A Warning to Those Enslaved in Denominational Theology
Christians grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth by God’s design (2 Pet 3:18). It is the Spirit of truth who guides us into all truth (Jn 16:13). It is the Holy Spirit who brought forth the Holy Scripture (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20–21), and as our Teacher, He illumines the Word of truth for our understanding (Jn 14:26).
In the past, I was blessed to sit under a pastor who was born into an unbelieving family, met a girl, and was saved by God’s grace, through the preaching of the Word, at the church she attended. The first Christian book he ever read was A.W. Pink’s, The Sovereignty of God.
Pink’s book grounded this man, as he went to a Nazarene college in Idaho, then to a Baptist college and seminary in Oregon. Today, he is fully Reformed, and he pastors a small church in Spokane Valley, Washington. This pastor is a theologian. He is a serious student of the Word of God, and theology does matter to him. He would be the first to confess that his theology has changed over the years. Many refuse to admit this for fear of the repercussions.
Like other pastors worth their salt, this man of God has been chased out of denominations and local churches. The reason is simple…he has diligently read his Bible along the way. Doctrinal positions, he once held to be true, were rightly discarded as he understood better theology.
Now, here is the problem. Every theological tradition in Christianity imagines itself the gate-keeper to truth. To be a part of a denomination, you must believe and preach what the denomination says is right. This, of course, includes non-denominational denominations that hold to a certain school of thought.
Growing up Roman Catholic (my dad) and Methodist (my mom) in a Lutheran community (Frankenmuth, Michigan), I had my beginnings. Then, I met my wife (Fundamentalist Baptist), which brought a whole new perspective to my foundational understanding of doctrine and practice. Deviating from there, I unknowingly (because there was more to learn) ended up at a Dispensational seminary (Dallas).
My love for God’s Word, by His grace, was burning even brighter when my studies continued at a traditionally Reformed divinity school (University of Aberdeen), in a traditionally Reformed country (Scotland). I was taken with Calvinist theology (Doctrines of Grace) because of its high view of God and low view of man. The joy of doing theology was enhanced all the more.
Pastoring in Southern California, I was exposed to the Reformed Baptists, which seemed to be a glorious fit and culmination to my streams of learning. Then, I met this pastor in Spokane, and much to my surprise, I was learning the Bible and theology with even greater vigor and insight than before.
Today, I am a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, without a church to pastor, or a denomination to covenant with for a livelihood. Why? I kept growing like A.W. Pink (who spent the last 13 years of his life, secluded in an apartment on the Isle of Lewis, writing theology), and as I grew in the knowledge of the truth, I was chased out of churches…like Jonathan Edwards, A.W. Pink, Steven J. Lawson, this pastor, and so many others.
I often wonder how many men of God sit on the sidelines of the church, which is at war with the principalities and powers of this world of darkness. In addition, I sometimes marvel at the very small churches, who are blessed with those most mighty in the Scriptures. Why are seasoned students of holy writ in such obscure settings?
First, positively, men like Thomas Boston, George Herbert, and Jonathan Edwards were foremost student/thinkers. They were theologians or poets before they were pastors. Further, they were theologian/pastors, even before they were pastor/theologians. They are set in extreme contrast to today’s pastor/entertainer or pastor/psychologist.
Second, from their tiny churches, in their tiny towns in Scotland (Ettrick), England (Lower Bemerton), and Massachusetts (Northampton), these men subsequently blessed countless thousands of believers in future generations, and with an international scope still expanding, today. Obviously, there are more than these few examples.
Third, may this serve as a warning to denominational and tradition-enslaved pastors. Have you held the same theological positions for 30, 40, or 50 years? Have you ever wondered whether there is more to learn from the Bible than mere denominational dogma? Or worse, have you grown and not told anyone, for fear of being sacked from your pastorate or dismissed by your denomination? Selling your soul for the comfort of denominational perks is a sad tale you may take to your grave, but you will give an account to the One who already knows (2 Cor 5:10).
Finally, there is a warning to denominations and traditional schools of thought. In the quest to promote your interpretative version of the doctrines of the Bible, have you deprived your pastors and congregants from growing in grace and knowledge of the truth? Have you unwittingly punished your best and brightest workmen?
Consider the variations of Christian understanding and expression. The Roman Catholics claim they are the one and only church. Do you despise their pride and arrogant claims? Of course, you do. What about the Greek Orthodox or Anglicans and their claims? Do you not do the same, however?
In conclusion, God is greater than all our denominational sins. His will is being accomplished, even in spite of our misconstrued doctrines and practice. While the popular mega men (and disobedient women) fill our television screens, and man-centered professors poison our seminaries, God is prevailing. How do I know that?
The God who has taught us not to despise the day of small things, continues to faithfully direct our steps to the small churches, where lovers of truth may just be sitting under giants in the pulpit, who faithfully serve outside the scrutiny of this generation. Let that be a warning to the denominations…you have not cornered the market on Bible interpretation and right doctrine.
May we all fearlessly grow up in Christ, to the full stature of faith, always learning and truly coming to the knowledge of the truth with great joy. It may cost you much in lukewarm Laodicea, but this present suffering, amidst dim lamp stands, is not to be compared with the glory revealed to us, now in part, but fully in His presence. Denominations and their pride will be no more.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
September 30, 2022
