Deep Thoughts regarding Denominations

A church is an assembly of believers and is made up of real spiritual people. Now.. when we are talking about "spiritual Christians", we need to figure out what kind of "community" within a local Church. If the people are submitting to the Holy Spirit, who will give them fruit. Quality is measured by the Christ-like living of a local church members. The primary reason to become a participating member is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with the characteristics of biblical maturity and commitment to the mission and future of a local church. A local Church is for "forgiven sinners" who confessed to be "in Christ".

I am legally deaf and was involved in deaf ministries over the years. Not many local churches offer programs for deaf or any other disabilities. When a local church was created primary for deaf believers, I joined and became a big part of the deaf community who are Christians. In the New Testament, there were many verses that talked about Christians being scattered all over the world. Why? Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations." Nation from the greek word "Ethnos". Strongs defines Ethnos as a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together as a company, troop, swarm. A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus the human family a tribe, nation, people group (culture). I was involved in a deaf culture for many years and reached out to them. God had a purpose for each one of us.

Deaf people may attend a Deaf church, or a “hearing” church (we’re using the term “church” to denote any organized house of worship) that has interpreted services, they may attend one without any interpreter, or may not attend church at all. Looking in deaf history, Thomas H. Gallaudet was ordained as a Congregationalist minister, he is remembered for his pioneering role in the establishment of the American School for the Deaf. His son, Thomas, ordained as an Episcopalian minister, founded the first Deaf church in the U.S., St. Anne’s in New York City. Typically, the Baptist is one of the main denominations that focus on deaf community. Also, Lutheran or Episcopalian are involved in the deaf community.

There is one Lutheran Church I have visited here in Columbus is Holy Cross Lutheran Church of the Deaf. LCMS have also set up a website for the deaf which is: http://www.lcmsdeaf.org/ . I might go back there even though it is alittle further than one church we live in. I am not totally deaf and I can hear with the help from my hearing aids. I just am not ready to be "involved" in ministries. I just wanted to attend worship service. Those deaf people who knows I am a Christian, often I get "drafted" into ministries when I am not ready.

I am looking at Lutherans, especially LCMS impresses me the most because all of their ministries are biblically sound and focuses on everyone and does not exclude anyone.

Many churches often treats disabilities, especially with the deaf community as 2nd or 3rd class citizens. When truth speaks, there is not burdens but rather "The truth shall make you free"; that is, free from the woes, the yokes, the burdens. The burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2) which never harmed a soul. Another area of burden is the moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5) which is a source of comfort if our hearts are right. The only way the spiritual gifts are going to operate is love. Love is the key. God is love. He gave us two commandments. We are to love God and others. With the Holy Spirit and love, I will walk in the Spirit, Christ produces the fruit. It is Christ through the Holy Spirit produces power, love, a sound mind through us. Christ helps us. Without Christ, we are nothing.