Denominations: Religious Franchises

When I think of Christian denominations I think of them as religious franchises. It's the nature of franchises to allow investors (Franchisees) to open a business that offers the same products, foods, or services as every other franchisee. Think McDonald's, or Pizza Hut. No matter where you go when you enter into one of their restaurants you can get the same food as every other restaurant in the world that uses that name. Quality control, a uniform look and a common experience is the hallmark of a successful franchise.

In the Christian world there are good "religious franchises" or denominations. Until the horrendous abuse by some priests was uncovered the Catholic Church was always thought of as a good "denomination." Whether you agree with them on doctrinal issues, or not every Catholic Church teaches the same thing, the rituals and requirements are the same. If you're a Catholic you will not be surprised when you enter another Catholic church. It will feel familiar.

Likewise there are many great Protestant denominations as well where every church must teach the same doctrine, often use a common hymnal and their governance is the same in all their churches. You may disagree with what they teach but are reliably consistent from church to church.

However, there are bad religious franchises as well. By that I don't mean they are evil or in error, although I believe some are in error. Allow me to name some names. The Episcopal Church is one. There are Episcopal churches which teach the Bible faithfully and I've worshipped in them and felt right at home. On the other hand you have Bishop Spong, the former head of the New York area Episcopal churches who doubted that Jesus was God and demanded priests in his diocese lean in his theological direction. It's possible to visit a different Episcopal church in three states and get three completely different views on what the Bible teaches. No quality control.

Much of the drift in major denominations like United Methodist, Congregational, and Presbyterian demonizations began with a drift away from their confidence in the Bible as God's authoritative word and/or with a drift to an emphasis on "the social gospel." With the controversy of LGBTQ sexuality and marriage, or disagreements on abortion many formerly "good denominations" are finding their churches leaving the mothership. The United Methodist denomination just split over their affirmation of same-sex marriage, as they should.

"So what?" You might ask. My point is this; the next time you hear about a "bad denomination" do a little homework. Does every church in that denomination hold to beliefs you think are in error? Right in my city there is a United Methodist church that I could never encourage any Christian to attend, which has planted a church I've attended and found absolutly faithful to the gospel. So be careful to not throw the baby out with the bathwater. But the inverse is also true. We can no longer assume that denominations which were once true to the Bible still are.

Finally, if you hear something in your own church that sounds "off" I'd advise not responding immediately. But if that happens again pray about going to your pastor to ask for clarity. Perhaps he/she misspoke so give them the benefit of the doubt. However churches and denominations rarely go liberal overnight. It often happens so slowly that those who attend never notice until it's too late. So be vigilant.

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." II Timothy 4:3-4