A true denomination is a pastor-driven organization. These denominations exist for the pastor’s benefit, not the local church. Pastors feel a sense of security being in a denomination because they feel like someone “has their back.” This is the case in a lot of the top-down structured denominations such as the Episcopal, Methodist and Church of God (Cleveland, TN). In these movements (and many others like them), the bishop or overseer places pastors in congregations. The pastors feel a sense of dependence on their “higher-ups” to place them in churches, or take care of them when a negative situation emerges.
I am ordained with the Assemblies of God, which is a fellowship of churches that rides the fence between a network and a denomination. I like to be under the authority of an outside institution. I think it is good for our church, and good for me personally. However, if my church fires me I am on my own. There isn’t any placement system in the Assemblies of God for unemployed ministers. I think this is a good thing – local churches need to make their own decisions.
There is the “back door” for job security – denominational positions. Various departmental positions in denominations give former pastors jobs. These are good men, so this isn’t a personal vendetta. Occasionally, these positions are needed and beneficial to the local church. However, if a position is created or maintained simply to employ someone it creates a bureaucracy. Churches today simply don’t need most denominational programs and officials to grow. If denominations want a future, they must constantly evaluate the validity of each paid position they promote and need revenue for.
Aaron, having grown up attending both the COG (Cleveland,TN) and the Assemblies, I saw very little difference in doctrine or beliefs. As far as denominational structures, I do think there is some benefit to having some pastoral oversight that does benefit and protect the local church members. Accountability is important. Of course our first accountability is to Christ, but I do think it is important to pastor within a common framework of doctrine and beliefs. Denominations and religious groups are man created, but they serve a purpose in that they define a basic set of understanding and common purpose.
By: George on March 24, 2010
at 11:17 pm
Thanks for your comments George. I agree that pastors need oversight, and there are various ways of doing that. I think the AG, COG and other traditional denominations can make the transition to a new model that can provided the needed oversight without becoming a bureaucracy.
By: aaronallison on March 25, 2010
at 8:33 am