After a denomination receives some respect, maintaining respect with the prevailing culture becomes important and eventually eclipses its original focus. The desire to avoid scandal for the institution can create a climate of suspicion where leaders are increasingly saddled with rules. Decision-making falls to counsels and committees rather than the individual whose heart is in flames and whose head is full of dreams. There is a tendency to discount the individual and rely on centralized planning of ministry through a committee. Individual creativity, the personal call of God, and the diversity of the work of the Spirit are largely ignored.
Denominational allegiance becomes more valued than competency in the original mission.
The movement is bureaucratized and stagnant. Until recently this progression seemed inevitable. Recently, observers have witnessed a dramatic change in the way Christianity is being advanced. Networks of churches have been able to capitalize on the gift of being related and accountable to one another without falling prey to the temptations that have caused denominational drag. As Christians within a denominational framework, there are many things we can learn from new apostolic churches that will help us mobilize a tremendous, untapped reservoir of Christian believers within our denomination.