really appreciate that. I’ll do my best not to hide it.
This is really on point, I can see the rising tide in people (not just churches) interpreting the Bible wrong and using the Bible as a way to reflect todays culture rather than reflect God. I grew up in a non denominational evangelical church and have experienced this tide. I've also been to many churches belonging to different denominations and I've seen this rising tide in those churches. Although I don't believe it's an isolated issue on denomination, it goes to show how denominations should'nt be your main priority when looking for a church. I also personally believe the main challenge with many churches today is that they are focusing on preaching that strictly aligns with their denomination.
There needs to be more encouragement on having a relationship with Jesus by todays churches and I feel that's where denominations may lack. I think that's why there was such a big ressurgence on social media through out covid and even lasting till now, it's because people we're sharing the gospel with out a denomination being attached to it, just simply the love of Jesus and their own personal testimonies. Not that I think all of it is good, or that's what you should solely rely on but it's definitely encouraged people to seek a relationship with Jesus and place their faith in him.
A personal relationship with Jesus is absolutely paramount, and I love how people are just sharing the gospel as well. Peter was a fisherman, so it shows we don’t all need a doctorate in theology to share the gospel. Jesus will equip us for the work. A denomination is just a tool that can be used to ensure we’re not spouting our own gospel but the gospel
Since English is not my first language I'm not sure if my church would be considered a denominational or non-denominational church. Either way I believe that every believer should have a church (a group of other believers) he meets with where there are other believers and if possible more mature believers, for all the reasons you listed above.
Since I started working last year for a mission organization where there are all kinds of Christians (not one single denomination), I learned to appreciate the PoVs of other denominations. I think there is great value and power if Christians lay down their differences and worship together.
At the same time I'm glad that my church worships in a way that works for me as well, while other Christians might appreciate a maybe more liturgical approach.
I don't worry too much about there being different types of churches as long as their doctrine is biblical and as long as those different churches are able to work together as one body for the kingdom of God.
I love this and completely agree. There needs to be unity in the body but things like different expressions of worship are great