What is a non-denominational service like?

[benhur]

Well, my daughter had to attend a non-denominational service as a class assignment, so we sent her with some friends of ours to their church.

She said it was like attending a class. In fact, people were encouraged to take notes. There was some singing.

Afterward, she told me it was weird: “They didn’t pray at all,” she said.

She was also thrilled she was Catholic and would be going to Mass later that day.

Hi Kay,

yeah but was there singing to God later that day ?..lol

 

[rcwitness]

I was non denom for years at a mega Church. And we brought bibles as instructed. And the preacher would read from it at the start of his sermon and ask us to read along. The problem is everybody seemed to have different versions of it so you couldn’t actually understand what was said if you weren’t reading your own bible and tuning everybody else out.

Anyway, they also had the words on the big screen so i just stopped bringing the bible. Seemed rather pointless as there were thousands of us not in unison.

There was always a prayer and blessing at the end. And i would think any Church would include that. Does seem odd that any service did not have this

I think the point is to get members in the practice of using their Bibles. Yes, it is a little impractical otherwise. The Scriptures are provided to follow in the misselete, in the same translation.

 

[Kay_Cee]

The no prayer part is weird–even for a non-denominational church. Was this on a Sunday?

Many Protestant churches encourage congregants to bring Bibles and take sermon notes while listening.

Yup, on a Sunday.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

I think the point is to get members in the practice of using their Bibles. Yes, it is a little impractical otherwise. The Scriptures are provided to follow in the misselete, in the same translation.

Works out well in KJV ONLY churches. Everyone is briefed from the get go not to be bringing those “funny bibles” in there lol. They especially dislike NIV which has like 40 deleted verses in it. Anyway, you are correct, the habit of bringing the bible is the point

 

[benhur]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses! This is really helpful!

Ok, you want a rundown on the pentecostal scene now?..lol

 

[ltwin]

Basically, expect a “generic evangelical” type service or possibly a more overtly Baptist or Pentecostal type service. It could be contemporary or old fashioned. Moody Church in Chicago is a good example of a “traditional” non-denominational church. Here’s a clip of them singing “Our Great Savior”: youtube.com/watch?v=HgqLXbuwkMg.

Bethel Church in Redding, California, is a very different kind of non-denominational church: youtube.com/watch?v=a62opzPvqo4&list=PLwdsgMvt7rIc8mFqCzuOKT3LoExDvQ7Qq&index=22

 

[fallow_spirit]

Evangelical non-denominational here, I can tell you what happens at my church and many other non-denom churches. Services start with about 20 minutes of hymns and/or modern praise and worship songs. About halfway through this the associate pastor will read the passage of Scripture that the sermon will be preached from, and leads the congregation in prayer. After the singing, the senior pastor will preach a sermon based on the passage the associate pastor read. This sermon will last about an hour, and then the senior pastor will lead the church in a final prayer. The service then ends with a final song and a sort of pseudo altar call. As others have said most people in non-denominational churches bring their Bibles to follow along with the sermon and to take notes.

Most churches are super casual (maybe even too casual). You’d be fine wearing a T-shirt and jeans or shorts, although there are some people that still choose to dress in traditional Sunday best. Heck I’ve seen some people in tank tops and sweat pants. Also most people are extremely welcoming and you’ll probably have several people greeting wanting to get to know you.

Hope this helps and sorry if it was too long. I hope you enjoy your visit and tell us all about it.

 

[arthra]

I realize that, being “non-denominational”, teachings and even the services themselves will differ among different churches, but I want to get a basic idea of what the average non-denominational service is like. I need to attend one of these services for a class I’m taking, and I want to know what to expect.

I can only speak from my own experience as being involved in the inter-faith community in my town for some years now…

We had an inter-faith choir for several programs and it consisted of youth from Episcopal, Mormon, Muslim and Jewish communities.

You will likely hear a representation of each religion in prayers which can be very interesting. Generally there is an agreed upon theme.

