The Non-Denominational Myth

By F. L. Lemley

[Page 93]

     The church of Christ is not a denomination! This plea is heard across the land. There is a sense in which the statement is true, and another sense in which it is a figment of our prejudiced imagination.

     The body of Christ is not a denomination and this fact is recognized by many whom we label "denominational preachers." Many of them deplore the denominational state of affairs as strongly as do we. They would join us but for the fact they see us as just another denomination among the many. They admit and believe the boundaries of the body cut across denominational lines, including the "Church of Christ." On the other hand, we are dead set on destruction, by conquest and absorption, of all who are denominational, including others in the restoration movement who do not conform to our particular "ism." Thus, our plea for unity is seen as a campaign to annex all others to our denomination, and with condescending smiles and a patronizing manner, our plea is just plain sophistry to other ears.

     The body of Christ is equated with the "Church of Christ" in our preaching. There is one body (Ephesians 4:4), so there is one church. This is true and scriptural, but this is not the message we usually convey to our neighbors. The message that usually gets across to them, has this tied on to it, ..."and that one church is the Church of Christ, non-instrumental, non-institutional, the sound and loyal congregation which meets at the corner of Broadway and Main." We imply in tone and manner that all of God's children in Everytown, U. S. A. are in similar congregations and that all others not identified with us are bound for hell because they are denominational. Other congregations of the restoration heritage are included in our concept of denominations, from ultra-conservative Christian Churches to the most liberal Disciples of Christ congregations. We should see ourselves as others see us!

[Page 94]

     While the body is one, any congregation which has to employ a descriptive adjective to distinguish the sound and loyal is a denomination (a sect within the body) in every sense of the word. Denominationalism is wrong. It is a stench in the nostrils of God. The only way to be truly non-denominational is to claim as brothers all obedient children of God who by faith have accepted Jesus as Lord.

     (F. L. Lemley may be addressed at 422 North Division Street, Bonne Terre, Missouri 63628.)