Why is it that we Christians in other denominations spend so much time trying to convert one another to each other’s branch of Christianity? Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about trying to witness to a member of some mainstream cult that falsely assumes the title of Christian, when upon further investigation it is quite clear that there is no comparison. In this situation, please witness! I’m talking about two denominations that believe in the saving work of Christ treating the other as if they are not really Christians. This is completely preposterous!
I’m not sure which version is causing the confusion here, but Matthew 28:19 says we are called to make disciples of all nations, not of all denominations. I get it. We don’t all believe the same things about baptism or communion. We don’t all believe the same things about free will and predestination. But true Christians can all agree on Jesus, who He is, what He did, and what it means.
Let’s affirm our unity now by reciting the Apostle’s Creed together:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Ahhh. Much better. Seriously, though. I’m on your side! Stop trying to convert me! Save it for the heathen! If the church would actually focus its efforts on reaching those who really need Jesus instead of on those who already believe in Him, maybe we could actually reach the whole world for Christ.
Why else are there so many denominations, except as testimony that man is fallible and proud?
I’m Catholic. But no, I will not try to convert you.
Thanks Kristin. I agree that man is fallen and as long as we’re living on this earth there will always be things that divide us. Do you think that there is one entirely “correct” Christian denomination out there or that all denominations are subject to some level of incorrect teachings?
Church membership churn is problematic as its a huge distraction from the great commission most of the time. However, there are great multitudes of de-churched Christians. If a church plant grows because it is witnessing, and bringing the de-churched back into the fellowship of believers, no matter whose denomination it is, such is a good thing. Sadly, it seems that rather than outreach to the dechurched, or the non-Christian, far too many church plants end up just churning members from other churches.