40,000?

Mark 9:38-40

​How can there be over 40,000 Christian denominations? Can there really be that many things to divide over? Are there really that many reasons to separate from someone or some group and start a new group? Is there any real significance between a Baptist and a Methodist or a Lutheran and a Catholic? Do you think these churches are filled with people who have decided that this one out of 40,000 is just right like Goldilocks and the porridge? I doubt it! Jesus tells us that we should not look down on other flavors of Christianity but that we should have unity with all people who are for Christ.

1. What churches (denominations) would you attend and which ones would you not?

2. What are things you dislike or disagree with in the “other” denominations?

Challenge: Have a conversation with someone from a denomination you have a hard time with. Ask questions and seek to understand, don’t seek to convert them to your way of thinking. Look for places you can affirm and look for places to be united and you just might find that what you thought may not be how it really is.