We are - Drew and I - We are.
Yeah, we fit in the conservative evangelical protestant Christian circle, but if we weren’t married we wouldn’t be attending the same church.
This comes up frequently in conversation, talking through this strange dynamic in our relationship. We recently came to the realization that this is a VERY beneficial problem.
See, we LOVE the Church. The worldwide Church - not just the little church that we attend on Sundays, but the “Big C” Church. We LOVE it…
We met doing interdenominational ministry. We fell in love doing interdenominational ministry. We got married doing interdenominational ministry. This ministry that we were a part of was made up of staff and volunteers from every conceivable local denomination, and it worked beautifully. It was a success.
Drew and I were raised up in that ministry, and were raised with an understanding that we can set aside our theological differences and work for the greater good. Work for the Gospel. Work for the Kingdom.
Anyway, here we are at an interdenominational seminary. Drew is considering becoming a pastor. And, well, um, we have NO idea what denomination we might be able to join. We don’t have the same theological understandings, so we don’t really fit in the same denominational category.
But, like I said, this might just be of benefit to us, because this might just force us to operate “interdenominationally” in our church setting. This might just make us set aside theological arguments to be able to have church.
…have Church.
17 responses so far ↓
Cindy Beall // October 13, 2008 at 1:59 pm
LifeChurch.tv, baby.
LifeChurch.tv.
traciejane // October 13, 2008 at 3:04 pm
You and Drew are light in the darkness. Your testimony, not theology, shines and reaches to hurting people. Help the poor, needy, and widows. Love God with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. That is how to BE the church.
annie // October 13, 2008 at 3:19 pm
very beneficial. Cool. Ben and I were raised very different denominationally as well. And since being the Church goes way beyond denomination … why not?
Heidi // October 13, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I am a big believer that denominations are just that denominations.
We all don’t like the same flavor ice cream do we?
We all don’t like the same baseball team right?
What’s important is that WE FOLLOW after Him.
Natalie @ I AM (not) // October 13, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Ha! I was going to say what cindy did….
sounds like y’all should look into LIFECHURCH.TV!!
Amy // October 13, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I’m all for the Church with a capital “C”!! And hey… Jesus said make disciples… not methodists, or baptists, or any other denomination… so I think you’re right on track!
Merrie. // October 13, 2008 at 6:17 pm
i love that God is so good to mix us up like that. He has a great plan and it wouldn’t work if either of you were boxed in - which i can’t IMAGINE you ever being boxed…
differences are there to call you out - to deepen your roots, to strengthen your faith, to bless the world… capital “C”…
Merrie. // October 13, 2008 at 6:19 pm
i love that God is so good to mix us up like that. He has a great plan and it wouldn’t work if either of you were boxed in - which i can’t IMAGINE you ever being boxed…
differences are there to call you out - to deepen your roots, to strengthen your faith, to bless the world… capital “C”…
mssc54 // October 13, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Isn’t it amazing how God allows believers to grow at their own ability?
Rest assured that He knows EXACTLY where He wants the both of you after seminary.
The key will be… do you BOTH have ears to hear?
Remember His ways are not ours and what we think we should be doing is not (necessaarily) His divine order.
Be blessed in your persuit of His leadings!
Theresa // October 13, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I go to my church because it feeds me. I realized early on that we support a lot of missionaries and missions. I didn’t realize that our supposed denomination was the Missionary Alliance. I just loved the fact that they show compassion, love, and kindness local and far away. I also love that our motto is “Where GRACE happens”. Pastor Bill’s message is pretty much that we are nothing if it isn’t through HIM! That it is HIS GRACE not our works that save us.
I really enjoy my church. I live with my father in law and he is a lutheran pastor. My husband was raised Lutheran. I was raised Methodist. My children are being raised as Christ lovers. That is the only denomination that counts.
asnipofgoodness // October 13, 2008 at 11:34 pm
When I was your age, That would have been a deal breaker, but now i am more mature…..so are you!!!
loriwilhite // October 13, 2008 at 11:56 pm
We’ve never been part of a denomination, so I probably don’t understand the ins and outs of it all. But we love serving in non-denominational, inter-denominational, whatever you call church. It is a great fit for us.
tammy // October 14, 2008 at 12:20 am
Inspiring and exciting mix-what fun!
Sounds to me like you may have many more options than most.
janowen // October 15, 2008 at 8:11 am
probably most of us don’t agree totally with everything our spouse does either. For instance, I have no problem with my egalitarian stance on women in ministry. My husband supports me but probably would struggle going to a church pastored by a woman. I don’t think I would. Just an example. I’m not sure that’s so much a theological issue though, which I suppose I would take more to be beliefs about Christ Himself. There are tons of nondenominational churches out there - just start a church yourself!
robin // October 15, 2008 at 8:19 am
just make sure you stay honest with each other about what church yiou land in. For years I follwed my husband to the church of his choice-even thought i was raised very different denominationally-and i suffered in silence, alone, as i listened to the minister negatively comment on beliefs i held dear. It was a very sore spo in our marriage-so be sure to comminu=icate your honest feelings about your beliefs and not fall for the ‘i must be a good little christian woman and follow my husband’ routine. We are to love Each other-submit to one another! So that my thoughts-good topic!!
hugs~
Cyle Lewis // October 16, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Amen Sista! I am right there with ya! We two are in interdenominational family. We too consider it a benefit!
alece // October 30, 2008 at 10:06 am
thrive church.
come on, you know you wanna.
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