IndependenCE or Denominational Identity?
One theme that comes up as we talk about the Alliance of Reformed Churches is whether congregations would be better off being independent. A second theme is: How will the Alliance not become “just another denomination?” These two comments often lead to a conversation about how often we think there are only two choices and that the tension that exists between independent and denominational views is just that: a tension.
Independence as a congregation is great…until it’s not. It doesn’t take long today to find examples of independent congregations that imploded. Most of that implosion resulted from leadership escaping accountability. Mars Hill in Seattle. Willow Creek in Chicago. Hillsong churches in New York and San Antonio. These are national examples. You probably know of local examples. When pastors become stars in their own sight, it’s hard – if not impossible – for other leaders to hold them accountable. That isn’t just true of large congregations. I’ve seen it in smaller congregations as well. The pastor becomes the only (or main) voice of God in a congregation and acts as its glue. The Elders dismiss anyone who disagrees with that pastor. There is no outside wisdom empowered to hold the pastor or Elders accountable. Eventually, the truth (or lie) surfaces. The church implodes. Sometimes, even a large church like Mars Hill in Seattle, disappears overnight when implosion happens.
Denominational identity as a church is great…until it’s not. Denominations fail by erosion. Most of the erosion comes as a result of decisions over time. Denominations tend to seek the common space to keep its congregations together. They meet, write reports and seek recommendations at national or international assemblies in an effort to satisfy everyone. When they do make a decision, it’s often a brokered decision in an effort to make peace. Over time, erosion leads congregations to be dissatisfied and disconnected. Eventually, even though congregations feel disconnected, they also feel controlled because a denomination makes it hard, if not impossible, to leave.
So on one end, we have implosion – the danger of an independent church without accountability. On the other, we have erosion – the danger of denominational decision making through brokered peace.
The Alliance of Reformed Churches owns these tensions. They are the opposite ends of a spectrum. We’ve seen them. We’ve experienced them. We’re building a future for 21st Century congregations in a way that lives into the tension between them.
Networks and national accountability guards against implosions that arise from pure independence.
Limited national structure around board governance that focuses on local congregational mission as its ultimate goal guards against disconnected and dissatisfied congregations that feel controlled by a denomination structure.