What Tribe Do You Rep? Or Should I Say Denomination?

Alright, let’s talk. But before you come for me—pause, pray, and check your heart. This one might shake the table a bit, but hear me out and, more importantly, test everything against the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Today’s topic? Church denominations. Or, as I like to call them, church tribes.

Okay, that’s what we are discussing!

I wrestled with this one because I know how sensitive it can be, but we need to have this conversation. In my first ever blog post, I touched on how Christianity has become more of a tradition than a way of life. Culture has crept into the church, and we often don’t realize that we’re doing things more culturally than biblically.

And you know where this shows up big time? Denominations. While they may have started with good intentions, denominations have become a major source of division in the Body of Christ. Keep reading I’ll explain further.

Loyalty to Denomination Over Jesus?

We have Baptists, Anglicans, Catholics, Redeemers, Pentecostals—the list goes on. And while each may have different practices, rituals, and beliefs, the unifying connector is the Bible.

The sad truth: Some of us have become more loyal to our church denomination than to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I’ve seen people argue over simple things—“Do we say Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost?” People refuse to get married or baptized outside of their denomination. Some churches won’t even let you preach unless you fit their “tribal” requirements. So much division while claiming to serve the same God.

But here’s my question: Where is the biblical backing for this?

Tradition does not equal truth. Just because something has been done a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean it’s biblically correct (Mark 7:8-9). If we claim to follow Jesus, then everything we do must be backed by scripture, not just culture or church tradition.

The Berean Mindset

Paul commended the Bereans in Acts 17:11 because they didn’t just take his word for it. They examined the Scriptures daily to make sure what he preached was true.

How many of us can honestly say we put this level of scrutiny into practice?

How the Bereans examined Paul’s words

Where Is Denomination in the Bible? Jesus Called Us Disciples, Not Denominations

Today, many people identify as Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic, Anglican, etc., but if you ask them why, most can’t give a biblical answer. They say things like:

• “My parents were Baptist, so I just continued.”

• “I like this church’s vibe.”

• “This is what I know.”

But nowhere in the Bible does God label us by denomination. Have you ever searched the Scriptures to see if what your denomination teaches aligns with God’s Word? Or are you just going with the flow?

Hear me clearly—I’m not saying that denominations are inherently wrong. The problem is when denominations become our identity over Christ. Let’s not forget—denominations are just man-made labels. People started these movements to worship God.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He didn’t say,

“Go therefore and make more Baptists, Pentecostals, or Catholics.”

No. He said,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus called us to be disciples—followers of Him. That’s it.

What Did the Early Church Look Like?

Let’s take it back to the Book of Acts (one of my favorite books—you should read it if you want to understand the early church). Here’s a quick summary of the first chapter:

• Jesus ascended to heaven.

• He told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit.

• They obeyed, prayed, and the Holy Spirit came upon them in power.

• People were confused—some were amazed, others mocked.

• Peter preached boldly: “Repent and turn to Jesus.”

• 3,000 people got saved in one day.

That’s how the church grew—not by denomination but by the power of the Gospel.

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”

(Acts 2:44-46, NKJV)

There was no denominational division—only fellowship, unity, and a commitment to follow Christ.

Because I’m a sucker for history, here’s an interesting fact—did you know that the term Christian wasn’t originally a badge of honor? In Antioch (Acts 11:26), people started calling the followers of Jesus Christians, but fun fact? It was probably meant as an insult.

What’s even more interesting? The early church didn’t call themselves Christians—they identified as disciples or followers of Christ. The term Christian wasn’t coined by those who followed Jesus, but by those who didn’t. Funny how that worked out, huh? Yet here we are today, wearing it proudly!

My Denomination Is Better Than Yours?

One of the biggest issues in the church today? People act like their denomination is the elite squad of Christianity—as if Jesus Himself signed off on their statement of faith and no one else’s. But let’s be real… this mindset is tearing the Body of Christ apart.

Paul pleaded with the church:

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV)

Yet instead of coming together as one in Christ, we let denominations divide us—when in reality, they should never be what defines us. Jesus didn’t die for a denomination. He died for His Church. So why are we acting like our little man- made label group has the monopoly on truth?

Paul even rebuked the Corinthians for this:

“For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?”

(1 Corinthians 3:4, NKJV)

Sound familiar?

Today we say:

• “I’m Baptist.”

• “I’m Pentecostal.”

• “I’m Catholic.”

But Paul is saying: You’re all missing the point! It’s not about your denomination —it’s about Jesus.

So, Why Do You Rep Your Denomination?

Is it because of tradition, culture, or biblical truth?

Are you more focused on defending your denomination than helping people conform to the image of Christ?

Before anything else, you are a child of God, called to be a disciple - a follower of Christ.

We don’t need more denominational alliances—we need more true followers of Christ.

Ask Yourself:

• Am I more loyal to my denomination than to Jesus?

• Is my faith based on biblical truth or just tradition?

• Am I focused on making disciples or just defending my church tribe?

• Do I look down on other Christians because they are from a different denomination?

The Big Question - Has our denomination become a source of pride?

Check Your Heart

If you believe your denomination is better than another, that’s pride.

Your denomination does not make you closer to God. Your heart does.

“The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

(1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)

So, What Tribe Do You Really Rep?

At the end of the day, God won’t ask you if you were Baptist, Pentecostal, or Catholic—He will ask:

• Did you follow Jesus?

• Did you obey My Word?

• Did you love Me with all your heart, soul, and mind?

Let’s challenge ourselves to look beyond denominational lines and focus on what really matters: living as true disciples of Christ, shaped by Scripture, and united in His love and purpose.

So, what tribe do you rep? Because if it’s not Jesus first, you might want to rethink it.

🎶 MUSIC TIME 🎵

1. Sinmidele – In Plain Sight

A heavenly love song to God! The melody? Pure beauty. Perfect for kingdom weddings—dripping with divine love and presence.

2. Jaymikee – I Will Be There

A wilderness anthem. Ever asked, “God, where are You?” This song gets it. Faith isn’t avoiding questions—it’s bringing them to God. Don’t be afraid to say, “Lord, help me understand.”

3. Philip Mitchell on Hardly Initiated—get ready to laugh, cry, and get convicted all at once! He goes deep—like, all the way deep. It’s long, but trust me, it’ll shake you, challenge you, and change you.

   
   

   Don’t just take my word for it—watch for yourself: Click here