No labels, please!

Sometimes people try to label me and categorize me in one of their 'church flavour boxes'. When this happens, I tend to give them a hard time. The question "To what church do you belong?" is an easy one. I use to reply: "To the only church there is - the church of Jesus Christ, as expressed 'locally' in my city and social network". When I'm in a funny mood, I might answer that I'm an Evangeliformed Baptolic with a PenteBrethren background. And when I really want to give them a bad day, I'd say I'm unchurched and that I don't show up anymore in George Barna's statistics. ;-)

Another boring question is "What is your ministry"? After all these years I still haven't figured out how to properly describe my ministry. "Following Jesus" might be a fair answer, though I'm afraid that in terms of character and miracle stuff I'm not even close to that. "Trying to keep up with God's worldwide wonders" is another one. Or "Hearing from God and acting upon it." Sounds at least challenging.

More and more people feel uncomfortable being labelled and categorized. And the problem is not so much brands as an expression of unique character, that's OK, but the imperialism and market control that often come with it. I'm convinced that Naomi Klein's book 'NoLogo' also contains a prophetic message for the Church. The practice of labelling is often used to control people, keep them in our camp, secure our market share, and mask our insecurity to deal with folks who don't fit our grid.

Yesterday a Reformed pastor-friend tried to put me in a Charismatic box. I asked him: "Is it possible to effectively follow Christ, pray and minister to people without being inhabited by the Holy Spirit?" It's a non-issue, really. Of course he wanted to know whether I'm mainly connecting with Christians from a Charismatic church background. And of course I'm not, otherwise I wouldn't have tea with a Reformed pastor. I've always had friends in a wide spectrum of the Body. And I draw inspiration from different 'streams of life' in the historic and universal church.

Somehow denominations, intentionally or not, are keeping the Body separated and thus powerless. We are locked up in our church structures, church doctrines and church buildings. On conferences, in student unions, inter-church prayer groups, and city-wide celebrations and evangelism campaigns we suddenly realize we are one in Christ and truly enjoy the fellowship. But then the next Sunday we move back into our separate church castles again. Jesus foresaw this when He prayed for unity (John 17). Paul foresaw this when he warned against denominationalism (see 1 Cor. 1:9-13, 1 Cor. 3). He basically states that this is carnal behaviour and laying another foundation than Christ - so denominationalism is essentially anti-Christ.

I guess I'm not the only one these days who finds congregational and denominational boundaries a nuisance. We tend to say: "But we are one in the Spirit", while at the same time holding onto our petty theologies and different church structures that effectively box people in. I believe it's time to model something new (or actually ancient): there's only one Church in Jesus Christ, and we simply don't have the right to invent 'church membership' as a way to decide who is in and who is out... It's a form of spiritual racism. Paul speaks of being 'in Christ' as the only criterium that matters.

Besides, most denominational labels don't have real substance anyway. We all know that Full Gospel churches have a pretty shallow theology and are not really known as powerhouses of the Holy Spirit. We all know that Reformed churches are not really in the business of reformation and change anymore. We all know that Baptists do much more than just baptizing people. Real followers of Christ don't need labels. If we do get labelled, it's by people who observe us and are blown away because they see Christ in us. That's where the term 'Christians' came from after all (Acts 11:26).

Comments

[Peter]

So.. Finally Marc speaks. It looks like your not heavy loaded anymore. A firm statement. Now nobody will ask you those questions anymore:-)

[Esther]

We 'hear' what we 'hear' - I was thinking of the words from the psalm (18:25)that I read last evening, when I read the no-labels comment: "With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;" etc.
It does not seem fair - unless it is possible to have more than one frame of mind and at least turn into Gods generous 'frame'.

I am not happy with my 'label': evangelical and for several years now a member of a reformed church. It only helps ME understand the person that I am talking to, while I am not being understood, when I answer the question of 'my church' and politely return the question of his/her denomination, just to be able to get away from it.

My new, 'real' social and spiritual network is just starting to grow, within the already mentioned reformed church. I trust the Lord to enlarge my circle, and He does. I follow those who follow Him, and they bring me to people and places that teach me exactly the things I need. Also I find new confidence and ways of finding christians that I can 'level' with, in the same way as the 'no-labels' comment.