One service I attended had a native american prayer where we faced four directions…

So it’s a learning experience and you should learn a lot!

 

[TC3033]

Hi OP,

If you’re still around, I’m a non-denominational. Obviously, results may vary but this is kind of a run down of my church back home. Not every non-denom church is going to have a band, piano, etc… My church back home was actually a Capella and used the same hymnals I can find at my wife’s Catholic church. Each service took about an hour:

Opening Hymn.

Greeting / Prayer Request(s)

Prayer

Hymn

20-25min sermon / lesson (normally studying particular chapter/verses from the bible and how they apply to our day to day life).

Hymn

Collection

Communion Prayer

Communion (some churches may do this monthly or quarterly, ours is every week)

Hymn

Announcements / release after closing hymn

Hymn

Then everyone usually hangs out for a little bit, talks, has coffee, kids play outside for a while…

 

[benhur]

Basically, expect a “generic evangelical” type service or possibly a more overtly Baptist or Pentecostal type service. It could be contemporary or old fashioned. Moody Church in Chicago is a good example of a “traditional” non-denominational church. Here’s a clip of them singing “Our Great Savior”: youtube.com/watch?v=HgqLXbuwkMg.

Bethel Church in Redding, California, is a very different kind of non-denominational church: youtube.com/watch?v=a62opzPvqo4&list=PLwdsgMvt7rIc8mFqCzuOKT3LoExDvQ7Qq&index=22

Thanks …like the bethel one(I go to “bethel” church also very similar, a bit more "urban’…but yes flag waving also).

 

[Contarini]

I realize that, being “non-denominational”, teachings and even the services themselves will differ among different churches, but I want to get a basic idea of what the average non-denominational service is like. I need to attend one of these services for a class I’m taking, and I want to know what to expect.

As others have said, “non-denom” can by definition cover any church that isn’t part of a larger organization. Indeed, some churches that are part of a discernible tradition or fellowship call themselves “non-denominational” because that larger fellowship of churches is loosely organized and has no real authority over local churches.

But in the past decades, a fairly common pattern has developed among most American churches (and many in the rest of the world, following the American lead) that call themselves “non-denominational.” This pattern arose originally out of revivalist worship of the 19th century, whose purpose was to bring sinners to repentance and living faith using preaching and singing that speak directly to the emotions and conscience. In the 1970s, many evangelicals began introducing new forms of religious music derived from contemporary popular music. The charismatic movement also shaped non-denominational worship, even among churches that don’t speak in tongues. Then in the 80s and 90s, a philosophy developed that churches should tailor their main worship service to religious “seekers.” Churches that did this often seemed to grow exponentially, so the model spread. Most recently, the “emergent” movement has led to smaller congregations in many cases and to an emphasis on informality and openness (often involving much coffee-drinking) rather than the glitzy, orchestrated “praise bands” and celebrity pastor/preachers of the “megachurches.” These congregations may often be more socially “progressive” or even more theologically liberal than other non-denominational churches. In Britain, the blanket term for the latest wave of contemporary worship practices is “fresh expressions.”

Edwin

 

[Thom18]

I went on Sunday. It was sort of like I was expecting , but not identical. My mom told me not to expect a Baptist-like service, but I went in doing so anyways. I’ve never been to one, but I don’t think it was like that.

It was way more relaxed than our Mass (I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, just being objective). There was lots of interaction between the pastor and laypeople. The pastor played a guitar and sang along with the choir in the beginning, too.

Something that really surprised me was that the lector (just one) read both the old and new testament readings (a gospel only, I believe). She really just read them off and didn’t have much to say about them (she had a small comment on the OT passage), which shocked me. I figured the pastor would preach on them, but he instead spoke for twenty five minutes on one verse of a psalm (though he mentioned some other passages to clarify the meaning of it).

It was really nice. I had a lot to write about for my paper.

