He added, "Independent churches can learn much about kingdom-minded cooperation from the denominations that they frequently criticize."
But denominationalism is unavoidable in the negative sense as well, he lamented. "Sometimes denominationalism leads to a perpetuation of a tribal, insular identity." [Charlie's note: We are Borg. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.]
A second reason Stetzer sees a future for denominations is the hunger he's finding among younger evangelicals. They are looking for "a sense of rootedness in a fragmented society," he said.
"In a rapidly morphing age, the sense of historical solidarity and theological and ecclesial stability offered by a denominational heritage are a great value," the sought-after speaker said. [Yes, there is great comfort in belonging to a denomination and going to hell with an apostate church. All together now! The ELCA, TEC, etc. come to mind here.]
"Where some see age, decay, and obsolescence in denominations, many others actually find longevity, maturity, and wisdom."
Thirdly, churches that belong to denominations have confessional systems and accountability that ground them in orthodoxy. [Since when does the SBC "confess" anything? Most Baptists haven't even read the Baptist Faith and Message statement! Even fewer could tell you what justification by faith alone is!]
"Today, evangelical denominations often are the bastions of orthodoxy, while independent congregations more easily shift in their theology," he pointed out. [Oh, really now? Is that why the moderate Southern Baptists left and started their own denomination a few years ago?]
Martyred for the Gospel
The burning of Tharchbishop of Cant. D. Tho. Cranmer in the town dich at Oxford, with his hand first thrust into the fyre, wherwith he subscribed before. [Click on the picture to see Cranmer's last words.]
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Joke of the Day: Denominations Are More Stable Than Independent Congregations?
The following is an excerpt from at article at the Christian Post: Southern Baptist Affirms the Future of Denominationalism.
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1 comment:
It's a quirkly article, since the Baptist credo on ecclesiology is "independence." These SBC's have no confessional foundation. Their liturgies, especially with the contemporary music,is simple. Stand and emote for thirtyn minutes. No confession of sin. No creed. Nowadays, no extensive reading of Scripture. Following the music, the better the entertainer, the larger the crowd. Something must be done about this.
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