I started using the term post-denominational in the early 1990’s while I was still in Bible College. I had never heard the term but coined it because it described the cultural situation I was witnessing. I was shifting away from my denominational roots and beginning to question the value of denominational affiliations. Churches around the country were noticing a shift away from denominational loyalty toward a very consumer-oriented approach to church involvement. This trend has only accelerated since then.
Whatever value denominations may have provided in post-reformation Europe and America has arguably long passed. The past hundred years has witnessed an ever-increasing fragmentation and splintering of denominational groups. This has all too often been accompanied by exclusivity and snobbery - not to mention a lack of fellowship and unity. When Jesus’ disciples expressed concern about another ministry group they were rebuked and reminded of the unity of the faith:
“But Jesus said, ‘Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most assuredly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.’” (Mark 9.39-41 WEB)
This is a truth we too easily forget when our focus is on our own denominational agenda. “[Y]et to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through him” (1 Corinthians 8.6 WEB). We are all bought by the same blood and joined to the same body with Jesus Christ as the head. We need to be very cautious about pridefully rushing into our own agenda.
I am post-denominational because I believe the body of Christ and the world we are called to reach are better served by focusing on our unity and strength rather than our differences. It is for good reason that the world is confused about the truth when they look at the fractured picture of Christianity we so often paint for them.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.34-35 WEB)
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