 

[CatholicSpirit]

A large PowerPoint bible study dictatorship with music and peers with polo shirts smiling.

 

[Faithdancer]

I realize that, being “non-denominational”, teachings and even the services themselves will differ among different churches, but I want to get a basic idea of what the average non-denominational service is like. I need to attend one of these services for a class I’m taking, and I want to know what to expect.

It depends. When you remove all the liturgical prayers, the readings and responsorial Psalm, the actions of Holy Communion, etc. you have to fill up the time with something else or you’re going to have a 20 minute service. Many megachurches fill up the time with a number of Christian rock songs. Others might have an extended sermon, or “talk.”

 

[Tommy999]

I went on Sunday. It was sort of like I was expecting , but not identical. My mom told me not to expect a Baptist-like service, but I went in doing so anyways. I’ve never been to one, but I don’t think it was like that.

It was way more relaxed than our Mass (I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, just being objective). There was lots of interaction between the pastor and laypeople. The pastor played a guitar and sang along with the choir in the beginning, too.

Something that really surprised me was that the lector (just one) read both the old and new testament readings (a gospel only, I believe). She really just read them off and didn’t have much to say about them (she had a small comment on the OT passage), which shocked me. I figured the pastor would preach on them, but he instead spoke for twenty five minutes on one verse of a psalm (though he mentioned some other passages to clarify the meaning of it).

It was really nice. I had a lot to write about for my paper.

Now you have something to compare to ,although you probably already know by now that non-denominational services can vary quite a bit, depending on who’s in charge and how they want to run things.

I attended a large non-denominational church for about 5 years or so while my wife taught at their school because it was a requirement to attend if you taught there.

All the praise songs were modern ones – rarely were any traditional hymns sung unless it was around Easter or Christmas and then there were just one or two because they wanted to appeal to the youth and young adults with more modern rock music type songs.

As others have mentioned, the sermon is the meat of the service there – usually lasts around 30-45 minutes. Some non-denominational preachers/pastors are excellent speakers and communicators. Some of them can make the average priest or traditional minister’s homily sound like an amateur by comparison. Joel Osteen is from that mold,

Some, like the pastor you mentioned, might expound on one verse and branch out from there whereas another pastor’s sermon might be more like a Bible Study. Others might add lots of colorful personal stories and anecdotes. Since they usually don’t have to worry about learning and performing liturgical duties, these pastors are able to spend more time honing their communication and preaching skills.

One thing I liked about the one I attended was that they had kind of a combined “altar call” and prayer time near the end of the service where you could go pray or get prayed for (if you wanted). The pastor and deacons stood at various places within the auditorium where people could go and get prayer for their particular need. I went up a few times before having a surgery or to pray for safe travels or to pray for a relative’s health issue, etc.

In short, after my wife quit teaching there, we went back to our roots to a more traditional liturgical church where I feel more at home. Nothing against the non-denominational church, but the pastor was king and dictator – whatever he decided was what they did and was treated like gospel. There didn’t seem to be any checks and balances on him or what he could do. I didn’t feel comfortable with that.

Holy Communion was rare. Winning souls for Jesus was paramount. Everything else, including growing in Christ after you became a Christian, took a back seat.

 

[jimkhong]

While Baptists are a denomination, the order of service he described is similar to many seen in non-denominational churches.

To the OP, non-denominational churches in theory could be and do anything.

However, if we are talking about the most common types of non-denominational churches, then we could probably categorize them in the following ways:

1. Baptist in all but name
2. Wesleyan-holiness in all but name
3. Pentecostal/charismatic in all but name

I’ve heard of an Anglican non-denom church, but I think that’s pretty rare given that by definition Anglicans are supposed to be overseen by a diocesan bishop.

What then would you define as non-denominational? Does this refer to Christians who are not affiliated with the established Protestant denominations (Lutheran, Calvinist/Presbyterians/Reformed, Lutherans, Baptists)? Are independent Pentecostal churches non-denominational? Would they still be considered non-denominational if the church belongs to a coalition/grouping/association of similar churches with established norms of doctrine and worship?

