A union church is a Christian church that represents more than one Christian denomination. The term “union church” refers to a congregation that contains members of different Protestant denominations. Rather than being affiliated with any one particular denomination, a union church aims to unite multiple Protestant traditions together in Christian worship and ministry.
Some of the key characteristics of union churches include:
– Multi-denominational membership – Union churches typically contain members from at least two or more different Protestant denominations, such as Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc.
– Combined worship style – The worship services in a union church blend and incorporate elements from the various denominational traditions represented in its congregation. The music, liturgy, and preaching reflect this multi-denominational influence.
– Cooperative governance – Union churches are often governed by a unified church council or board that contains representatives from the various denominations involved in the church. Decision-making power is shared across the denominations.
– Flexible affiliations – Union churches have voluntary affiliations with multiple denominations but are not officially beholden to any particular denomination’s rules or oversight. This allows flexibility to craft a unique church identity.
– Inclusive membership – To foster unity, union churches typically have open membership policies that allow Christians from any Protestant background to join the church. Membership is not restricted to one denomination.
– Focus on Christian unity – Drawing from Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 that His followers “all be one,” union churches emphasize Christian unity across denominational lines and de-emphasize denominational divisions.
The origins of union churches lie in the ecumenical movement of the 20th century, which aimed to bring unity and cooperation among Protestant denominations. Some congregations chose to embody this goal by establishing non-denominational union churches. The hope was that uniting together in one church would allow Christians to focus on their shared faith in Christ while appreciating each other’s denominational traditions.
While denominational distinctions still exist within a union church, members are encouraged to value Christian unity over denominational identity. Their shared commitment to Christ and to each other is emphasized above differing traditions, worship styles, or theological perspectives. This allows a diverse congregation to worship and serve God together within one church family.
Union churches take varying approaches to important theological issues where denominations may diverge, such as baptism, communion, and roles of church leadership. Some union churches allow flexibility on these matters, while others take a definitive stance. Preachers must often strike a careful balance when addressing potentially controversial topics.
Despite the challenges, union churches continue to provide a unique church home for many Christians seeking cross-denominational community. They offer a vision of unity that transcends divides, even if full unanimity cannot always be achieved. When successful, union churches can provide rich opportunities for Christians to learn from other traditions, have their perspectives expanded, and live out Jesus’ call to be one body united in Him.
In summary, a union church is a Protestant Christian church that unites multiple denominational traditions together under one roof. Union churches aim to bring Christians together in worship and fellowship despite their differing backgrounds. Their goal is to emphasize faith in Christ above denominational divides for the sake of greater unity among believers. Union churches consciously blend worship styles, organizational structures, and membership policies from across denominational lines to create an inclusive, cooperative, and diverse church unified in its dedication to serving God and embodying the spirit of Christian unity.
Biblical Basis for Union Churches
The New Testament provides a theological basis for the purpose and mission of union churches in emphasizing the oneness of the body of Christ.
One of Jesus’ core prayers for His followers was that they would be unified together, just as Jesus and the Father are one. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays to the Father:
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23, ESV)
Jesus desires that Christians would be perfectly unified, living in close relationship with God and each other, just as Jesus shares perfect unity, love, and glory with the Father. Union churches strive to answer this prayer by bringing unity among believers across denominational differences.
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of unity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul appeals to the divided Corinthian church:
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, ESV)
Paul condemns the Corinthian church’s division into factions following different church leaders. He reminds them that the church’s unity is found in Christ alone. Union churches seek to heed Paul’s instruction by bringing together Christians who may have denominational allegiances but share devotion to Christ alone.
In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul urges Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” by living “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6, ESV)
Paul challenges believers to make every effort to preserve the unity that God’s Spirit has created in the church. Union churches endeavor to maintain Christian unity across denominational differences by keeping Christ at the center of church life and fellowship.
