How many Churches are there?
The last time I checked there were about 24 congregations listed in the local newspaper. If you were to search for "church" in Edmonton, you'd find hundreds!
Every so often I need the reminder that God only sees 1 Church. While there are many expressions and opinions and nuances emphasized in various congregations, God only has 1 church. The Body of Christ...those who believe in and follow the ways of Jesus.
For the first 1000 years there was literally only one church: The Roman Catholic Church. Doctrine was solidified at large councils of leaders, like the one in Nicaea in from May to August of 325, which produced the Nicene Creed.
In 1054 there was a "Great Schism" which led to the separation and creation of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Then there were 2. As Martin Luther developed his theology along with other reformers in the 1500's the Protestant reformation caused a further evolution into 3 main branches of Christianity. (see the chart of church streams HERE)
But God has 1 church. All of these are part of our history and there is much to be gleaned from this rich and diverse past. We can learn from the highlights and from the mistakes. While it has been popular in the last 200 years for groups to believe that what God is doing in them is "new," we would do well to take a humble view of the present so that we do not repeat the past!
Today I gathered with brothers and sisters from our local ministerial group over lunch. It was good to encourage one another and be reminded that we are about the same work in the same church, so we should stay faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ! God is at work around our city!
Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, 4:2-6 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
As we reflect on this past Sunday pf Pentecost, may remember the gift of Holy Spirit whom God has so graciously given to all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. There are many things that divide, yet the same Spirit of God has been at work, since before time began, accomplishing God's will.
May we seek to be led by the One who has been present through it all and still calls us to be 1 Church.
In the Strong name of Jesus,
Pastor Nathan
p.s. If you'd like to read more about Church History I recommend "Church History in Plain Language" by Bruce L. Shelley and "The Great Emergence" by Phyllis Tickle.