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descout
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In todays terms what does it mean when a person claims to belong to a non denominational church?
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jmcrae
Guest
It means they think that the church they go to has no “man-made rituals” and that they think that they read the Bible with pure objectivity, unencumbered by any kind of preconceived ideas.
Typically, these churches tend towards Anabaptist-style theology and liturgy, although some of them incorporate elements from the tent-revival movement, Pentecostalism, and even rock&roll concerts.
I hope that helps.
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descout
Guest
Would it be right to say that if the church had carried out like the CC believes, One True Church, that denominations would really not exist? Since it seems the non denomination people I come in contact with firmly believe that denominations are unbiblical. Hence one reason why the CC is not biblical. Which I could post in a whole other post.
The more I thought about it the more I could agree to disagree because if only one True Church existed then there would be no need for denominations. Hence how Jesus wanted it. No denominations, just one True Church. Now I have not gone and researched to see if actually the Bible warrants against denominations.
The more I thought about it the more I could agree to disagree because if only one True Church existed then there would be no need for denominations. Hence how Jesus wanted it. No denominations, just one True Church. Now I have not gone and researched to see if actually the Bible warrants against denominations.
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choy
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non-denominational are those with “personal” relationships with Jesus. they don’t need an “organization” to tell them what to do. they read the Bible, they believe they are guided by the Holy Spirit, and whatever they interpret of the Bible is what God is trying to tell them
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jmcrae
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That is accurate, yes.
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kepha1
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Non-denominationalists reject authority of any kind, except the one whose turn it is to “teach” at their bible study meeting, and nobody has to agree with them either. They are essentially anti-Protestant, but agree with most Protestants that the Catholic Church is unbiblical. Non-denominationalism is a denomination in itself, with each group having its own agenda. None of them, to my knowldege, have ever built a school or hospital in the third world.
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Jon_Hus
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Interesting. How do they have a liturgy and yet no man made rituals? How would you define the difference between non-denominational and independent?It means they think that the church they go to has no “man-made rituals” and that they think that they read the Bible with pure objectivity, unencumbered by any kind of preconceived ideas.
Typically, these churches tend towards Anabaptist-style theology and liturgy, although some of them incorporate elements from the tent-revival movement, Pentecostalism, and even rock&roll concerts.
I hope that helps.
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descout
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It seems that a non denominational and I, practicing Catholic, have something in common. A personal relationship with God. Although I think there is more to it but I do have at least that.
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jmcrae
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You would have to ask them about that. I, too, sensed the contradiction in terms.
'Independent" would refer to a congregation that makes use of a denomination’s rituals, but isn’t actually governed by the authority of that denomination - for example, an “Independent Baptist” would follow Baptist customs and rituals, but would not get its clergy from any Baptist seminary, and would not be governed by any of the various Baptist conventions; ie: they could not be “disfellowshipped” for performing same-sex marriages in the Sanctuary, if they were minded to do such a thing, since no one would have authority over them to forbid it.
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BrianH
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The congregation would have leadership of course like the board or the deacons. Independent Baptists would get their clergy from any seminary they chose as the congregation or deacons, depending on the situation, would vote.
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swisscakerolls
Guest
Nondenominationalism can mean different things for different people. It is a response to denominations, as posted earlier. They have a loose set of theological teachings one must abide by but allow freedom of thought on a variety of matters. My Church growing up had a plethora of views on infant baptism, real presence, etc.
The important thing is a personal relationship with God and an honest attempt to follow his will in your life. It often involves contemporary Christian music, though hymnals can see some use too. Older generations tend to prefer the hymns, so I think there is an effort to accommodate them.
I don’t know how many nondenominational Christians would claim that they have zero man made tradition in their worship services (liturgy was a bit of a foreign word to me, really). I think they would say that it is as scriptural and current as it can be while still being relevant to the congregation. I’d wager that the goal is to incorporate the congregation over following any given liturgical structure.
I find that while Catholic theology and teaching isn’t necessarily followed or understood amongst nondenominationals, it is often respected as valid on some level. One can be a Christian Catholic, for example. They would just argue that the rituals and such could get in the way of your personal relationship with Christ.
Hope that helps.
The important thing is a personal relationship with God and an honest attempt to follow his will in your life. It often involves contemporary Christian music, though hymnals can see some use too. Older generations tend to prefer the hymns, so I think there is an effort to accommodate them.
I don’t know how many nondenominational Christians would claim that they have zero man made tradition in their worship services (liturgy was a bit of a foreign word to me, really). I think they would say that it is as scriptural and current as it can be while still being relevant to the congregation. I’d wager that the goal is to incorporate the congregation over following any given liturgical structure.
