The many movements that have carved out notoriety for themselves are close to abominable.  For one, they are hybrids containing kernels of truth peeking out from behind some of the most ridiculous dogma.  Rather than accept the fact that the church has its foundation in Christ and the apostles (this being a loose term since not all those chosen to be Christ’s companions have contributed to the witness that has come down to us), the sects, cults and denominations of Christianity have built their own fires to dance around.  Organisms may be a cute way to address the church’s dynamic resources, but the church’s foundation ensures that her processes and progress are assured.  Reform movements are superfluous nonsense, because the church’s endurance defies death itself, and by extension endures the passing of time and triumphs over every hostile incursion.

What’s in a name?

Churches do not need to be defined by anything but the name of Christ or God, hence “Church of God” and “Church of Christ” etc are the proper identification.  Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican etc are tacit admissions that Christ is not sufficient as the essential feature and hub.  A church’s authority and illumination is going to be commensurate with the name given.  A church without the express validation of salvation (Christ’s atoning love and the making of disciples).  People are equally free to join a church and leave a church.

Not a work in progress

Christ built his church when he gave the Holy Spirit to the waiting believers.  He is not building his church when people are added.  All of the elect, like Levi in the loins of Abraham when he tithed to Melchizedek, are built on Christ and his apostles as the first church members were.  The Pentecostal Event established the Body of Christ, with respect to the fact of the cornerstone, its foundations, and the placement of stones in the edifice. Hence, the church is always complete.  The PASSAGE of time as a measure and the NUMBER of people who count themselves as members are irrelevant to the church’s identity and sustainability.