But the overall feeling is that of solitude, also on the internet. The internetcommunity that I have come to know in the past few months is very open, but it is still hard to become one of them: to be outspoken enough to make a contribution, to share and to find ways of interacting in real life. No offence; it takes time.

So literally this morning at my new job (I've been here for a month now) I introduced myself to a christian collegue. No more talking about church, but something like "Hello, I heard you are a christian, I am a christian too, it is so good to know you are here."
The man was quite surprised and asked me about my sudden approach: "Why do you want me to know you are a christian? You see, I have to warn you that peopled walked out on me when I told them I took churches by turn and that I am convinced I have to live by the Word, and not by the Church".

Well, halleluja, I found another one!

[Bill]

Its too bad that most Christians have labels but because the "Church" is so divided on doctrines, sometimes we have to use them. I guess I could be called an evangelical, Bapticostal. Although the term "evangelcial" is losing its meaning in many cases because of the neglect of watering down the Gospel of justification for the sake of Unity until the "church" is now made up of those that deny Justification by Grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. and those that do.

And if you name these denominations that deny the Gospel you are considered to be unloving and hateful by some Christians.

[Brian]

In these "last days" the remenant of the true believer in Christ will become easier to identify. Those who seek to have a form of religion but deny it's power will be clearly separated from those who understand and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives. Simply to say you are a Christian, regardless of denominational label,is meaningless because the term has lost all definition. History records that this term was a degoratory name placed on believers. The question, as Marc understands, is do I follow Jesus Christ? But more important, am I obedient to both the Great Commandment and Great Commission? It will become increasingly easy to identify those who are true believers from those who only profess Christ, but live contrary to His word. And, it is my experience that their exists some in every denomination who are of the former, but moreso in every denomination many who are of the later. It will be dreadful day for some when they hear Jesus say "away from me - I never knew you" and they thought they were safe. Remember, we are called to enter through the narrow gate. Will the Church unite? Yes, but it will be a uniting of the remenant of the faithful and true believers.

[yves]

thank you marc,
for speaking out, it feels lonely sometimes. Have you seen the comments off andrew storm, from new zealand. He go's much further than the label business. Religion is taking his last breath, he is skinny on his throne, loosing controle at last.
Those ho say to now christ feel like they are my biggest enemy, it feels like hopeless. But now we start to see the real enemy behind the peopel. Because for God its still hes desire to save and love peopel, so trust remains only, with no answers on all the questions. He leads, He calls,he saves .What a rest to trust and not to performe.
see you yves

[Norma Jenson Davis]

We still really appreciate your input in the Kingdom of God! Hugh & Norma

[Terry Amos]

Marc, I couldn't agree with you more. I Come from a denomination that is looked 'down' upon from others, yet in a very alive church. I think it's time we ALL proclaimed "I belong to the body of Christ" irrespective of which denominaton that God calls us to be a part of.

[Bridget]

Thank you Marc,

I've said for a long time that I am a Christian, and that I 'belong' to any church family that worships Jesus in power in the Spirit.
Its good to know there are others who have the same identity !

I'm a nurse, and I notice many people these days (particularly Black Africans) when asked about their 'religion' or 'church orientation' will say 'Christain', whereas at one time they would say c/e, Baptist etc.

It is the desire of God that we should all be 'one body in His Spirit', so thank you for keeping on plugging away at that !

[Peter]

Amen Mark!

For years I have told people that I belong to the biggest, smallest church on earth! Universal and Local!

In Jesus

Peter

[Marv]

Marc,
Point well taken. In an earlier time, C.S.Lewis said (my paraphrase) we all enter a great hall upon accepting Christ. There are doors representing different "flocks" we may feel free to enter any or all of them. However, we must choose and stay somewhere. For, true growth comes from rubbing up against our imperfect brothers and sisters, hypocrites and mature believers such that our own rough edges are worn away.

[Corrie de Boer]

Please put me on your mailing list Thank you. God Bless Corrie

[Ron Z.]

Marc,

An excellent post. Finally someone gives voice to a notion so many of today's Christian's share, especially those in their 20's and 30's.

I used to think the answer was to begin yet another "new" church, another denomination. But as I prayed and thought about this, I came to the realization that this would only perpetuate the problem, not solve it.

