In the past, smaller churches have successfully united to maintain their ministry. However, in our time another innovative approach is to consider organizing new churches from their beginning as union churches. A church of this character has a unique appeal for many Christians today. It does not denigrate the denominational church but rather draws on the values of more than one. In fact, it serves to prove the unity of Christianity.
Is it practical to form such a church which declares this unity and proclaims the grace of God? Yes it is. One of the best examples is The Brandermill Church in Midlothian, Va. This church was officially organized by two denominations: the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Methodist Church. It began with 120 charter members in 1977 and now has more than 1,000 members. Half the membership is reported to each denomination. The same is true regarding benevolences.
In an inspirational book entitled “Cultivating Perennial Churches,” Robert D. Dale assesses what he calls seven healthy churches. Chapter 6 is given to the history and evaluation of The Brandermill Church. The story of this church shows what can be accomplished when two denominations overcome their differences and work together. Ministers from each denomination serve limited terms at The Brandermill Church. It is interesting to note and appreciate the different theological schools these ministers attended: Union Presbyterian Seminary, Columbia Seminary, Yale Divinity School, McCormick Seminary, Princeton Seminary and Duke Divinity School.
Why is it so important for us to seriously consider how to develop new churches as union churches today? Let us think carefully about our own Presbyterian denomination. According to a recent communication from Brian K. Blount, president of Union Presbyterian Seminary, right now a majority of our PC(USA) churches have fewer than 100 members. I repeat: this is a majority of our Presbyterian churches. Perhaps we cannot do much about our present dwindling churches, but in our modern world we need a larger vision regarding church development.
It is imperative that we work with other Christian denominations in how we establish new churches. Is it not time for the Christian church at large, of which we are a part, to demonstrate to the world that there is only one Holy Catholic Church?
D. CLYDE BARTGES, age 94, is a retired Presbyterian minister who served churches in Tennessee, Florida and Virginia and was the founding pastor of The Brandermill Church.