 

[ltwin]

What then would you define as non-denominational?

The word “denomination” typically has several shades of meaning in a religious context. The primary meaning however is the following:

1. A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name, usually organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy.

Therefore, the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a denomination because within it Presbyterian congregations are united under a common name, administration and hierarchy, at the top of which is their highest legislative body (the General Assembly). At the same time, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (another American denomination resulting from a split within the mainline denomination) is a separate denomination from the Presbyterian Church (USA). It has its own name, administration,and hierarchy even though much it is identical with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

It is important to note that sometimes “denomination” is used in a broader sense. Therefore, we can speak generally of the “Presbyterian denomination”–speaking of Presbyterianism generally as opposed to specific denominations within Presbyterianism.

Therefore, lets imagine that “First Presbyterian Church of Somewhere” decides it no longer wants to be part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It goes through the process of leaving the denomination–which is long and expensive but can sometimes be done. However, it decides now we are no longer going to join another denomination. It is now a non-denominational church even though its name and beliefs have not changed. It is still named “First Presbyterian Church” and still subscribes to the Westminster Confession of Faith. It simply no longer belongs to a larger presbyterian church body. This congregation would be adequately described as a Reformed, non-denominational church.

Does this refer to Christians who are not affiliated with the established Protestant denominations (Lutheran, Calvinist/Presbyterians/Reformed, Lutherans, Baptists)?

Often individuals describe themselves as “non-denominational” if they do not have a strong background in any established denomination. They may have moved between various denominational and non-denominational churches as children and so now don’t identify with any single denominational identity-even if they regularly attend a denominational church.

Are independent Pentecostal churches non-denominational?

Yes, because while they can be broadly labeled as part of the “Pentecostal denomination” they are not actually members of any organized Pentecostal denomination. My church for example was started as a Pentecostal Church of God congregation.

As part of that denomination. it participated in the conference organizational structure with a “superintendent” that acted much like a bishop does. Whenever, our church would have a power struggle with the pastor and some within the church we would call the conference and they would send someone out to settle the dispute.

But we left that denomination decades ago. Now, we choose our own pastor and we settle our own disputes and we make our own decisions within the local church. But we still believe basically the same thing. We’re still Pentecostal in our teaching, worship, and practice.

Would they still be considered non-denominational if the church belongs to a coalition/grouping/association of similar churches with established norms of doctrine and worship?

No. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention is a denomination, but the Convention has no legal control over Southern Baptist churches. The Convention does not ordain ministers, that is done by the churches themselves. The Convention does not own church property. The Convention cannot tell Southern Baptist churches what to do or what to believe. The only thing the Convention can do to a misbehaving congregation is to kick it out.

And yet, if a church joins the Southern Baptist Convention they have joined a denomination and are no longer non-denominational.It does not matter that the denomination’s polity is weak at the denominational level. There is still a united administration and “hierarchy” (even if this hierarchy is not directly involved in local church governance).

 

[rcwitness]

The word “denomination” typically has several shades of meaning in a religious context. The primary meaning however is the following:

1. A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name, usually organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy

So a question I asked myself, and would ask others, is do I believe Jesus wishes there to be “denominations”?

It seems to me, that denominations are contradictory to one Communion. You cannot have one true Communion, and denominations at the same time. They are opposed to one another.

 

[jimkhong]

Thank Itwin for such a comprehensive explanation. I understand your points except the last one. In some ways, “non-denominational” would be equal to “independent”, not having any supervisory oversight, whether doctrinal or administrative?

And yet, if a church joins the Southern Baptist Convention they have joined a denomination and are no longer non-denominational.It does not matter that the denomination’s polity is weak at the denominational level. There is still a united administration and “hierarchy” (even if this hierarchy is not directly involved in local church governance).

