For many years, the denominational tag told people everything they needed to know before they walked in a church’s front door. And not just theologically. Even the style of clothing and music were similar throughout each denomination.
In recent years, many of the denominational barriers have fallen as a primary determiner of church culture. Now we tend to adopt our style and culture from some of the more influential churches in our society.
In short, some churches lead and other churches follow. Not always with good results.
If you’re copying another church, you’re not being the church God called you to be. And the kingdom of God is poorer for not having your voice in it.
Author
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Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.
He's the author of five books on church leadership, including his newest, De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next. His other books include The Grasshopper Myth and Small Church Essentials.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast,The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring in-depth interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.
Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.