Baptists, Pentecostals, and Catholics—Oh My!

by Donovan Dobbs

How important are denominations in our lives as Christ-followers? I go to such and such church, so I am fine, right? We recently had Explore LifePoint, and in this session, there were three couples who were very interested in LifePoint. The question was asked “Are you affiliated with any denomination?” Lane aptly and with some brevity (emphasis on some), explained how LifePoint is not connected to a denomination.

Whether denominations are good or bad has been debated for centuries, and I am sure will continue to be debated. There is substantial evidence either way. Why wouldn’t you want to go to a church that isn’t affiliated with a particular denomination? I do not have the time or space to fully debate that question but I do want to point a few things out that may shed some light on the issue. If you want to compare the many denominations check out the religion comparison charts on ReligionFacts.com.

I cannot find any Scripture where Jesus spoke of denominations or different sub-groups of his followers. He said he was the only way to God (John 14:6). After his death and resurrection, his followers were called the Way (Acts 9:2). The Way was used because Christ was the way to God. This was not a denomination or viewed as a sect of the Jewish faith. It was a term used to identify Christ-followers’ beliefs. Followers of Christ were also called Christians from the very beginning of the church. The term is used three times in the Bible (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), originally meant “of the party of Christ” and was used as derision to Christ-followers. Eventually the term became a term of honor for followers of Christ. Unfortunately in the present time, being labeled a “Christian” has lost its meaning and has to some degree reverted to its roots.

Here at LifePoint, we are called to be Christ-followers. This is not a denotation of denomination but a term defining who and what we are. From my reading of the Bible, I have always thought that is what I was to do. When I first heard Lane use that term, I knew that I was in the right place. Nineteen times Jesus told his disciples (us) to follow him (Matthew 4:19; 8:22; 9:9; 16:24; 19:21; Mark 1:17; 2:14; 8:34; 10:21; Luke 5:27; 9:23; 9:59; 18:22; John 1:43; 10:27; 13:36; 12:26; 21:19; 21:22). If Jesus called us to “follow me” then should we not do that? I am positive that when I stand before God one day, he will not ask me if I was Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, or some other denomination. He will ask “Did you follow my son?” I want my answer to be “I followed Jesus Christ, nothing more and nothing less.” What will your answer be? Is there anything else?