Daryl Crouch
The Tennessee Baptist Convention gathered for its annual meeting in early November at what is called the Summit.
The thought of denominational meetings provokes cold sweats for some people expecting boring reports interrupted by factions and division. Regrettably, Southern Baptists have to some degree earned that reputation. But what I experienced at the Summit was something better.
I was impressed, moved really, when I looked across the room and saw so many godly people of every age and season of ministry giving their lives so that the manifold wisdom of God may be made known through the church, not only to rulers in the heavens, but to every neighbor and the nations (Ephesians 3:10).
The kingdom of God is bigger than we think. It includes believers and churches of various theological persuasions and missional priorities. Here are four ways denominations still serve an invaluable purpose for gospel advancement in the modern era.
Biblical Faithfulness. Connectedness to a denomination helps local churches define and remain faithful to core doctrines. As Southern Baptist churches, for example, we affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, a document that clarifies what we believe as the essentials of our faith.
Denominations can lose their way, but the doctrinal commitments of a denomination make waywardness more difficult and require more time. However, a church on an island is more likely to abandon tenets of faith more quickly.
Strong personalities can hijack a congregation and lead it astray. But in community with like-minded churches, through our intentional association, we invite others into our lives to help us stay true to the Bible.
Missional Urgency. Theologian Carl F. H. Henry often said, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.” Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, says that “lostness is the world’s greatest problem.”
Churches need denominational unity to get the gospel to the ends of the earth “in time.” One church is not enough, and the urgency of the gospel is too great. Through theological education, mission boards and local associations, our cooperation builds the sending power that gets the gospel to the nations faster than we ever could alone.
Ministry Weight. Very simply, the work of ministry is too difficult and too important to go it alone. Even nondenominational pastors and churches look for connections to like-minded churches because we all know we need each other. We need the prayer, friendship, encouragement, wisdom and insights from others who are in the work with us. That kind of camaraderie gives us staying power in the face of the strongest headwinds.
Generational Witness. Denominations are a type of institution, and while institutionalism undermines faithful progress, healthy institutions create better opportunities for the next generation. Present generations stand on the shoulders of those in the past, and future generations will stand on the work of the present.
Denominational structures that seem clumsy are often the very framework that allows us to endure spiritual warfare, the winds of false doctrine and the ambitions of bad actors.
Institutions are not only protective, but they also provide the strength needed for missional initiative. As a denomination, we never start from zero. Instead, we join a work already in motion as we build upon a godly, missional legacy that outlives us all.
The Summit reminded me that together we are part of something greater than any single congregation. We are a mission force. While denominations face legitimate critiques, they remain essential vehicles for carrying the gospel forward. When we cooperate around shared convictions and missional passion, we multiply our impact for the kingdom.
The question is not whether denominations are perfect — they are not. The question is whether we will steward this gift of partnership faithfully for the glory of God and the advancement of His mission. B&R
