DENOMINATIONALISM

The root meaning of the word denomination comes from the Latin nomen = name. From it we get nominate (to propose someone by name as a candidate), misnomer (an incorrect name for something), and even noun (the name of a person, place, or thing). The corresponding Latin verb denominare = to name. Religiously, a denomination is an organized group of congregations that can be named or classified together because they have formed a collective entity. In English, to "denominate" means to designate, or give a name to, and a denomination is a naming or classification of something. A denomination is not merely a number of congregations that resemble one another, or seem to belong together. A denomination is an intentionally organized group of congregations that is, a group of congregations that participate in some organization through which they can act as a unit for some purposes.

They are "named" together (designated or "denominated" as one) because they participate in the common organization, and are able to function as one through their organization. In the New Testament, church means a single congregation of Christians, and churches means two or more completely independent congregations, which are essentially identical in faith and practice. (Cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; Gal 1:2; Rev 1:4).

Scriptural independence and autonomy are violated any time a person, persons, congregation, or organization assumes decision making oversight over a work that a plurality of congregations is involved in. Typically the overseeing entity is dependent for funds, and the contributors are dependent for oversight.

This is true even when the linkage involves only a specific purpose or single project - e.g. the Southern Baptist Convention. And voluntarily giving up scriptural autonomy only worsens the matter. We may not scripturally "denominate" any organization larger than the local church but smaller than the universal church. (Cf. Matt 16:18; Phil 1:1). As the gospel of Christ is proclaimed in its purity, without the addition of creeds (Gal 1:6-9), its simple message (1 Cor 1:19-- 2:13) becomes the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom 1:16). Within the gospel is a divine power that is called "the seed" (Lk 8:1-15) by which spiritual life is generated in every age, wherever the gospel is proclaimed. No self-appointed clergy has the right to reject those who do not recognize their ecclesiastical oversight. Jesus is the head of the church (Eph 1:22-23), and it is His right to determine who is saved and who is in His fellowship.

The power of the gospel, the seed (Lk 8:11) generates life wherever it is sown. Disciples are made when they obey the gospel (Matt 28:18-20) and the Lord adds them to His church (Acts 2:47). As individual saints are born by the word, they meet with others saints in a locality in order to work and worship as New Testament Christians did. In this fashion, wherever the gospel is preached, churches of Christ will appear.

There is only one church (Eph 4:4). Rom 16:16 mentions “churches” (plural) “of Christ”, these were not denominations, but were all part of the one unified body ruled by Jesus from heaven. Every LOCAL church taught the same thing – the Apostles doctrine – (1 Cor 4:17, Acts 2:42). When these local churches had men qualified, they would appoint elders to oversee each local church (Acts 14:23). There were no creed books because the inspired word of God is sufficient to unite all men in one body (2 Tim 3:16-17).

A local church of Christ is simply a congregation that belongs to Christ. Each congregation is independent from every other congregation, claiming its autonomy under Christ (Phil 1:1; 1 Pet 5:1-2). It recognizes no earthly head, belongs to no association of churches, stands free from denominational churches and supports no human institutions. Disciples of Jesus wear no denominational names or support denominational doctrines. We are not Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Mormon, Catholic, etc.

No such names or denominations existed when Jesus built His church (Matt 16:18; Acts 2:47). The name "Christian" is given for us to wear, and we glorify God in that name (Acts 11:26; 4:12; 1 Pet 4:14-15).