Barnabas File

In a recent Baptist News Global article , editor Mark Wingfield noted, “The future of Christianity in America is not to be found in denominations of any kind. It will be found in networks and affinity groups.”   Almost from the beginning of the American nation, denominations have been the driving force behind the spread of the Gospel and the birth and development of churches.  Each denomination has:   Encouraged a (particular) doctrinal stance. Offered those of their tribe the opportunity to identify with a larger group of people. Supported clergy leaders in various ways. Organized to engage Christians of their faith in the work of mission and evangelism. Provided Christian education resources. Called out and educated clergy.   As a student of history, I must acknowledge that some were more eager to embrace these tasks than others. It often took an act of rebellion or external work on the part of clergy and laity to bring these tasks to fruition before their den...

As I read through a list of seminary students involved in a preaching event, I noted that where their faith traditions were listed that a number indicated that they were “non-denominational” or “interdenominational.”  I don’t remember anyone putting “none.”  I would love to hear their definitions of these terms, but let’s just assume for a minute that by using either of these terms the student is saying one of two things:  “I belong to a church that is not related to a particular denomination” or “I am not committed to a particular faith tradition.” This seems to be a growing trend for some students in theological institutions.  Many schools have diverse student bodies and enroll students from a number of denominational backgrounds, but some students indicate that they are not part of any particular denomination.  My friend Dick Olsen at Central Seminary comments that he often asks students in a particular course to read fifty pages about their denominati...