Jeremiah Burroughs

No doubt you have looked at the many denominations of churches in a critical way. In my life so far I went to a 'North American Baptist' college, pastored at a 'Baptist General Conference' church, then a 'Baptist Union' church, and now am at a 'Fellowship Baptist' church in Kimberley. And I've just rubbed shoulders with some of the Baptist denominations. In Kimberley alone there are Pentecostal, Four-Square, Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican, United, Lutheran and Independent churches. During the reformation when some of these church denominations were being formed, a man named Jeremiah Burroughs argued in a gentle manner for denominations as a necessary part of the unity of the church. Could he be right, could all these denominations be helping church unity?

Burroughs grew up in England in the early 1600's when church government was decidedly hierarchical (the church leader was clearly in charge of all aspects). Disagreeing that this could be the only form of church government, Burroughs defended congregationalism (the congregation has authority) as a Biblical option. But because there was only one 'denomination' in England, his efforts found him 'kicked out' of the country. But instead of trying to change everyone's mind about his ideas for church government, he found ways to convince the English that having different denominations should be a part of the future of the church. He was not trying to cause a division, but taught that denominations were a natural part of the unity of the church. The criticism he took was over the nature of denominations to be a result of syncretism (when the church changes to be like its culture) or sectarianism (the idea that my denomination is the only true church). These critics kept Burroughs' ideas from being adopted until after his death. But his work led to a change that has paved the way for the many denominations we experience in Canada today.

Mark Shaw in his book "10 Great ideas from church history" provides the following 6 points from Burroughs' teaching that can help us discuss the worth of denominations.

1. Doctrinal differences are Inevitable
2. Doctrinal differences in secondary matters are still important
3. Differences Can be Useful
4. No single structure can fully represent the church of Christ
5. True unity is based on the common gospel and should be expressed through cooperation between denominations
6. Denominational separation is not schism

On Wednesday we will talk about denominations, how we should relate to other churches, and the like. Consider if denominations really are to the shame of the church, or if Burroughs is on to something. Could it be that we all represent a fraction of the larger picture of God's church?