While differences between Christian denominations reflect varied interpretations and perspectives, union churches find their primary identity in the oneness all believers share through faith in Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament.
Common Models of Union Church Governance
The governance and organizational structure of a union church can take several different forms as congregations balance representation from the various denominations involved. Three of the most common models are:
– Unified governance – The union church is governed by one unified church council or board that proportionally includes members from the denominations involved. All major decisions are made by this representative, integrated leadership team.
– Federation model – Each denomination within the union church has its own church council that handles denominational-specific matters. They join together in a federal body to make decisions for the whole church.
– Chapel model – Each denomination represented essentially operates a chapel within the larger union church facility and manages its own affairs. A centralized church council governs issues affecting the whole church.
Specific examples:
Unified Governance Model
Community Church of Sojourners in Washington D.C. uses a unified governance approach. Its 12-member church council must contain at least two members from the founding denominations: United Methodist, Presbyterian Church (USA), and American Baptist. The council oversees church finances, staff, programs, and ministry for the whole congregation.
Federation Model
One example is Germantown United Methodist Church near Philadelphia, PA. As a union of Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren (United Methodist predecessor) congregations, it has separate Administrative Councils for each denomination that handle related matters. They join for monthly Church Council meetings to govern the unified congregation.
Chapel Model
At the Church of the Holy City in Washington D.C., Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Baptists each hold separate services in their chapel within the building. A central Governing Board, containing representatives from each group, makes decisions on issues affecting the whole church family.
While organizational formats differ, shared governance allows union churches to give balanced representation and voice to each denomination while making decisions democratically for the entire congregation. This provides accountability across the denominations for maintaining a vibrant, united church.
Membership Policies in Union Churches
Since union churches contain members from diverse Christian backgrounds, they implement inclusive membership policies that allow Christians from any tradition to join their congregation.
Some common membership guidelines in union churches include:
– Open to all Protestant denominations – Union churches typically welcome new members from any Protestant denomination, rather than restricting membership to one particular group.
– Belief in core Christian doctrines – Affirmation of foundational Christian beliefs like the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Trinity are often required to become a member.
– Baptism as a basis – Many union churches consider prior baptism in a Christian church to be sufficient for membership regardless of denominational background.
– No re-baptism requirement – Prospective members coming from a denomination outside the founding groups of the union church are not required to be re-baptized to join.
– Confirmation optional – Prospective members may be offered the opportunity to participate in confirmation classes to learn about the church’s beliefs and mission, but confirmation is usually not compulsory for membership.
– Dual membership permitted – Union churches typically allow dual membership with another church if desired, since they have voluntary, flexible ties to denominations.
– Elected leadership open – Members from any represented denomination can be elected or appointed to church councils, boards, or other leadership positions.
By welcoming Christians from across the Protestant spectrum, union churches can embody an inclusive Christian community that transcends denominational barriers. Mutual respect and understanding is encouraged between members of different traditions.
Worship Style Blends Denominational Traditions
The worship services at union churches reflect the diversity of denominational influences present within the congregation. Elements from the various represented liturgical traditions are blended together to create a distinctive worship style.
Some examples of how union church worship intertwines denominational flavors include:
Music
– Hymns and worship songs from different church backgrounds
– Choirs, praise bands, organs, depending on musician gifts
Liturgy
– Call and response, responsive readings mixed together
– Lord’s Supper observance incorporates Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian practices
Preaching
– Sermons may alternate between pastoral staff from different denominations
– Preaching style varies from more liturgical to more extemporaneous
Sacraments
– Infant and adult baptism offered
– Frequency of communion varies based on church tradition
– Confirmation optional and adapted from constituent denominations
Prayer
– Extemporaneous and written prayers
– Psalms, pastoral prayers, creeds from various sources
Special services
– Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Pentecost and other denominational holy day observances included as desired
Physical space
– Symbols and art from founding denominations displayed together
While union church services have a distinctive blended feel, they also maintain flexibility from week to week to use the gifts of members from across denominational backgrounds. The diversity of worship elements allows each tradition to make a valued contribution to the church’s common liturgical life.
