Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Co 1:1–3).
We have already written about the word church in this devotional 12. Not the Pastor, Not the Pope: Christ as the Ultimate Authority of the Church, so we won’t go into detail on the meaning of the word Church. But rather focus on the phrase "the Church of God” as it appears in several New Testament letters of Paul, such as 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, specifically where in these passages phrase it is rendered in Greek as (ekklesia tou theou).
Bible scholars say there are differences in translation between Greek and English, but the underlying meaning and significance of "the Church of God" remains the same. We want to provide an overview of the relationship between Paul and the churches he planted, highlighting key themes and experiences.
Denominations That Use the Phrase "Church of God"
Did you know that several denominations use "Church of God" as part of their name? They share a common history and theological tradition traced back to the Holiness movement in American Protestantism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement emphasized the possibility of a second work of grace or sanctification, leading to a deeper spiritual life. These denominations are committed to the Christian faith and the significance of "the Church of God."
Some of the groups that emerged from this movement include the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), founded in 1881, as well as the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the Church of God (Holiness), and the Church of God (Seventh Day). But wait, there's more!
Other groups use the phrase to legitimize their authority, with many of their members believing their denominations are direct descendants of the early church. These include the Church of God in Christ, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee; the Church of God of Prophecy, headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee, the International Church of God in Christ, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri; the Pentecostal Church of God, headquartered in Bedford, Texas, the United Church of God, headquartered in Milford, Ohio and the Church of God, Mountain Assembly, headquartered in Jellico, Tennessee.
Despite the differences
Even though these denominations have different leaders and structures, they all believe in the importance of "the Church of God" as a group of believers who follow Jesus and live out their faith in the world. They also commit to personal holiness and the Holy Spirit's role in believers' lives. And while the early Church faced challenges, it grew through dedication and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Similarly, modern denominations are important centers for Christian worship, education, and service. They provide believers with ways to strengthen their faith and help their communities. While each group has its own unique theology and practices, they share roots in the Holiness movement and a commitment to the Christian faith.
Denominational Churches Differ from the churches Paul planted.
The practices of many denominational churches today often differ starkly from the early Christian communities that Paul helped to establish. While evangelism and conversion remain central to many denominational churches, the focus is often on building the church institution rather than fostering genuine relationships with new converts. This can lead to a corporate culture in which the church becomes more of a business than a community of faith.
Relationship building and conflict resolution can also differ significantly in denominational churches. While some churches prioritize building solid relationships with members, others may have a more transactional approach, treating members as customers to be served rather than fellow believers to be loved and supported. Conflict resolution can be handled through formalized processes rather than through genuine engagement with the individuals involved and a commitment to resolving issues compassionately and respectfully. The practices of denominational, corporate, and institutionalized churches today often differ significantly from the early Christian communities that Paul helped to establish. While exceptions exist, many churches today could benefit from a renewed focus on evangelism, discipleship, relationship building, and mutual support, as exemplified by Paul's relationship with the churches he planted.
The Relationship Between Paul and the Churches He Planted
Paul's relationship with the churches he planted is characterized by evangelism, discipleship, relationship building, mutual support, and partnership. He first evangelized and converted individuals to the Christian faith and then established communities of believers. He later assumed the role of a teacher and mentor, providing guidance and support to these early Christians. Despite facing conflict and tension within these communities, Paul remained committed to their growth and development. He also recognized the contributions of others, forming partnerships with them to create vibrant centers of Christian witness and service.
Another critical difference between the early Church and modern denominations is the role of leadership. In the early Church, leadership was largely decentralized, with each community of believers operating under the guidance of local elders and apostles. In modern denominations, however, leadership is often centralized, with specific individuals or groups holding authority over multiple congregations or regions.
What would Paul say concerning the concept of denominational churches?
What would Paul say concerning the concept of denominational churches? We cannot speak for Paul himself, but we can provide some insight based on his writings. Paul's emphasis was on the unity of believers in Christ, as he wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
While Paul addressed issues of disagreement and division in the early church, he did not explicitly discuss the concept of denominationalism as we know it today. Still, Paul might encourage Christians to focus more on their shared beliefs and practices and less on denominational differences to promote greater unity and cooperation among believers. At the same time, Paul valued diversity within the church, as he wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, comparing the body of Christ to a human body with many different parts. So, while he might urge Christians to work towards greater unity, he would likely also recognize and appreciate other denominations' unique contributions and perspectives within the broader church.
May we remember that despite our denominational differences, we are all part of the Church of God, committed to living out our faith in the world and growing in personal holiness, just as Paul and the early Christians did.
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