Nondenominational churches are the single fastest-growing Christian affiliation in the U.S. I regularly talk to believers who tell me their church isn’t a part of any denomination. Often, that comes with a hint of smugness, as if they are the ones truly being faithful to Scripture while the rest of us are in bondage to the traditions of man.
In what follows, I want to offer a defense of denominations, even if it is only two and a half cheers. I’m leaving the term undefined because I realize not every theological conviction will fit with the same level of structure and connection. I also realize that not all of these critiques will apply equally to all nondenominational churches. My main concern is to highlight why I value being part of a national body rather than just doing church on my own.
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