Christians First, Denominations Second

Dr. Joe Cephus Bingham Sr.

In today’s world, Christians often identify themselves by denomination before anything else. Some say, “I’m Baptist,” “I’m Methodist,” “I’m Pentecostal,” or “I’m Catholic.” While denominations can provide structure, history, and helpful traditions, the Bible teaches that our first identity must always be in Christ. Before we belong to a denomination, we belong to Jesus.

The early church did not divide itself by denominational lines. Instead, believers were simply called Christians because they followed Christ. Our unity was never meant to be found in institutions or traditions, but in Him.

The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue when divisions began forming among believers:

“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”— 1 Corinthians 1:13

Paul reminded the church that no human leader or group should take the place of Christ. When we elevate denominations above our identity in Jesus, we risk creating divisions that God never intended.

One Body in Christ

The Bible teaches that all believers are part of one spiritual body. Though we may worship in different places or express our faith in different ways, we are united by the same Savior.

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”— Romans 12:4–5

Denominations may differ in style, governance, or secondary teachings, but every true believer shares the same foundation: faith in Jesus Christ. This shared faith is stronger than any denominational label.

Christ Is Not Divided

One of the greatest challenges facing the church today is division. Jesus Himself prayed for unity among His followers:

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”— John 17:21

Jesus did not pray that we would all belong to the same denomination. He prayed that we would be one in Him. Our unity is spiritual, rooted in love and truth, not in organizational structure.

Our True Identity

The name “Christian” means “follower of Christ.” This identity should come before every other label.

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”— Galatians 3:26

When we stand before God, He will not ask what denomination we belonged to. He will look for a heart that trusted and followed His Son.

Denominations may help guide us, teach us, and support us, but they must never replace Christ as the center of our faith. We are not saved by a denomination; we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus.

Walking in Unity

Being Christians first means loving fellow believers even when we disagree on smaller matters. It means recognizing Christ in others who may worship differently than we do.

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”— Ephesians 4:3–5

Unity does not mean uniformity. We can have different traditions and still be one in Christ. What matters most is that Jesus remains at the center.

Conclusion

Denominations can be helpful, but they should never define us more than Christ does. Before we are Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, or Catholic, we are Christians. Our first loyalty is to Jesus, our first identity is in Him, and our first calling is to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

When we put Christ first, denominational walls become smaller, and the family of God becomes clearer. We must always remember: we are Christians first.