Ask The Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

 

Is Different, Good?

 

Dear Pastor Scott,

       There are so many denominations, which one is right? –J.B.

Dear J,

       Many think that so many denominations suggest fighting and disagreement, but my experience has been the opposite. As a matter of fact, I believe it is a lie of the devil to give people another excuse why they don’t need to serve the Lord.

       Consider a similar question; “There are too many restaurants, which one is right?” Not every restaurant appeals to me. There are only just so many people who go out of their way for blood pudding, tripe, and... liver. But take me out for Chinese or Mexican, and I’m more than ready and willing.

       Now, I’m not promoting a consumerism approach to people church shopping, but we cannot deny different kinds of churches help different kinds of people.

       While it is true that in the history of the church, many denominations were formed out of disagreements, others were formed because of a shared vision for a specific ministry.

       Jesus’ disciples saw someone ministering outside of their group and they asked the Savior to put a stop to it. His reply rings true today; “do not stop him... for whoever is not against us is for us.” [Mark 9:39-40] Paul the apostle echoes a similar statement in Romans chapter 14, calling for great patience & tolerance in non-essential issues.

       No matter how different we might look on the outside, as long as we hold to the truth of God’s word and the centrality of Christ, we are family. Yes, there are a few denominations or individual churches, that have gone off the deep end and have thrown out the Bible, but generally, we love and appreciate one another. There’s plenty of room for a wide variety of “tastes.” Anyone for Mexican?

       --Pastor Scott

To submit your question for Pastor Scott, you may write to: Ask The Pastor, PO Box 98, Shambaugh, IA 51651, or harvest@heartland.net, and on the web at www.askpastorscott.com