Articles
We're Pre-denominational
We’re Pre-denominational
We’ve all been asked the dreaded question: “What denomination are you?” We dread it because it’s hard to explain. “Well, we’re not a denomination.” “Oh, so you’re non-denominational?” “Well no, because non-denominational has become a denomination which accepts all denominations.” “So, what are you?” “We’re just Christians.” “Okay, but what kind of Christians?” We’ve all been there, and it can get confusing fast. Recently, I heard the term “pre-denominational” from brother Edwin Crozier, and it’s excellent!
The first church of Jesus Christ was established in Acts 2, long before man-made denominations were ever invented. A denomination is defined as, “A religious organization uniting local congregations in a single, legal and administrative body. This religious body is identifiable by a common structure, doctrine, and name.” In Acts, there were no denominations. Paul preached adamantly against these divisions. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 he urged that “You all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” He also said in Ephesians there is only “one body” (church) of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4). In Acts, there were no Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, 7th Day Adventists, or any other denomination. There were “Christians,” that’s all (Acts 11:26). Let’s strive to be the pre-denominational church found in the book of Acts because that’s the only church Jesus established.
