...where you baptised in the name of paul?: a question many Christians should answer.

The increasing level of fanaticism associated with church labels and general overseers, is a proof that denominationalism is a force that every christian needs deal with as we earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. The word denominate means 'to give a name to' or 'to designate'. In this sense, every group of 'Christians' operating under a particular name consist a denomination. But denominationalism on the other hand means to emphasize denominational differences to the point of being narrowly exclusive. So the problem is not necessarily the existence
of denominations but the prevailing emphasis on them. Denominationalism is a mindset.

Using Nigeria as a case study, it is an indisputable fact that Christianity is plagued with so much disunity. Many Christians do not see Christianity beyond their local church assembly or denomination. Many have become so fanatical about "their church" and "their pastor" that they have relegated Christ, the head of the church to one corner. Few days ago, i went out in the company of some other brethren from my local assembly to evangelize. And i came across a certain woman whom as i approached, frowned and gave a very tense and unwelcoming look. I could discern what the issue was and i was right: she was a Christian who wasn't receptive to Christians from other denominations. so i had to prevail on her to hear me and by the help of God, that denominational mentality was addressed.

But there are millions of others out there cutting across clergy and laity who carry strong denominational mentality: they are so attached to their church label that if you package a shrine and attach their church label to it, they will buy it. Not minding what is happening inside. They are church fanatics and not Christians. Some will never read a book or listen to a message unless it has their denominational label. And others will never fellowship with Christians who are not of their church label. I will like to state here that the system and setting in most churches  are such that pattern people to think less of Christians who are not of their church label. There's this superiority mentality that breeds segregation. That mindset that says: "we're it; we're the ones getting it right; those other guys there, they're wrong: have nothing to do with them because they don't have the kind of light that we have. Criticism and outright condemnation of other ministers and ministries by pastors before their congregation has become a frequent scene on this show.

Now let's look at 1st Corinthians 1:12-13 under the Nigerian church context:

Now this i say, that everyone of you saith, i am of Assemblies of God; and i am of living Faith, i am of Christ embassy, I am of Christ's Chosen, I am of Redeem, and so on... Is Christ divided? was ________ crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of _________?

(I leave the space for you to fill)

 

We must understand that God's arrangement of diversity for the church by allowing us group into local assemblies with labels does not include disunity. No wonder Jesus prayed: "that they may be one..."(John 17:20-21). We must reawaken that consciousness that, even though we are many, we are one body in Christ. And we have one primary assignment which is to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). We must break the denominational barriers first in our minds. And it is a task every Christian should undertake so we can really enjoy the unity of the Spirit.

This is so important because, denominationalism

• weakens us
• makes us selfish and denomination-centric
• breeds disunity
• exposes us to greater external criticism and attacks
• reduces our results in the pursuit of the great commission
• breeds rivalry and competition 

let me ask you this:
when last did you see yourself praying for pastors, missionaries, churches and Christians who are not of your church label? when last did your financial seed of love go out to meet the need in other ministries that are not of your denomination? Let's drop our criticism of one another, but rather correct with love and on the altar of intercessions. Let's drop church fanaticism and pursue true Christianity: serving God and pursuing the interest of the kingdom in truth and sincerity.

Finally, let me add that it is beautiful, and God's design that everyone of us serve actively and be fully committed in our local assemblies or denominations, but it is very vital that we always see beyond the local assembly into the universal church: the body of Christ. I am a committed member of a local assembly but i am not limited to it or by it.