Question: My husband and I are having problems with regard to which church we should attend. We both live in the same town where we grew up, however, we both still have membership at the church we were baptized, which are different churches (same denomination). My husband does not attend church regularly anymore. I currently sing in the choir, teach a Sunday School class and serve in an administrative position at the church where I am a member.

My husband feels that we should be members of the same church. I attend his church occasionally, but when I am not in attendance at my church, I feel that I am not fulfilling my duties. My husband believes that I must adhere to his decision because I should obey my husband and we should become as one body. Please give us some direction.

Joyce

Answer: Dear Joyce,

Denominational-ism can be a huge headache and a curse – as it can separate Christians and cause "holy wars." At the same time denominations can be helpful because they offer variety – speaking to us in our culture, giving us positive choices – choices that can make our Christian journey more enjoyable, understandable and culturally relevant.

On the other hand, there are some churches – and some denominations – that are not healthy, or may not be a good match for particular individuals. A choice of church is one which should be made carefully. There are good reasons why some people stop attending one congregation – or one denomination – and start attending another.

Perhaps in a perfect world families should be able to worship together – but in the real world not all families do, for a variety of reasons. One family member may feel a need to attend one church, while other members may worship at other places, or may not attend a physically located church at all. At the end of the day, this matter is very much a matter between each of us and God.

In Christ, Greg Albrecht