They would join us but for the fact they see us as just another denomination among the many. Thus, our plea for unity is seen as a campaign to annex all others to our denomination, and with condescending smiles and a patronizing manner, our plea is just plain sophistry to other ears. This is true and scriptural, but this is not the message we usually convey to our neighbors. We imply in tone and manner that all of God's children in Everytown, U. S. A. are in similar congregations and that all others not identified with us are bound for hell because they are denominational. Other congregations of the restoration heritage are included in our concept of denominations, from ultra-conservative Christian Churches to the most liberal Disciples of Christ congregations.
Denominationalism is wrong.
It is a stench in the nostrils of God. The only way to be truly non-denominational is to claim as brothers all obedient children of God who by faith have accepted Jesus as Lord.