Why are there so many churches?

An appeal for unity to display Christ to the world to the glory of God

I have a desire to see churches formed everywhere. It is a passion the Lord embedded deep within my heart long ago. And in today’s climate, it is a arduous task. My thoughts today aren’t in light of the challenges of the unbelieving world. My soul has groaned long enough with the need to appeal to believers that are content in divisive, cult-like, mindsets that disparages unity and forsakes the gospel.

Why are there so many churches?

It’s a strange question for someone who just expressed a desire to see churches all over the place. But my contention isn’t about how many churches there are, it’s about how many churches exist because of superficial and ungodly divisions. I thought about analyzing passages that speak of watching out for those who are divisive (Romans 16:17), how we ought to seek unity (1 Corinthians 1:10), and how we should labor to encourage and nurture the growth of new believers who come into the gathered church (Romans 14:1). But do you know what loses appeal when many slump into comfortable cliques, music styles, and likable leaders? God’s word. When our preferences usurp God’s instruction, we divide.

Who am I speaking to?

One of the evident truths about correction is that those who belong to God desire correction and those who don’t, hate it (Proverbs 12:1). Speaking publicly guarantees a response from both. It’s those who have read this far, without thinking how wrong I am and how you might correct me, that I want to engage. The others still need the gospel.

It’s obvious that sentiments like this will carry different meaning for various groups. There are healthy, thriving churches all over the place. But I am speaking regarding my context, and my thoughts will go as far as the Lord wills them to.

You don’t really know why you divide…

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:35

Far too many professing Christians are disparaging unity over doctrines and opinions they can’t defend, even if it were in order to win a new car. Though many would try if a new car were at stake! But it’s not a new car, it’s how others know we belong to Christ! And for that far too few show concern.

It is without a doubt that the word of God divides, but it’s supposed to divide the believing from the unbelieving, not those belonging to Christ. John says that love reconciles, and if you don’t, you’re not actually a Christian. So what reasons have you established are grounds for the division you are content with? Can you actually articulate the position or doctrine that divides you or were you just taught it by someone or inherited a tradition that you believe with ignorance?

Division is Sin

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Christians have and always will disagree over doctrine. I have found it is usually a matter of maturity in the faith. But division is sin. It is why elders are supposed to put those who cause divisions under church discipline.

What we do with disagreement reveals whether we love God and are obeying his law. Today, we are content dividing from another believer and gathering with those that agree with us. This ungodly and unloving attitude has propagated this practice everywhere. This has weakened some gatherings and resulted in the removal of the lampstand from others.

We ought to be striving for unity, working painstakingly through disagreements to find answers in the Word. There is one truth (John 14:6). Where two disagree, one or both are wrong. Why would any Christian be content with possibly being wrong about what God has said?

Unity Reveals Christ to the World

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. - John 17:22-23

Jesus prays for his own. His prayer is that those the Father gave him would be united. The unity of his church will 1) display the love of the Father for his Son, and 2) cause the world to believe Jesus was sent by God to save sinners.

What does disunity do? It distorts the image of God and destroys the witness of the church.

All the work done to train and send missionaries, witness to friends and neighbors, start new churches, schools and seminaries… how much effort has actually been put into what method will actually work to accomplish these ends that Jesus has revealed? How much effort do we put towards unity?

Time for Change

This isn’t just an article to ponder… it is an endeavor to observe and anticipate the power of God in the world, beginning in the small town of Silver Bay, Minnesota. My partner in ministry and I will be laboriously working toward unity among professing believers going forward. Where an attitude of division and unwillingness is met, judgement will be made on the sin and against those protecting and otherwise submitting to it. Where unity is desired, in that we will labor, and in that work God will bless and prosper.

Who am I to make such a claim and to accomplish such a task?

For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. - 1 Corinthians 4:20

It is a work that God will accomplish here for his glory and his love for the world.

I look forward to seeing you soon.