Denominational Distinctives

Dear Pastors

I’m sure like me you have been involved a fair few discussions in your time around what it means to be an Anglican or a Baptist or a Pentecostal or a Presbyterian or a nothing (meaning no denominational affiliation or an Independent).

Back when I was a young somewhat radical new charismatic Believer I was heard to say that ‘denominations were abominations’. Anyone else want to own up to this? In the 80’s and early 90’s this subject came up quite a bit in the circles of pastors I roamed in and then it seemed to die down. When I was teaching at Vision College in 2006-2010 there was a paper called ‘Pentecostal Distinctives’ which needless to say I didn’t teach not being a Pentecostal though I whole heartedly agreed with it being included in the particular course that was training pastoral leaders for (mostly) Pentecostal churches. Afterall I was teaching at a Pentecostal College. In the last couple of years the family of churches I belong to namely, Baptist (as in the Baptist Union of NZ) have resurrected this discussion and asking themselves, ‘what does it mean to be a Baptist Church?’

This discussion has forced me to think about this again and do a little research. Here are a few of my thoughts:-

1. As Evangelicals, Charismatics and Pentecostals (ECP churches) we are pretty much aligned and agreed on most ‘fundamental’ truths of the Bible. For example the authority of scripture, the need to be ‘born again’, believers baptism, priesthood of all believers, and the importance of the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit. In this regard there is very little difference in belief though maybe some minor differences in practise.
2. Where we may differ a bit is on the subject of church structure and philosophy of ‘decision making’ in the local church. Baptists for example are very strong on ‘congregational government’ and believe this is a distinctive. Personally, I don’t agree with that as I see many different churches that are not Baptist working with some kind of congregational participation/government model to make important decisions. Besides most mid – large Baptist churches in NZ don’t practise congregational government anyway because they find it to be unworkable as I did when I was pastoring a larger Baptist Church.
3. At the grass roots very few Pastors, Ministry Staff and Elders seem concerned about this issue. It seems that the denominational leaders and perhaps some academics are keen on this conversation and only them.
4. Most ECP churches in NZ are populated by people that come from a vast array of denominational and church backgrounds/traditions. In choosing a church to belong to they rarely are looking for a particular denominational church but rather a good church that believes in the Bible and in Jesus.
5. Most Christians under 60 years of age resist being identified by the denomination of their church. They prefer to go with the label of ‘Christian’.
   ECP folks are much more interested in what we have in common than what we have as differences (or distinctives). ECP people want to advance the Kingdom of God by and large not a particular denomination or even a particular doctrinal emphasis.
6. And finally the kicker. The fastest growing ‘category’ of churches in NZ for the last 20 years are the Independents. The four largest churches in NZ are all Independent, meaning of no denominational affiliation. The mega churches many of us get inspiration from in America are of no denominational affiliation, namely Northpoint, Life TV, Willow Creek etc. All this might be pause for thought.

The truth of the matter is that we have much more that unites us than separates us. Further WE NEED EACH OTHER……oh my goodness how we do. Paul wrote to the church in the city. He never wrote to a group of Christians in the city - the New Lifer’s in Galatia or the Baptists in Corinth. Let’s be honest. Denominations are man made structures usually started after some kind of theological conflict that couldn’t be resolved so splitting or dividing was the only option.

I for one wish they didn’t exist. But while they do we make the best of a bad situation. And I am very happy being in the Baptist family of churches.

Blessings

Alan

Let Justice Roll Down. Friday 6th September 2019 in Hamilton. A one day symposium convened by LeadershipWorx and Te Whānau Pūtahi to learn and discuss how we can address some of the issues of injustice from a Biblical worldview. How to build a fence at the top of the cliff and reduce the ambulance work at the bottom.

Speaker details and registrations here.

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.