I Corinthians 1-3

Great churches reflect the culture and society of their location. The church in Corinth, Greece, was no different; it was a great church 9(1:1-7). But the social and cultural divisions that are tolerated in a society cannot be tolerated in a healthy church; they do not reflect Christ. Feelings of exclusivity by any persons or groups for any reason, or on the other side, persons or groups being excluded, must be addressed. Divisions (schisms) created by leadership preferences (1:10-12), even ministry goals (1:22-25), negate the effectiveness of an otherwise dynamic church.

The answer is always to refocus on Christ. In Him we are one, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. There is no room for any lesser standard.