This is an important message for micro-church leaders.  If I could give you one word of advice, I’d say don’t try to do this alone.  Do not be afraid to enter into a covenant relationship with denomination.

I understand it’s kind of trendy to disassociate with mainline churches. And people have good reasons to do so.  We live in a culture that celebrates individuality. Our generation has been bombarded numerous scandals and abuses. Particularly coming out of some of our mainline denominations.  We are afraid that identifying with a particular denomination will alienate ourselves from the very people we are attempting to reach.

Many church leaders would prefer more control over their own resources.  They see apportionments, or budgets or “funding the mission” more as a tax that designed to keep the larger organization functioning. Funding the mission might help the global church but does little to benefit the local congregation. 

Some leaders prefer short skis—they want to remain nimble and maneuverable. Denominations are too slow and cumbersome.  

I get it.  And in some cases I even agree.  With all that in mind, I’d like you to consider a few reasons I’ve chosen to be part of a denomination. Let me share a few reasons I have chosen to enter into a covenant relationship with, and place myself under the authority of, a denomination.  

I find a great sense of security living under the protective wing of a denomination.  I know that, if I get in trouble for any reason, all I have to do is pick up the phone.  I know that a structure is already in place to help me navigate through any difficulty or challenge I may face.  It is important to know that there are policies and procedures already in place.  A structure to follow and a safety net for me and my family.  I have an obligation to protect my family and a deep desire to maintain my integrity.  So, even though the policies and procedures seem cumbersome at times, they have proven to be a faithful friend. 

I understand that, when choosing a church choosing a church home, most people place personal preferences above doctrine.  But where do they go from there?  If we are going to raise up the next generation of disciple makers, wouldn’t we want them to know what they believe and why they believe it? Denominations are up front about what they believe.  Some find it difficult to embrace the distinctive doctrines of a denomination and that’s ok.  At least they are entering in with their eyes wide open.  In the Church of the Nazarene every pastor of every church has made a covenant to support and uphold our sixteen tenets of faith.  So, whether I attend a church in Bindura Zimbabwe, Cali Columbia or Cumberland Kentucky—I know that local congregation ascribes to specifics tenets of faith. 

I’ll never forget those Monday morning phone calls from Bobby Huffaker.  I was pastoring a small church across town from Grove City church where Bobby was. He would usually start the conversation with, “It’s Monday morning.  Aren’t you out of bed yet?  A bunch of us are going to Crackle Barrel.  Would you like to join us?”  So six or eight of us area pastors would meet at Cracker Barrel drink coffee and share stories, laugh and cry and pray.  I like my tribe.  There is just something about being connected to a group of likeminded leaders.  For me, being part of a denomination is not just about consistency.  It’s about connection.

Did you know that there are only 38 Churches of the Nazarene in the United States that average 900 or more in weekly worship?  Most of Churches of the Nazarene around the world have less than seventy-five members.  But it just so happens that there are 23,800 Nazarene Churches around the world with over 19,500 ordained elders and deacons. And over two and a half million members scattered across 150 countries.  The strength of the Church of the Nazarene is found in our inter-connectedness.  We are not a cluster of Islands that are loosely connected.  We are a huge family that is interconnected through an organization we call the Church of the Nazarene.  

So why have I chosen to enter into a covenant relationship with the Church of the Nazarene?  Is there a reason to intentionally bring myself under the authority of a denomination?  Indeed!  Simply put—I’m not willing or able to go this alone.  I find great value in the connectivity, the consistency and the accountability in becoming part of a denomination.  But more importantly—I love being part of a global mission that reaches far beyond my local sphere of influence.