So now I am convinced that instead of a new denomination, the real answer lies in breaking down denominational walls. I used to call myself a "non-denominational" Christian. But now I just say "Christian," and if pressed for a particular brand, I respond "trans-denominational." It's not enough just to point out all the things that the various denominations are doing wrong, but one also must be willing to point out those things they are doing right.

Evangelicals (Reformed theology) do a wonderful job living up to their name, and do more than anyone to spread the Good News to the far corners of the earth.

The Pentecostals and Charismatics are wonderful for demonstrating the "secret weapon" of God's power, and how the Holy Spirit can literally change your life.

The Catholics and the Orthodox have a fantasic tradition of contemplative prayer and monasticism, which has been mostly lost on the Protestants. They also showcase the importance of communion, and the need for an entire service (the mass) to be a worship service, not just the singing. And their theologians and saints have made some tremendous contributions to the furthering of Christianity throughout the ages.

And yes, one can learn a lot from the various Jewish traditions, Buddhism, and even the "New Age" that helps to fortify our own faith. Even philosophy, that most misunderstood of academic disciplines, has much that can be useful for helping one live a Christian life. (Of course not everything is useful from these non-Christians traditions, one must use Holy Spirit discernment...)

I even learn some fantasic lessons from my studies of military and art history!

No, staying within your religious "brand" just isnt' going to cut it anymore.

Those churches that stay inside their walls are going to become increasingly irrelevant in the years to come, whereas those congregations that learn how to cross pollenate, will continue to bear fruit for the Kingdom.

Sadly, where I'm from, their is still a fierce territorialism that's nearly impossible to overcome. But I'm seeing some primilinary signs that at least some church leaders are "getting it," and moving out beyond the four walls of the church.

[Pam]

Labels - they only limit people! Sometimes they serve to reflect our passions and interests. But when they are used to divide and belittle, it's a problem.

When Jesus is lifted up, He draws all people unto Him. That's the problem - we aren't lifting HIM up anymore, but our own selves or views or programs. Our views are pet doctrines. His View is the Truth!

I'm concerned that we have to "work to think like someone else" to win them. Maybe we should just work to be like Him!

[Mark Roberts]

I heard a teaching that when God gave Adam the right to name the animals this was part of God giving man dominion over nature. But the Lord has not given man the right to name subdivisions of His Church. However, man has done this anyway, presuming a dominion over His Church.

[Blossem]

Totally agree with ya, marc!
ONLY in the unity of the Church the world will see Christ -- we really need to come together or the world will never see God

God bless ya,
Blossem

[Tony Goodluck]

Marc,

You might enjoy the story of the Three Priests:

_________

There were three priests living in a small town. One wanted to preserve the old Celtic styles of religion: "I abide by the traditions of Patrick and Brigit, the founders of our church," he said. The second wanted to adopt the new, sophisticated styles and doctrines of the Roman church: "I want to be part of the universal church under the pope in Rome - and that is what Patrick and Brigit wanted." he said. The third said, "Let all people worship and believe as they think best; if religion is just going to cause division, I want none of it."

These three priests remained friends and often met for dinner; but their meetings always ended in argument. Sometimes they argued about how certain rituals should be performed. Sometimes they argued about heaven, and who would get there. "I believe that only those who remain loyal to the old Celtic traditions will get to heaven," the first said. "I believe that only those who accept the authority of the pope in Rome will be saved," the second said. 'Let each person try to lead a good and honest life, " the third said, "and then God will be the judge."

Some years later the three priests died, and arrived at the gate of heaven. Peter took the hand of the first priest. "Welcome friend," Peter said, "you go and sit over there among those who preserved the Celtic traditions." Then Peter took the hand of the second priest. "Welcome friend," Peter said, "you go and it over there among the others who have obeyed the pope in Rome." Finally Peter took the hand of the third priest. "Welcome friend," he said, "you are free to wander wherever you want."

So the third priest wandered freely amongst the different groups in heaven. And amongst the other people he saw wandering amongst the different group were Patrick and Brigit - and Jesus Christ himself.

____________

From: Van de Weyer, Robert. Celtic Parables (Northstone Publishing, British Colombia, 1998) pp249-250

Grace and Peace to you, Marc

TONY
Adelaide, South Australia)

[Patrick J. Hession]

I am often brought back to the simple song that most kids learn early: "Trust and obey, for there's no better way to be happy with Jesus than to trust and obey." If we did more of this, we'd be much closer to each other in Him.