Wouldn’t that mean it is rare for a church to be truly non-denominational? I would imagine that most pentecostal churches belong to some grouping/association of sorts.

Would you know whether this term in limited to only the US or used internationally?

In my country, most pentecostal churches belong to the National Evangelical Churches Federation and the NECF come together with the Catholic Church and the Council of Churches Malaysia to form the Christian Federation of Malaysia. This is so that Christians can speak with one voice to our Muslim-based government on matters of joint Christian interest. Would that mean that Pentecostal churches in my country would not qualify as non-denominational (as int he US definition) as the NECF as an umbrella body similar to the Southern Baptist Convention?

 

[ltwin]

Thank Itwin for such a comprehensive explanation. I understand your points except the last one. In some ways, “non-denominational” would be equal to “independent”, not having any supervisory oversight, whether doctrinal or administrative?

Yes, independent and non-denominational are synonymous. However, in the USA, it’s rare to hear someone say “my church is independent.” I’ve never heard a church described that way, but you always hear about how a church is a “non-denominational.”

Wouldn’t that mean it is rare for a church to be truly non-denominational? I would imagine that most pentecostal churches belong to some grouping/association of sorts.

There are lots of truly non-denominational churches out there. As for Pentecostals, many Pentecostal churches are part of denominations: Assemblies of God, Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), International Pentecostal Holiness Church, and the Foursquare Gospel Church being some of the major ones.

Yet, there are also Pentecostal churches who are not part of any denomination. For example, Jimmy Swaggart is a prominent Pentecostal televangelist. In the 1980s, he was prominent within the Assemblies of God, but he refused to submit to the General Council’s authority after the fall out of a sex scandal. He took his church, Family Worship Center of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, out of the Assemblies of God. Today, Family Worship Center describes itself as a “Full Gospel Interdenominational Church.” They certainly have relationships and connections with other ministers and churches, but it certainly doesn’t operate like a traditional denomination.

Another would be Bethel Church in Redding, California. It left the Assemblies of God and has spawned similar churches which may be said to form a “network”. However, it could be said to be non-denominational because it is not part of any denomination.

Would you know whether this term in limited to only the US or used internationally?

I don’t know enough about outside the US to say.

In my country, most pentecostal churches belong to the National Evangelical Churches Federation and the NECF come together with the Catholic Church and the Council of Churches Malaysia to form the Christian Federation of Malaysia. This is so that Christians can speak with one voice to our Muslim-based government on matters of joint Christian interest. Would that mean that Pentecostal churches in my country would not qualify as non-denominational (as int he US definition) as the NECF as an umbrella body similar to the Southern Baptist Convention?

Let’s be clear. The NECF is not a denomination. It represents Malaysia in the World Evangelical Alliance, the global partnership of evangelical churches. The USA has the National Association of Evangelicals and the UK has the Evangelical Alliance. These are not denominations, but they are national partnerships between different evangelical denominations.

The NECF’s website lists its membership as the following denominations:
Member churches of NECF include:

Assembly of God
Baptist Church
Brethren Church
Evangelical Free Church
Full Gospel Assembly
Full Gospel Tabernacle
Hope of God Church
Independent Churches
Latter Rain Church
Salvation Army
Sidang Injil Borneo Sabah
Sidang Injil Borneo Sarawak
Sidang Injil Borneo Semenanjung
Bible Seminaries
Para Churches
Others - Individual Churches from Mainline Denominations:Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.

Now, we have a number of different denominations represented. There are some Pentecostal/full gospel as well as the Wesleyan-Holiness, Baptist and the E-Free churches. Yet, they also accept “independent” (aka non-denominational churches) as members. Even more, a local church (such as one from a mainline denomination) can join the NECF even if its denomination is not a member.

The SBC is different from the NECF. The NECF, as stated above, is a partnership of many different denominations. The SBC is a denomination within itself. While the SBC cannot legally force a local church to enact certain policies, it can and does exclude churches who violate SBC beliefs and practices.