Last week we asked the question, “Is the church of Christ a denomination?” We noted the meaning of the word denomination – a named religious body with a common set of beliefs, often under a specific organizational oversight. We discussed the ecumenism that is so common in denominations; that is, the belief that their differences are matters of judgment, but not salvation. Finally, we established that one cannot find denominationalism in the New Testament.
To continue answering our question, we need to take a closer look at churches of Christ. On the very first point, we must consider if the churches of Christ, or Church of Christ, is a named body. We may not like the answer. Even though the most conservative among us often try to make it clear that “church of Christ’ is not a name, but a description, we use the three words “Church of Christ” as a title that separates us from other religious groups. When we visit another town, we seek out buildings with the words “Church of Christ” displayed on them. Whether we like it or not, we have fallen into the human convention of using a name or title. As we noted in the previous article, we find no such practice in the New Testament.
Churches of Christ also share a set of common beliefs. Here, however, I believe we can point to the New Testament. While we respect congregational autonomy (a point we will notice next), and therefore see some differences among congregations – both dramatic and minor – by and large we share common beliefs in churches of Christ. Yet, the inspired authors suggest we should share common faith as Christians ( cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10, 11:2; Philippians 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 3:6; Titus 3:8). The important point to note here is the source of this common faith (it should be Scripture), and the test of this common faith (it should also be Scripture).
Finally, churches of Christ are under specific organizational oversight. However, unlike the denominations, the structure of this organizational oversight comes solely from Scripture. At the local level, we find congregations comprised of Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2). These congregations are overseen locally by elders and served by deacons (cf. Philippians 1:1; Acts 4:23; 1 Timothy 3:8). Beyond the local level, there is only one higher authority, the head of the church, Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:22). While denominations have all manner of manmade authority structures, churches of Christ do not. The New Testament church did have an overseeing body – the apostles – who issued at least one “mandate” to congregations (cf. Acts 15:23). However, to serve as an apostle, one had to meet set criteria, including having seen Jesus in the flesh while he was on earth (Acts 1:21–22). By this, we know the office of apostle was temporary.
So, is the church of Christ a denomination? There are certainly people worshiping in churches of Christ who treat the Lord’s body as a denomination. But, insofar as we are striving to be Christians – nothing more and nothing less – and have modeled our teaching, our doctrine, our organization, and our practices on the New Testament, we are simply Christians, like those in the New Testament. If in any area we have deviated from divine authority for the sake of human tradition, we must strive to get back to the pattern God has given.
That we believe we represent God’s church and not a human institution does not mean we believe we are the only Christians. If any person obeys the Gospel in the manner given in Scripture, God adds that person to His church (cf. Acts 2:42). However, it will not do for Christians to wear human labels and worship in manmade organizations (denominations). All Christians should seek to worship in the Lord’s church, and the Lord’s church only.
Clay Leonard
