In Defense of Denominations

Lately I've heard a lot of criticism of denominational organizations. I've been thinking a lot about it. First a couple of pre-cursors:
1. They are human creations and are therefore imperfect.
2. They are works in progress.
3. Those who throw stones at them without trying to work to make them better don't have a lot of my respect.
4. They sometimes do dumb things.

All that being said, are they of value? Yes, I believe so.

They provide a theological reality check:
I am a Lutheran. That's not good nor bad...just the way it is. Are Lutherans right and others wrong? Of course not. It's a "style" of being and it's a set of theological premises that we hold to. But the important thing is that we HAVE something to hold on to. There are some foundational beliefs and our confessions guide us to them.

They provide identity:
I know where I stand because I am a Lutheran. Yes, there are many different kinds of Lutherans. But if you identify yourself as a Lutheran there are some fundamental assumptions I can make and be reasonably certain about because of this identity. The same is true for Methodists...Presbyterians...Baptists...even non-Denominational folks.

They provide community:
There is a sense of being able to gather around these common beliefs.

I understand where denominations get themselves into trouble. But I'm just saying...there is value there.

And it's not a matter of modern vs. post-modern...emergent vs. non-emergent...

One of the primary criticisms has been that the "systems" in place within denominations are by default SO corrupt that you cannot help but reject them. I don't think so. I think any organization that begins as a movement (denominations included) eventually move into an institutional mindset. They can't help it.

Even those who are "outside" of traditional (re: modern) systems are bound to turn institutional. Count on it.

So are denominations worth "salvaging?" I believe so. The good that happens outweighs the bad. Are there better ways to do some things? Yes. Are there agendas that pull it them in diffent directions, perhaps away from mission? Sure. But I believe that we can work within and fix the system.

Next: Are non-institutional faith movements valid and "worth it"?