There are approximately 384,000 churches in North America according to the NCS. Of those 384k, 84k were non denominational. The study done by this organization stated the non denominational population grew from 194,000 to 8 million from 1998 to 2012 .
This is a huge increase in percentages. Why would people gravitate to non denominational churches? According to Pew research, there are 43 different denominations that have a sizable group of congregations. There are probably MUCH more who have not been included in that list.
Additionally, if we have 384,000 churches, why is the number of American Christians going down?
Paul stated that
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4
One is not equal to 43 or more! The move from denominational church to non denominational has to do with beliefs or in the case of some a loss of respect for the leaders of the church.
In the books of Ephesians and Corinthians Paul reiterates that there is only one body of Christ and it is this body that must come together to take on the forces of evil.
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 1 Cor 12
Lucifer's greatest strategy is to divide and conquer. Needless to say he has done a great job not only here in our country but throughout the world. Muslims vs Jews, Jews vs Christians, Catholics vs Protestants. The skirmishes go on and on...
Regardless of our views of life after death or what day to worship or the type of sacrifice, Jesus wants us to come together as one in love. His message was one of peace and love not division and disrespect. Our goals should be unity and care for one another not dissension or revolt.
In my community every year, the leaders of the various denominations come together to put on an Easter service at the local cemetery. It is well attended at 6 in the morning and for many, it is probably the only church service that congregation gets all year. Despite that, for one day out of the year, we are united in the Body of Christ to sing praises to His name for His sacrifice and rising from the tomb. An act not accomplished by any religious leader in history.
Too bad that a day later, there are still 30 different churches in my little community. There should be one church with 30 different locations. We are members of one body in Christ and are unified in our devotion to the scripture. The message should be the same shouted at 30 different assemblies.
Paul goes on in the book of Corinthians-
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Cor 13
Let us love, let us come together and let us defeat the enemy wherever he attempts to intervene.
And that is the Whole Truth!
Have a wonderful rest of the week and may God bless you in your ongoing walk with Him.
And remember,
God always answers His kneemail.
getwholetruth.org
