READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; EPHESIANS 4:1-6

I attended the same church until I turned twenty-three. Through a service opportunity, I started attending a different church. But I wasn’t just switching buildings and service times. I was switching denominations too.

Denominations are groups of churches (like Free Methodist, Church of God, Presbyterian, etc.) that are united by a particular set of beliefs and practices and have some kind of governing body. They each emphasize different elements of Christianity (and disagree in some areas).

I grew up in a denomination that was a little reserved. Our sermons were scheduled to the minute, and songs functioned on a click-track. My new church repeats bridges of songs over and over, people will share testimonies in the middle of worship, and services could last anywhere from one to two hours. My new church focuses on spiritual gifts, while my former church focused on discipleship, educating believers, and serving.

But guess what? God is in both places. I’ve learned so much from each one. God is not a straightforward, one-dimensional piece of paper. While He doesn’t change, He has many different characteristics that different churches emphasize in the ways they conduct worship.

I think it’s easy to focus so much on denominations that we lose sight of what matters most. We get caught up on all these differences—or, even worse, we don’t critically examine our differences and just assume that one of us is “right.”

The fact is, Jesus died for people in every church. His love for us goes beyond denominations. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” Yes, as fallen humans, we’re going to set up institutions prone to errors. And there are bad leaders everywhere, so it’s vital to be mindful of the teaching at any church. But Jesus lived and died and rose again for all of us. Let’s come together, learn from one another, and share the many ways God has shown His love to each of us. • Natty Maelle

• Do you know what your church believes or what denomination it’s part of? Consider going to your church’s website or asking your pastors about what core beliefs your church holds.

• Jesus calls the church to live in unity (1 Corinthians 1:10). How does Jesus make this possible? What might it look like to live in unity with denominations you disagree with?

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I [Jesus] am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 (CSB)