As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-5

In most Christian churches today doctrine reigns supreme as the number one litmus test for fellowship as well as for consideration for leadership and ministry. Believe the same things as those in power and you’re in.  Have a different view on specific subjects and not only are you not considered for leadership, you are essentially shunned for any other ministry opportunity.

Is this the right approach?  How can the big “C” Church ever become united as Christ prayed we would if we allow doctrine to divide us?  In our focus passage the Apostle Paul urged Timothy to teach sound doctrine.  On this we can all agree – sound doctrine matters.  But here is where we have to consider a very important question – does disagreement on certain doctrinal matters disqualify one for ministry or leadership?

People ask me all the time why there are so many denominations.  My answer is nearly always the same – because people make doctrine the dividing line and forget that what really matters is the life we live based on the doctrine we believe.  What do I mean by that?

Note that after Paul instructed Timothy to correct the strange doctrines being taught in his day, he gave Timothy the reason why doctrine matters – because “the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”  In other words, doctrine matters but the more important thing is that what you believe results in godliness, a pure heart, a good or clean conscience, and a sincere faith.

If you are like me you know churches which allow for the most oppressive, obnoxious, and rude behavior from its leaders because they adhere to certain doctrinal positions.  The true litmus test of the validity of any doctrine is the fruit it produces.  Doctrinal “purity” that does not lead to godliness and the spiritual fruit of Galatians 5 is no better than the “strange doctrine” Paul warns Timothy about. It is high time that the big “C” Church came to grips with this truth.

When we do, we will all experience a transformation in our relationships, ministries, and churches.