Heresy and Non Denominational Churches - Make me Laugh

I did a call with a reporter last week on the subject of the proliferation of non denominational churches. There is more to say on the topic than space here but one of his questions is a Frequently asked one – “Aren’t these churches without denominational moorings more likely to fall into heresy?”

This one always makes me laugh. Chuckle. Guffaw.

Sure. On the one hand a charismatic leader can always teach heresy, but in these churches, as with many other denominational churches, people are encouraged to read the scriptures for themselves. Then people vote with their feet.

But back to his primary point. My contention is that actually denominational churches and denominations with centralized systems are much more likely to fall into off kilter beliefs. Why?

1. Many of these set policies from the top and have high degrees of control over local pastors, buildings, endowments and the congregations. Once the leaders running the denomination move out on the heretical edge, they take lots of those things with them. Do I need to get specific about certain American groups that are like this? They are in the news a lot.

Once leaders in error are in control, they have the power to root out pastors and congregants that don’t believe the same way as they do and many of those systems can use the US legal system to accomplish that end.

2. Those that don’t have strong bishops have legislative systems that rely on democratic and parliamentary procedures. Nothing wrong with that. But those votes sometimes deal with “how we spend the money” and sometimes with “what local congregations should do and believe.” When they get into the latter, a small group of leaders, supposedly representing the whole, decide policy for all.

Again, my contention is that these systems can be just as prone to fall into heretical beliefs as one, independent, non denominational church.

Political systems often tend to follow “the path of least resistance” and a small group can lead the system through political means to vote for their agenda.

            Both of the above structural systems lead many more people than a single congregation.

            As has been said of the American religious marketplace, competition is good. People in most systems are encouraged to read and study for themselves and then go to church where they want. People vote with their feet either way. I don’t get worried about most of the “switchers” because in general they find God’s place for them.

More about “switchers” in a later blog post.