Navigating Theological Differences
One of the challenges union churches face is crafting a cohesive theological identity from denominations with potentially divergent perspectives on important doctrinal issues. Navigating these differences requires prayer, humility, and compromise.
Some key areas union churches must find consensus on include:
Baptism
– Infant vs. believer’s baptism
– Sprinkling vs. immersion
– Re-baptism of those from other traditions
Communion
– Frequency and meaning of the Lord’s Supper
– Open vs. closed communion
– Use of wine vs. grape juice
Church leadership
– Role of bishops vs. elected bodies
– Gender roles – ordaining women as pastors and leaders
– Pastoral assignment – appointed or elected pastors
Social issues
– Homosexuality, abortion, divorce, warfare, etc.
While complete unanimity may not be possible, union churches acknowledge that diversity of perspective exists within Christ’s church. By focusing on their shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the core essentials of Christian orthodoxy, union churches of goodwill can develop “unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things.”
Challenges Facing Union Churches
Despite their noble goal of manifesting Christian unity, union churches also face challenges in trying to blend together diverse groups of believers into one congregation. Some of these challenges include:
– Lack of clear identity – Without strong denominational ties, union churches can struggle to shape a cohesive identity and set of traditions to call their own.
– Power imbalances – One group may dominate leadership or exert outsized influence over church life in ways that frustrate other denominations. Shared power requires vigilance.
– Generational shifts – As older members who founded the union church move on, preserving the original denominational diversity in new members can be difficult.
– Conflicting expectations – Members coming from different backgrounds may have divergent expectations for worship, programs, or ministry focus that can cause tension. Patience and charity are required.
– Leadership turnover – Frequent pastoral turnover can make it harder for stable, unifying leadership vision to take root long-term.
– Diffused resources – Spreading effort across multiple denominations within one church can lead to fewer resources for ministry programming for each group.
– Lack of institutional support – Because they are voluntary affiliations, union churches may not receive the same level of financial backing or oversight from denominations as churches with full denominational alignment.
By proactively discussing these challenges, union churches can thoughtfully navigate them through open communication, representative leadership, and constantly nurturing their core commitment to Christ-centered unity.
Benefits and Opportunities of Union Churches
Despite potential difficulties, union churches also offer unique benefits and ministry opportunities that can come from cross-denominational partnership and fellowship.
Benefits for members include:
– Exposure to new worship styles, spiritual practices, ministry approaches
– Learning from other parts of Christ’s church
– Relationship-building across denominational barriers
– More inclusive community not limited to one tradition
Opportunities for ministry include:
– Pooling resources from multiple denominations for greater impact
– Joint ministry initiatives drawing from each denomination’s strengths
– Conflict resolution modeling between Christian traditions
– Ecumenical connection and cooperation with other churches
Union churches also provide a compelling countercultural witness of Christian unity in a divided world. By demonstrating that unity across difference is possible through Christ, union churches point towards God’s desire for reconciliation in the fractured human family.
Though forming an inclusive union church is demanding, the rich rewards of diverse believers worshiping shoulder-to-shoulder week after week sustains the commitment to this bold vision. The union church ideal provides hope for overcoming divisions – both within and beyond the church.
Conclusion
Union churches occupy a unique place within the Protestant Christian landscape as congregations seeking to embody Jesus’ prayer for unity by bringing Christians of all backgrounds together in one church family. Their multi-denominational makeup requires thoughtful governance, inclusive membership policies, blended worship, and bridge-building leadership to foster cooperation across theological and liturgical diversity. While challenges inevitable arise, union churches continue to offer spiritual enrichment to members and prophetic witness to the world as communities united in Christ despite denominational differences. At their best, union churches provide a glimpse of the unity and harmony God desires for the entire body of Christ.
