The changing denominations: A change of name

Throughout this country there are a growing number of local denominational churches trying to disassociate themselves from their parent denominations by changing their names, but not their basic doctrine. In the last several years, many “Community Churches” have cropped up all over America. Most community churches are affiliated with particular denominations, but they have elected to drop their denominational name and go by the more generic name “Community Church.”

Jesus built only one church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4). The Holy Spirit revealed that name to be the “church of Christ” (Romans 16:16) or the “church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Both of these terms, along with some others revealed in the New Testament are scriptural names for the Lord’s church. It is interesting to note that no denomination has changed their name in order to be more scriptural. Not a single denomination appealed to the word of God as a reason for changing their name. The thought behind these changes is the attempt to appeal to a broader range of individuals. It is seen ultimately as “less offensive.” Thus, the will of God takes a back seat to the will of the people.

The fact that many churches have chosen to use the name “church of Christ” is not sectarian as some seem to believe. Just being the same does not make a group sectarian (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:1). It merely reflects the fact that some churches have tried to follow the pattern of the Bible (Hebrews 8:1-5).

Kyle Campbell