When Denominations Are a Waste

In my last blog, I wrote about the value of strong denominations. Today I want to address the flip side, what historians might label "the soft underbelly." When are denominations simply a waste? Here are eight scenarios.

1. Denominations are a waste when instead of fulfilling their intended purpose they work to simply perpetuate their existence. What is true for denominations is just as true for churches. Instead of focusing on why they were established, their goal becomes to keep on existing. Maintaining a bureaucracy is not a justifiable reason for existence. "Is the denomination justifying its existence?" is an honest and important question.

2. Denominations are a waste when they transition from the idea that they exist to serve the constituent congregations to the notion that the churches exist to serve the denomination. The only justifiable reason for a denomination's existence is when it can help the churches do their work more effectively. Any sound denomination should be able to articulate clearly its value to the local congregation.

3. Denominations are a waste when they cease to be sensitive to the needs of the constituent congregations. When churches are struggling or when they have vast opportunities, does the denomination's presence help or hinder?

4. Denominations are a waste when they cease to be accountable to the churches. This almost happened 40 years ago in the SBC. But finally, the power of the ballot and prayer prevailed. Does the denomination reflect the prevailing convictions of its constituency? Is the denomination sensitive to those who provide its financial support?

5. Similarly, denominations are a waste when they cease to be supportive of the churches. What do churches need? What can the denomination do to assist the churches? What can the denomination do (representing the churches collectively) that is more cost-effective than each congregation doing that same thing on its own?

6. Denominations are a waste when they engage in work detrimental to the churches. Years ago, for example, the SBC Christian Life Commission's posture on life issues was strongly pro-abortion. This was clearly out of step with the prevailing sentiment of the constituent congregations. In short, the churches were giving money to a cause that was counter to their convictions. Here is one historic example of when the denomination was a waste. 

7. Denominations are a waste when they cease to be mission driven. Why do we exist? And what are we trying to accomplish? These are questions that need to be clearly answered and kept ever before us.

8. Denominations are a waste when their leaders and executives become preoccupied with their own self importance. These jobs (ministries) are a stewardship which should be marked by a servant's heart and not a prima donna complex. Perhaps the question here should be, does the leader see himself (or herself) as one who has come to serve or be served? Elitists are not needed in God's work.

These are some determining considerations for gauging the waste or worthiness of a denomination. What do you think?