I find that while Catholic theology and teaching isn’t necessarily followed or understood amongst nondenominationals, it is often respected as valid on some level. One can be a Christian Catholic, for example. They would just argue that the rituals and such could get in the way of your personal relationship with Christ.
Hope that helps.
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cradlecatholic5
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Non-committal.
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4Squarebaby
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It means that the local church is the controling authority but they go further then Baptist in that they don’t link efforts with brother churches for things like missions.
How much a non denominational church can do depends upon it size. It may run one mission to a foriegn or domestic area, it may be planting other churches, it might specialize in prison ministry etc.
How much a non denominational church can do depends upon it size. It may run one mission to a foriegn or domestic area, it may be planting other churches, it might specialize in prison ministry etc.
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Chi_Rho_Joe
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I’ve heard the term used (mostly) disingenuously :tsktsk:in an attempt to persuade me that since “religion” is merely extraneous fluff or worse yet, detracts from the real message of the Bible, so whomever is telling me he’s non-denom is just a “Bible” follower of Christ.
Unless someone grew up without speaking to ANYONE about God or the Bible and just started reading it and self-interpreting it himself (uh oh! personal interpretation is a no-no according to Scripture!) he absolutely IS following SOMEONE’s interpretation or new idea. ( :newidea: )
By the mere act of mimicking or following another person’s belief system that differs from the original or a slightly “improved” copy (i.e. at least 1 change) that in and of itself is SOMETHING: i.e. becomes a denomination. Just because I can say “I just read the Bible” isn’t accurate. I follow a predecessor’s interpretation and elect to subscribe to it, or not. Heck, if I have a better idea, I can start my own denom! (I wouldn’t, just FYI 'cuz Rome’s Home.)
30,000 denominations *can *be wrong. Each one has its own “tweek” (i.e. change). Once you change 1 thing, it’s no longer the original, so you give it a name. Each claims to be a better interpretation than the others.
Did you know Catholicism is ***not ***a denomination?
Think the year 100, 200, 300… where were the 30,000 denoms back then? Each denom has a specific DATE in history when it made its debut appearance along with the name of the man/men who who penned their interpretation, followed by their version of supporting “facts”.The short answer, (too late!) is ask someone of each denom you come across if they think any of their beliefs (ones they differ on with other “churches”) could be wrong.
Count the number of “No” 's.
Whew! :coolinoff:K, your turn!
Peace,
CRJ
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kimmielittle
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IMHO it means: I’ll defined - without solid structure
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Zooey
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Non-denominational=believes in speaking in tongues. Not OSAS, or noncommittal on the subject.
Independent=does NOT believe in speaking with tongues. Very much OSAS.
Otherwise?
Pretty much alike.
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Holly3278
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There are a few different “non-denominational” churches in my area. The largest one is an independent fundamentalist Baptist church. They claim to be “non-denominational” but at the same time, they don’t reject the label of “Baptist” either. However, the vast majority of “non-denominational” churches in my area are Pentecostal in nature whether they want to admit it or not.
That said, there is only one Church that is truly non-denominational and that Church is the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is not a denomination while “non-denominational” churches tend to side with one denomination or another. The Catholic Church is pre-denominational.
That said, there is only one Church that is truly non-denominational and that Church is the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is not a denomination while “non-denominational” churches tend to side with one denomination or another. The Catholic Church is pre-denominational.
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descout
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I am interested in this. I think I am going to start a thread with this topic.
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Berean2
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From what I’ve personally seen, the non-denommers shy away from being identified with any one theological Bed of Procrustes, the emphasis being on Scripture and Jesus Christ. This is understandable, bec. a real problem with denominations is that they tend to make popes out of their founders (Luther, Calvin, Wesley, etc.), and Talmuds out of THEIR “infallible” theology, iow they do the same thing that the original Protestants accused the RCC of.
Is this based on your having attended non-denom churches? I’ve gone to several (around the country), and NONE of them supported speaking in tongues. So you can’t broadbrush them that way.
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Izdaari
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Non-denominational may mean a person agrees with the doctrines and teachings of their church, which styles itself “non-denominational”.
But when I say I’m non-denominational, I mean there isn’t any particular denomination that I identify with. I am a member of a church, which is an Assemblies of God affiliate, and I’m happy with it. But if I were seeking a perfect doctrinal match, it would be roughly 30% AG, 25% Lutheran, 25% Anglican, 10% Catholic and 10% Orthodox.
But when I say I’m non-denominational, I mean there isn’t any particular denomination that I identify with. I am a member of a church, which is an Assemblies of God affiliate, and I’m happy with it. But if I were seeking a perfect doctrinal match, it would be roughly 30% AG, 25% Lutheran, 25% Anglican, 10% Catholic and 10% Orthodox.
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