When Denominational Ties Constrict

This topic, though not terribly related to Advent, has been brewing for a while for me.It hit a pitch with the Roy Moore allegations and subsequent protests from his camp about them. Some on social media have decried Evangelicals for supporting him. I would not be surprised if there is a migration of at least some Evangelicals to other denominations because of this situation.

As I thought about this, and the phenomenon of “circulation of the saints”, and the reality of people working in denominations that aren’t their own, it occurred to me that we are at a time where our identity is not so tightly tied to a specific denomination as to a particular community we are seeking – the way it makes us feel, but perhaps even more a theology from the staff that resonates with us. I’ve worked in two denominations, lived in the residence of a third, sang in the choir of a fourth, and gone to seminary at a fifth and experienced the nuances and benefits of all of them.

Like many denominations, my own is divided at the moment over issues of sexuality. Regardless of what decision is ultimately made in terms of a denominational stance, people will move to another where their beliefs are lived out. Some have already left, opting for a more conservative or liberal expression of Christianity.

It is definitely challenging times, and for those of us in ministry, it can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for navigating these waters and helping others: 

a) Know where you stand and what you believe, but also be open to God offering to you more information and insight through scripture and other learning. If you are willing and able to see and hear other points of view, and to be willing to change and grow with new understanding, you are modeling something vital to others around you.

b) Know the doctrinal standards of where you are serving. Part of your ministry is to reflect the values and beliefs of the denomination and congregation – this is what you were hired to do. Particularly when working with youth, it is okay to say “The Church believes this about this topic. I have to come to think of it this way. Others may think of it this way. What do you think?” We do youth no favours by indoctrination without encouraging their thinking and their own experience of the Spirit’s leading.

c) If you find yourself continually in conflict with the beliefs and values of your church, check out if this is just your congregation’s standpoint or the denomination’s. The diversity of churches on the theological spectrum can be just as wide within a denomination as outside of it. Visit some other churches in your denomination to see how they are different and if you feel more at peace. If you consistently struggle, a shift to a new denominational home might be in order.

d) Moving to another denomination isn’t a piece of cake. While all churches have much in common, they all have idiosyncrasies. Be careful to discern if this really is where God is calling you to go. It may be that your concerns need to be heard within your own church family, that God is asking you to be a prophet or at very least to stir people to contemplation and greater discipleship. Our faith and church experience shouldn’t be about our comfort and solace, but our service and growth.

e) Working in another denomination requires flexibility and sensitivity. Know and honour the identity of where you are serving. Be honest about difficulties you experience and when it is time to move on.

f) Allow yourself to grieve – whether moving permanently to another church or working in another denomination, you will experience loss of the familiar, of relationships, and even of stability for a time. Those you leave behind may be gracious and they may not. If you do stay, even though you find it difficult, grieve those things that make it difficult and that go against what you believe the church is meant to be. Just be careful to not get stuck in your grief.

g) If you notice people leaving around you - sometimes in anger and frustration, sometimes because you as leader aren’t their cup of tea, sometimes for reasons you will never know – be careful to not assume it is about you. Offer grace, recognize that everyone’s faith journey twists and turns and that God calls us in many ways, and not always to a particular church or denomination for our lifetime. Our goal should always be that we and others are in a place where the Spirit can flourish, where mission and service and discipleship are key.

As we get ready for Advent and think of the journeys of God’s people crying out for a Saviour, and the long journey to Bethlehem with new beginnings, pray for those among you who are struggling with their own faith journey and if they are on the right road. If you are struggling, pray for wisdom and discernment and your willingness to say yes to wherever God may ask you to go. God's call and story is most important. Faithful followers are needed in all denominations to realize God's vision for all of us.