Denomination and walls. (oh!oh!)

Denomination is defined as "A religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations."(Webster's) I am about to embark on a trail that some might consider political suicide. Denomination and walls. God's apparent only intent for denomination was that it would be the value of money(2 mites, denarius, etc.)!!! Whoa. Even Webster's says it should be local. But that is not the problem. We have built walls to protect us.

My background is, I was born at a early age, brought up Catholic, Congregational and Episcopalian. My most "fun" time in church was a visiting African choir at Yale Divinity School, with a Taiwanese missionary, and a Quaker meeting. God was non-existent. The minister told me "God can't help you with drugs" (so much for there is nothing Jesus didn't face that I would face!).

But like the Pharisees (not fair you see) we have left one realm and backed into another, building a great wall. We have started a new denomination (there wasn't enough,we realized, when we were at 275 "recognized" denominations!!!) called "independent" (now that must really excite the Lord!!!) or "non-denominational". And we are opposed to denomination per se, but have become on.

What is the purpose of denomination? I see that the dictionary says it should be local, and I understand the part about having a legal source, and even wisdom from an outside source...but how can a director in Chicago have knowledge for rural Vermont? All areas have differences that only the Spirit can unite. I am not trying to start a war, I am simply asking. I desire the fellowship of believers, and have been in attendance at a denominational church (now "independent"), and would not have been allowed leadership because of certain beliefs. Other friends of mine have been forced to leave denominations because they have found "truth" that comes against doctrines. But I have left "nondenominational" churches for the legal and religious control they over exercised, as well.

I firmly believe that the denominational churches have a heart for the lost. My problem is less with them and more with the "independents" who continue to disdain them with epithets of hurt and pain. I had a brother call me up, hurt over the words of another church. I know this pain way to well! We have built great and mighty walls "in the name of Jesus", WRONGFULLY!!!!!!

I have received numerous letters in the last few days about people who have been hurt and even devastated by various churches. Because the walls were not allowed to come down. What about churches who deny based on race or dress or whatever?

Brothers and sisters, it is time to tear down the walls. God wants you to help your fellow believer, today! You and I have been attacked from within by religious spirits, that have brought with them control and manipulation and hype. I desire the pureness of the Word flowing from within. Let us remove the preconceived ideas of church. Let's forget competition. Let's stop being stealers of sheep and become the fishers of men God called us to be. I for one am tired of the hurt laying in the streets hurt by those who call themselves Christians. Let's put aside our denominational walls, remove the bondage of "I am here, you are there", and begin to walk in the love of Jesus Christ. The spirit of legalism and religion, fueled with "independence" not of God has undermined the church. Oh, we have made great strides and seen powerful moves of God, but I ask how can you cast down religious and legal devils, if you think "there is no other church that can do what you do"? When we reach that stage we have begun to walk in what we despise. Jesus came to cast down religion and legalism. Isn't it time we broke down walls? I am beginning to think I can make more inroads for Christ by walking into a church that has ignored me and worshiping on a Sunday night than I can by going to my best friend's church.

I hope you understand I am NOT against denominations, but against the spirit that drives certain churches and their leaders. I chose to be a non-denominational because I believe that I could do the fullest of what God has asked of me. I believe that God can move in a denomination as freely as He IS allowed, and there have been thundreds of moves that show that in Assemblies of God, Southern Baptist, Methodist, etc.. It just ISN'T a denominational thing, but a heart thing. I desire grace and love and blessing in their lives. So I ask that you pray about this and let me know what God speaks to your heart. Isn't it time we removed the walls that protect but also bind???