There is often a myth that it is only sometimes proven true regarding different denominations “competing” for members. It is true that each denomination, too many to list (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and my apologies to anybody I missed) are all seeking to grow their congregations.

It is true that we all advertise, outreach and market our “brands.” However, the goal is not to sell the church or the denomination; the goals is to sell the free Gospel.

In almost any denomination or branch of the Christian faith, the Christian church is worshiping the same God, believing in the same Jesus, and are supposed to be spreading the Gospel message for the salvation of others. Making disciples, leading people to Christ and furthering the teaching, commands and ministry of our Lord.

Some may sprinkle, some may submerge, some may send you down a waterslide into a swimming pool (that was for shock value), but if they are all worshipping the same God found in the Holy Bible, baptizing and teaching in the name of Jesus as the one Son of God, and spreading the Gospel as written in the scriptures, then they are all in the same business.

My hope for you through this article is this: If you are not actively involved in a local Christian church, then I would encourage you to please do so. You will find fellowship, edification, and personal growth and you will be part of something much larger and fulfilling. If you are already part of a Christian church of whatever denomination, don’t be afraid to work with other churches of different denominations for the furtherance of the Gospel message. Our business is to lead people to Christ as savior; God will help them figure out where they need to be to worship and have fellowship; serve and grow.

Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church as this: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

I hope and pray that each of us who are of the Christian faith, regardless of denomination or practice, can learn how to devote ourselves to the bibles teachings, break bread together, pray together, have fellowship together as often as we can and enjoy the favor of all people as God blesses each of us. In a world that’s often divided may our Christian faith become united.

REV. BARRY VASSAR is pastor at Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist. He can be reached at fitzgeraldmemorial@gmail.com