10 Things Churches Do Right

The web is full of stuff that churches do wrong, and a lot of it is probably right on. What disturbs me more, however, is our collective quickness to point out everyone else's flaws, when we all have them. If I am publicly critical of one of the flaws in the church, it is the church's willingness to divide the body. So, rather than perpetuating division, I want to point out a few things churches do right.

I've taken the top 10 Christian denominations according to a The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life/US Religious Landscape Survey and want to give them each a pat on the back for one thing each does right. Note: I haven't distinguished so finely as between "Evangelical" and "Mainline," or this sub-group and that.

Denomination (% of US population) - The good stuff:

1. Catholics (approx. 24%) - Disclaimer: I was born and raised Catholic, and a large part of my family is still Catholic. Catholics do "reverence" better than any other Christian denomination. I prefer a more contemporary, laid back worship service, but I have a great deal of respect for the reverence Catholics give to the Church buildings, altars, services, and rites. They get that God is holy, and we should approach Him that way.

Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, "Be holy because I (am) holy." 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NAB).

2. Baptists (approx. 13%) - Disclaimer: I was "saved" while a member of a Baptist Church (Beltway Park) a few years ago, and I wouldn't trade my time in that Baptist Church for anything. Baptists do "numbers" better than anybody else right now. They keep the calculators in heaven busy with the newly saved. Baptists get mission work and know how to evangelize.


3. Methodists (approx. 6%) - Disclaimer: I graduated from a Methodist university (Southwestern University); the connection was tenuous but important. The Methodists were charismatic before charismatics were cool. The Methodists once did mission work better than anyone else. Now, Methodists bridge gaps better than anyone - gaps between traditional and modern, fundamental and progressive, liturgical and extemporaneous. Methodists get inclusion.


4. Lutherans (approx. 4.6%) - Obviously, Lutherans have historically done "grace" and "reformation" better than most. They do doctrine, confessions and creeds well. We should all have such well articulated beliefs. Lutherans get that you should be able to articulate and defend what you believe.

He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. Titus 1:9 (NRSV)

5. Non-denominational (approx. 4.5%) - Disclaimer: I currently attend a non-denominational church (Emmanuel Fellowship Church). Non-denominationalists do "worship" better than anyone. They let loose and worship shamelessly. Hands raised, banners waiving, and dancing in the aisles. Every church service is a party. Non-denominationalists get that God is to be worshiped.

Then David danced before the LORD with all his might...

Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. 2 Samuel 6:14, 21-22 (NKJV)


6. Pentecostals (approx. 3.5%) - Pentecostals do Holy-Spirit religion better than anyone else. They understand that we are spiritual beings first and foremost, and that we should live in a state of communion with the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals get that the gospel has to be presented not only in word but in power.


7. Presbyterians (approx. 2.7%) - Presbyterians do education well. I would guess that, per capita, Presbyterians are probably the most educated group of believers. Presbyterians get that you don't have to check your intellect at the church door.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools. Proverbs 15:7 (NRSV)

8. Christian Churches/Churches of Christ (approx. 2.4%) - Christian Churches and Churches of Christ do discipline and perseverance like no one else. I don't think I know a more committed and determined lot. They get that the Christian life is a marathon not a sprint, something many Christians lose sight of.


9. Anglicans/Episcopalians (approx. 1.7%) - Anglicans and Episcopalians embrace diversity. This is not true for a lot of the Christian church, and it should be. There is, after all, a common thread which should bind all of us. Anglicans get that the body needs all of its component parts.


10. Holiness Churches (approx. 1%) - Holiness churches do non-conformity well. They actually try to live what many Christians profess. They get that an encounter with Jesus and the Holy Spirit should be a life-changing encounter.


On the whole, it sounds like a body of Christ I want to be a part of. Now, if we could get all of the component parts working in unison.

NOTE: My readers know that I allow and respond to virtually all comments and criticisms, but not on this post. If you leave a comment critical of a Christian denomination, please know it will be deleted. I know charismatics can take things too far, and I know other denominations can be legalistic. I get it. None of us are perfect, and there will be plenty of time and opportunity to discuss the problems later. You are, as always, certainly free to criticize me or my positions, but not the other members of the body. Not this time.

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