There has been much written about what needs to happen and what needs to change. While I see much value in the writing that has gone before me, I wonder if the solution really is as simple as "How can we help every congregation and every Christ-follower become better at accomplishing the ministry and the mission of Jesus Christ?"
At the core, I think this is what it means to be a missional church - where we put the mission and the ministry of Jesus Christ above any other priority. And just as our book of Order declares "The Church is called to undertake this mission even at the risk of losing its life, trusting in God alone as the author and giver of life, sharing the gospel, and doing those deeds in the world that point beyond themselves to the new reality in Christ." G-3.0400.
Perhaps, our main concern ought not be what happens or doesn't happen with denominations, but more with what needs to happen in local congregations to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ more effectively. All systems and structures ought to serve the local church to be more effective in the ministry and the mission of Jesus Christ. When the systems and structures no longer serve that purpose, then those structures are no longer necessary. And, perhaps, when that (how congregations can be more effective in accomplishing the ministry and the mission of Jesus Christ) becomes the main the concern for churches, the growth of denominations will take care of themselves.
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