In large measure our hesitancy to step forward and complete the circle comes from our denominational bonds. Now, there are good and bad aspects to having denominations, and it would be wrong to target them for disposal on the premise that they will continue to be shackles to a full expression of brotherly love. Denominations have allowed the Local Church to proliferate in style, and therefore in human points of contact, far more quickly than would have been the case had there been only one denomination. The truth is that no two human beings see the world through exactly the same lens. So as an activating agent, multiple denominations are to be encouraged. Never can the social emphasis exist in the same way with each denomination, so never can there be true competition.
What has remained negative has been the myopic interests of each group. Determined to have self-meaning, the denomination in the local church context has focused inward and not sought to work with other denominations for the sake of the Kingdom. Structurally this may be a difficult thing to do. [9] Pastors are being challenged to make their churches relevant with the times, to reverse the declines in membership, to increase givings. These are important issues but they deviate from the Church's true purpose (speaking structurally) of being a point of corporal contact between Man and God.
The song says it well: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness. And, all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu - Allelujah! Indeed, allelujah. These words are truth, spoken from the lips of the Saviour (Mat 6: 33). The structural church is to be in the business of training up believers into active service. Only out of the service of the laity will we reap the fruits in brotherly love and effectual worship, and this will flow like blood out of the hearts of the people. It will be impossible to contain. This is the pastor's true goal. In biological terms: giving, church growth, and relevancy are all 'masking factors.' They are the result, not the goal.
Today, there is a growing awareness within the laity that the job is their's.[10] However, in many cases, the denomination to which they belong hasn't caught up. And, neither can it. Some are forming interdenominational organizations to realize what God is calling them to do - breaking the bonds so to speak.
