Our culture is shifting at an exponential rate…

Organizational systems are being stretched and pushed to its limits (and many are collapsing)…

New paradigms continually challenge the inadequacies of categories and labeling…

The world is drastically different from the world we knew way back in 2008…

Things will never be the same…

Welcome to our new world!

So what does this have to do with denominations?

Let me begin by stating that I don’t “dislike or hate” denominations. I am NOT an “anti-denominational” guy. I actually work with denominations on a regular basis. Quite honestly, I think denominations, in its purest form, are beautiful, creative expressions of God’s Church. Denominations are like tribal movements of people who share a common commitment to a particular faith expression.

During the past 3 years, I’ve had the privilege of traveling around the country speaking with church leaders from numerous different denominations. I’ve spent time with both local leaders of churches as well as denominational executives.  In my conversations with leaders, there appears to be several common thoughts and concerns arising across denominations in regards to its future viability. For example, there are many in the field that feel a disconnect to their respective denominational headquarters. I personally don’t think this disconnect is rooted in some kind of “evil” intent or conspiracy by denominational leaders. Many of the denominational leaders I have worked with appear to be people who genuinely want to serve the world and Christ’s Church.

I think some of the root causes of such disconnect may be found in the way the culture is shifting relative to some of our denominational cultures.

The following is a list of 3 personal suggestions (for now), as a “non-expert”, for denominations who desire to not only keep their denominations alive, but thriving:

• Listen to the Fringe (even the Heretic)
  • One of my mentors, Dave Gibbons, often speaks of our need as organizations and businesses to listen to the fringe. Seth Godin, in his recent book entitled Tribes, mentions how heretics (i.e., those who don’t necessarily conform to the mainstream) will be more likely to be heard in our cultural environment. What does this mean for denominations?
  • I think it is vitally important for denominations to resist the natural urge to spend the majority of time listening to the same centralized voices that lead it. It may be more beneficial to spend more significant time with leaders in the field. One practical question a friend (and denominational leader) brought up to me recently that will help one measure the impact of denominational leadership was: Do the decisions that are made from the top practically affect the local church? Great question! Does it?
  • Could it be that some denominations are spending exorbenant amounts of money towards efforts that don’t affect the people working in the field? It doesn’t matter what the mantra or campaign is presented at the top. Practictioners can smell disconnect miles away. It’s that giant pink elephant in the room…you know…that one!
  • Therefore, my advice for denominational leadership is to invite those who don’t necessarily resonate with the company line. In fact, I’m willing to bet that many of you who are in denominational leadership were once a part of the fringe. Remember those days? You were the marginalized, the misunderstood, and the ones categorized as not in the know. I just ask that you don’t allow the yes men close to central leadership to skew the desires of God resonating in the field.
  • In your denomination, who are the heretics and/or the fringe? What kind of input, if any, do they have?
• Transition from Resourcing to Cultural Architecture
  • Traditionally, denominations have been viewed as the source for resources to a given tribe of people. Therefore, many denominations focus on creating resources for all kinds of ministries for their people. Although this does create some great ministries, it is a set up for failure and disappointment. No denomination is able to create everything their constituents want or even need. With many denominations being understaffed, under-resourced, and sometimes under-qualified in specific skills, it might be wise to spend more energy towards partnering and outsourcing projects to other great organizations that specialize in a given area. Instead of being like a focused company like Apple (just had to throw that in), denominations often end up trying to be a company like Target, a one stop, affordable source for goods. Just be sure to keep in mind that Target distributes goods and doesn’t necessarily make all of their products. If you are a denominational leader, please never feel bad for not creating your denominational version of everything else that is out there.
  • For example, why would a local church go to its denomination for specific ministry resources (unless it is doctrinally distinct in nature) when there are now numerous businesses and organizations that specialize in that given ministry with great qualified staffing that outnumbers most denominations exponentially?
  • Times have changed. Networking and sharing resources are common in the world today. Our current economic climate only highlights our need to work together. Feel free to outsource work or partner with other groups if you can. Don’t recreate the wheel unless you’re confidant your creation will revolutionize the current structure.
  • I think one clear sign of whether a denomination gets this is how they work with others outside their tribe. I’m not just talking about networking in the sense of inviting others to join your work. I mean the actual reverse. How well does your denomination invest in other movements? If it’s about Kingdom focus, it shouldn’t be much of a struggle to invest in others. Remember, this is Kingdom pursuit! We’re suppose to be on the same team.
  • I recently shared this heart to with some denomination leaders and asked that they transition from being resource-oriented to being cultural architects for networking within their movement. I shared how I would like see their denomination spend more intentional time developing a culture of connectivity between those who are already on the field and desire such networking. Many don’t necessarily need more workshops or general sessions at denominational conferences. Rather, I encouraged this particular group of leaders to create environments where those on the field could connect more intentionally during denominational meet-ups. It’s not necessarily more info, but maybe more convo (i.e., conversations). Please think in terms of networks and ground level relationships.
• Reimagine the Criteria for Success
  
  • When it’s all said and done, I doubt we will be judged by God about how well we branded our local church or even our denomination. Is there pride in being a part of a denomination? Most definitely. Some of it may actually be healthy. I love being associated with a denomination that has some signs of change and life. Nevertheless, God’s Kingdom advancement must stay our priority. Didn’t Jesus rebuke religious leaders in the Gospel of John about accepting each other based on their own names while rejecting the One that came from the Father? I wonder if we sometimes measure success by how well others consider us successful. Have you ever met people in your denomination that crave the approval or affirmation of those in leadership? Mutual affirmation is not the ultimate sign for health.
  • We will ultimately answer to God for our faithfulness (or sometime lack thereof). Denominations should be honored but not idolized. Our family is not our denomination, but God’s Kingdom.
• Bonus Thought:
  • I’d love to see more and more denominations embrace Kingdom focuses like the poor, orphaned, or widowed. I say this because, just as it was in biblical times, God often responds to the idolatry among his people with a call to care for the marginalized. God’s way of getting his people back on track is often to draw them closer to loving those forgotten; those who embody the things that resonate close to the heart of God. Whether you are a Christ follower, local church, or a denomination, Kingdom priorities are often easier to see when serving those who are marginalized. Caring for people who often go invisible to the masses are exactly the kind of people we need to embrace.

In conclusion, I believe that denominations must embrace continual change if they want to thrive in the years to come. To use a tech analogy, some denominations function in Web 1.0 world (i.e., a world that is information driven and overly hierarchical where the strong are highlighted) while the rest of the world seeks a Web 2.0 Church (i.e., a church that desires to live relationally with one another as well as the world).

I will be the last one to say “Death to the denominations.” I am mindful that it is ultimately Christ’s Church no matter whatever form it takes; denominations or otherwise. The continuation of God’s movements through expressions like denominations are not up to meet. I believe my role is to encourage, inspire and support the ones that exist to stay focused on Kingdom pursuits.