Comments on: Ed Stetzer: Denominationalism – Is There a Future?

By: Steve Vice

Steve Vice — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:52:56 +0000

The comments above reflect an underlying assumption, that God accepts denominationalism. But a careful study of 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-7; 12:12-27; John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-6; Colossians 3:15; Romans 6:17; Philippians 1:27; 3:16; 1 Peter 3:8, 9, will reveal that this assumption is contrary to the revealed will of God. In this point so many have failed while Satan is rejoicing. What is wrong with the idea of casting away creeds that divide us and follow only the Bible (including its teaching on division)? Jesus prayed that we all be one (John 17:20-23) so that the world would believe. Isn’t that sufficient reason to lay aside the things that divide people and strive with all our being in all things (excepting for God’s revealed truth) for the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3)? There is an old saying, “In matters of opinion – liberty. In matters of faith – unity. And in all things – love.”

By: Dardan

Dardan — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:11:23 +0000

I have read this but there are some denominations that are not right structure, dictatorial and controllable, like Foursquare Denomination, it’s very good in word’s and structure but completly diffrent in practice, I have seen my pastor, when we decided to pull out of it, reason was the supervisor from USA wanted to control the church and was treating pastor as employer and He was behaving as boss. He was very hurt although He did not express it, and also we have had, a electronic newsletter that went around the pastor’s and people in denominaton who suppose to be our friends that did not even respond anymore to us or write at all. That was more hurt because the all that reliationship broke up.

By: Trevin Wax

Trevin Wax — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:35:53 +0000

Bro. Tim,

He did not address that distinction. The audio is up now if you’d like to see the fuller context of the brief quotes.

By: Tim Rogers

Tim Rogers — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:48:29 +0000

Brother Trevin,

Did Dr. Stetzer ever express a difference in a denomination and a convention? Or did he proceed with the presumption that the Southern Baptist Convention is a denomination?

Blessings,
Tim

By: George Desnoyers

George Desnoyers — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:00:18 +0000

I agree Ed Stetzer has many good points in his outline. He is right that denominations form for many reasons, and that some are better than others. He didn’t cover them all, but he didn’t try to or need to.

The important thing is that all Christians try to be Christ-like, and that they continue that whenever they view other denominations. Along that line, I think it’s good to reflect on Mark 9:35-40 (see also Luke 9:46-50) when thinking about denominations.

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
(-KJV)

George Desnoyers

By: Dave Hess

Dave Hess — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:23:09 +0000

Those are some insightful comments on denominationalism. Thanks for posting these notes!