Next | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Index | Tellout
7B. Reformation Denominations 
Since the Reformation, denominations have been a major force in church life. They have survived and flourished because each had some distinguishing and major feature which distinguished them from the rest. These differences were generally about practice and caused splinter groups to separate from the main body. The Anglicans came out of the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodists out of the Anglicans, the Salvation Army out of the Methodists.. Sometimes these splits were a reaction to abuse or were caused by political pressure. Sometimes these denominations represent different forms of church government. One church thus becomes Methodist, another Free Methodist, a third Wee Free Methodist. Loren Mead describes this phenomena, "There was a make believe quality in each shard's assumption that its world was a microcosm of the whole world of which it was the remnant, as if nothing else exists"(9).
Parts of the Body of Christ
While denominations may be created by different practices and governments they also represent the individual parts of the wider Body of Christ where Jesus is Lord. Various forms of administration may distinguish them. Anglicans have Bishops, Priests and Deacons, the Salvation Army has Generals, Captains, Lieutenants and wrap infants in a flag to dedicate them. The Catholics have cardinals and a chief bishop they call the Pope. The Presbyterians have a council of elders with a professional teaching elder. Quakers try to avoid any hierarchy whatsoever.
Maptocostal Angloholics
Christian denominations are like the organs, limbs and parts of a real body. They all have a general function, but normally also have one area in which they particularly excel. Brains think through and theologize the faith (English Anglicans?) while mouths major on the Gospel preaching (Presbyterians?). The uterus or birth organs increase the overall size of the body by emphasizing the need for personal conversion (Baptists?). Other denominations are more effective as hands to carry the caring ministry of the Body into the world (The Salvation Army?) and some are know as movements of peace (Quakers). God rejoices in all these and many other differences under the headship of Christ. They each contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Body of Christ in the world. In "The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass", Gerald said he had thought of a good name for the church if all the denominations formed into a united group. "It's simple," he said, "we'll call ourselves the Maptocostal Angloholics!"(10).
Some denominational body parts are busier than others. The earlobes do not move or contain any vital organ yet they are still as much a part of the body as the heart or the legs. Whatever they do, the individual organs need one another and none is better or worse for the lofty or lowly task it performs. The hands, being the social agency of the body, are no better or worse than the uterus. Each limb and organ needs the other if the body is to function properly.
Teamwork
Teamwork and cooperation are essential. Consider the Tate family. There is Dick Tate, who wants to run everything. Ro Tate tries to change everything. Edgy Tate stirs up trouble wherever possible. When anything new is suggested, Hesi Tate and Vegi Tate pour scorn on them. Imi Tate copies everyone else, Devas Tate loves to upset things, and Poten Tate wants to be the leader. However, Facili Tate, Cogi Tate and Medi Tate always save the day and get everyone pulling together.
Question for Discussion
1. How would you feel about African missionaries coming to evangelize North America?
Notes
(9) Loren Mead "The Once and Future Church." (10)"The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass"
"We are living members of his mystical body"
