"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Sectarianism by Mark Copeland

 

"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

Sectarianism

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we examined the challenge of denominationalism...
1. Which involves the organization of local churches under various hierarchies
2. Each denomination with its unique names, presenting a divided picture of church
3. Contrary to the prayer of Jesus and the doctrine of Paul - Jn 17:20-23; 1Co 1:10-13
2. A similar challenge confronting the church is what I describe as sectarianism...
1. Though I use the term in a rather unique and limited sense
2. But as a problem I have seen arise even in opposition to denominationalism
3. Leading to a perspective of the church that is akin to a denominational mindset

[What do I mean by sectarianism? Let's begin by considering some dictionary definitions...]

1. DEFINING SECT AND SECTARIANISM
1. WHAT IS A SECT....?
1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice
2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a larger denomination
3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs
-- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
2. WHAT IS SECTARIANISM...?
1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
2. Limited in character or scope: parochial
-- Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
3. OBSERVATIONS...
1. Sect and sectarianism are often used as synonyms for denomination and denominationalism
2. In this study, I am limiting my use of the terms to these definitions:
1. Sect: a faction united by common interests or beliefs
2. Sectarianism: Limited in character or scope: parochial
3. I am making what may be an arbitrary, but hopefully useful, distinction
1. Denominationalism: a mindset that sees nothing wrong with dividing up the body of Christ into various denominations
2. Sectarianism: a mindset that views the body of Christ as limited to a select group of churches identified by a particular and somewhat arbitrary set of doctrinal practices

[Using these two terms as such, perhaps I can clarify the distinction further by reviewing two erroneous views of the church of Christ...]

2. MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE CHURCH
1. THE DENOMINATIONAL MISCONCEPTION...
1. The Church of Christ is made up of those churches with the name "Church of Christ"
2. The "Church of Christ" (as such) is but one denomination among many
3. Together with other denominations, they constitute the universal church, the Body of Christ
4. Those who hold this view include:
1. Those in other denominations, because of their denominational mindset in which they view their own church (denomination) as but a part of the Body of Christ
2. Sadly, many in "mainstream" churches of Christ, who are increasingly accepting a denominational view of the church
2. THE SECTARIAN MISCONCEPTION...
1. The Church of Christ is made up only of those churches with the name "Church of Christ"
2. Those churches (as such) constitute the one, true church, the Body of Christ
3. People in any other congregations cannot possibly be members of the Body of Christ
4. Those who hold this view include:
1. Many in "mainstream" churches of Christ, especially those who view "Church of Christ" as the official and exclusive name for the Lord's church
2. Many in "non-mainstream" churches of Christ, including those tending to identify themselves on the basis of one particular issue

[With this peculiar distinction between denominationalism and sectarianism hopefully made clear, let me suggest two...]

3. EXAMPLES OF SECTARIANISM
1. INSISTING ON ONE EXCLUSIVE NAME...
1. The Scriptures use a variety of terms describing the Lord's church - e.g., Ro 16:16; 1Co 1:2
2. But some insist there is only one scriptural name (e.g., Church of Christ)
3. This limits one's view of the church universal to only those churches with the "right name"
4. When there could be other New Testament churches scriptural in every way, but who choose to use a scriptural designation other than "Church of Christ"
2. IDENTIFYING FAITHFULNESS BY ONE PARTICULAR DOCTRINE...
1. Churches are often judged by their stand on particular issues
1. E.g., the issue of institutionalism
2. E.g., the issue of divorce and remarriage
2. This can lead to rather arbitrary standards of faithfulness
1. For example, a church is deemed faithful if it is "non-institutional"
2. While in fact it may engage in other unscriptural practices or be lacking in critical Christian attitudes (e.g., love)
3. I often hear people asking: "Can anyone recommend a NI Church of Christ?"
1. Is this not reflecting a sectarian mindset, "limited in character or scope"?
2. Why not ask for "...a Baptist Church of Christ?" or "...an Episcopal Church of Christ?"
4. Is this not dangerously close to a denominational mindset?
1. Inadvertently creating a new denomination?
2. Perhaps lLeading to "The NI Church of Christ"?

[This is not to lessen the seriousness of erroneous doctrines and practices, for Jesus clearly warned of the danger of false doctrine among churches (Re 2-3). But how can we avoid the sectarian mindset that can easily lead to denominationalism...?]

4. AVOIDING SECTARIANISM
1. WITH A PROPER VIEW OF THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL...
1. Remember what we covered in our first lesson on the universal church:
1. Began on the day of Pentecost, composed of all Christians
2. The Lord adds those who are being saved, He determines membership
3. There is just one spiritual body, there is no earthly organization
2. Thus the church universal is not composed solely of a select group of churches:
1. Wearing one official name
2. Defined by one particular issue
3. Listed in a specialized directory of churches
2. WITH A CAREFUL EVALUATION OF LOCAL CHURCHES...
1. The faithfulness of local churches are determined ultimately by the Lord
1. Jesus knows and judges His congregations - e.g., Re 2:2-3
2. Congregations with false teachers might be tolerated for a time - Re 2:4-6
2. Any evaluation we make is subject to our limited knowledge
1. Certainly we should do our best to be faithful, and find faithful, churches
2. But we must be careful in our judgment of other churches - cf. Jm 4:11-12
3. Careful not to discount the possibility of other faithful churches unknown to us
1. Scriptural in every way, but perhaps using a different scriptural name
2. Though not listed in "our" directory of churches, or known by our association

CONCLUSION

1. Denominationalism and sectarianism can be distinguished by their views of the church...
1. Denominationalism's view of the church too broad
2. Sectarianism's view of the church is too narrow
2. Yet sectarianism often leads to denominationalism...
3. By inadvertent use of denominational language ("NI Church of Christ")
1. By a backlash to improper narrow-mindedness typical of sectarianism

My prayer is that we might avoid both denominationalism and sectarianism with a proper view and understanding of the Lord's church universal and His churches local, while serving the Lord simply as Christians in congregations faithful to His Word...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022