What Is Denominationalism?
Jno. 17:20-21

A. The word denomination is relatively familiar. But what, really, does it mean? And what would
denominationalism be? What can we say about these terms from the viewpoint of the
Scriptures?
(2) The definition of the word denomination itself is interesting and instructive. It comes from the Latin nomen which means “name.” And from it we get the word, “nominate” (to propose someone by name as a candidate), misnomer (an incorrect name for something), and even the word noun (the name of a person, place, or thing).
a. The corresponding Latin verb denominare which means, “to name.” And hence, in
English, to “denominate” which means to designate, or give a name to — and finally a
denomination which means a naming or classification of something.
(A) Religiously, a denomination is an organized group of congregations that can be
named or classified together because they have formed a collective entity. Therefore
“Denominationalism” means a “devotion to denominational principles or interests.”
(1) It marks a critical distinction between groups. It is important to observe that a denomination is not merely a number of congregations that resemble one another, or seem to belong together.
In Rom. 16:16, Paul speaks of all the New Testament congregations in the first century as the “churches of Christ.” That does not suggest a loosely knit group of congregations. Rather, it 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. They are united in belief, purpose and organization.
(2) There is a difference between “Plural” and “Collective.” In language, we have nouns , plural nouns, and collective nouns — and there is a significant difference between “plural” and “collective.”
For example, ship means one boat, ships means a plurality of boats, and fleet means a plurality of boats that have such a common purpose and goal that collectively makes them a unit. Ships may involve any number of boats that are very much alike — but one does not have a fleet until some joint organization and leadership appear, under which the various ships collectively agree to subordinate themselves. One leader.
In the New Testament, an individual disciple of Jesus Christ is called a Christian as in 1 Pet. 4:16. It is possible for there to be a plurality of Christians — individuals who are alike in faith and practice, but living in different places, and yet, having no functional ties: For example, The church in Spur and Jayton.
However, in the New Testament, when a plurality of Christians in a given locality band together collectively (with the common purpose of working and worshiping as a unit under common oversight and organization) that is precisely what is church is, Acts 11:26; Phip. 1:1; 4:15.
(1) So then, we have a Christian (singular noun), Christians (plural noun), and
church (collective noun). In the New Testament, church means a single

congregation of Christians. Churches means two or more completely independent congregations, which are essentially identical in faith and practice,
1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; Gal. 1:2; Rev. 1:4. But is there in the New Testament any
such thing as a denomination, a collection of churches acting as a unit under
the oversight of one human authority? If not, should congregations today
link together functionally into denominations? Different names, practices, faiths?
Religious beliefs, scriptural practices and autonomy are violated any time a person, congregation, or organization assumes decision?making oversight over another congregation or a plurality of congregations. It creates a dependency for funds, and for oversight thus establishing spiritual, doctrinal and economic control by a central universal human authority. It creates a division of doctrine and fellowship.
Example: American Lutheran Synod, Missouri Lutheran Synod, Southern Baptist, American Baptist, Primitive Baptist, United Methodist Church, Free Methodist Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church,
Reformed Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
(3) Matt. 16:18, “I will build My church.” Phip. 1:1, “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” These scriptures show the
New Testament is silent about any organization in between the local church and
the universal church. Christ established the church universal. But the church
universal has no Authoritative Head except Jesus. The church universal is
comprised of local congregations and each individual congregation has bishops
and deacons. Anything beyond that is not according to the pattern given.
(1) The “churches of Christ” are not just another denomination? To those who are unlearned, scripturally, It may appear that way. Just as the early church was thought to be a Jewish sect, many today mistake the churches of Christ for just another denomination. Acts 24:5, 14; 28:22. They were thought of as a Jewish sect. Another brand of Judaism.
(2) Jno 17:20-21, Jesus prayed for unity among Christians. 1 Cor. 1:10-13,
specifically condemns divisions and denominations within Christianity and the
congregation at Philippi is commanded, Phip. 1:27?28, “...you stand fast in
one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” The
distinctive doctrines, practices of denominationalism make that impossible.
(3) Levit. 10:1-2. Denominationalism is something the Lord has “not commanded.”
(4) Acts 20:32.

Spur - 07/14/2002 pm