Is Non-Denominational a Denomination? {Non-Denominational Caucus}

Prodigal Son Magazine ^ | 5/29/08 | John Blair

[colorcountry]

It’s amazing to think about when Jesus prayed for unity for all believers, on his way to death, that today we see many facets of Christianity today. Denomination; that “D" word that makes some people shudder and others become so proud of that they are part of their own. Even I have found myself in the battle of this ideal that there are no set views about it, but more of what seems just stereotypes and generalizations. Even though we might that “D" word or not, we have them and so with that we must understand that we are most likely going to be stuck with them for a while.

As a worship leader at a “Non-Denominational" church in Southern Indiana, I grew up in a Baptist church and currently go a Baptist Seminary, so what’s the difference? The real question is though, is a “Non-Denominational" church a denomination? Honestly, that question is just as silly if you were to ask me, “Is Atheism a religion?" Now don’t misunderstand me as saying, “How can you put atheism in a discussion with religious denominations?" Well I’m not, but the answer both of them is an emphatic “yes" and “no"!

Just as Atheism is actually a religion, because even though you don’t have an “other" higher authority, it is yourself. Even though you may not have rules, regulations, or creeds, you do live according to your own beliefs and therefore your religion is yourself. With many non-denominational churches becoming more prevalent in the Western-culture there needs to be an examination of reasons. Many denominations were too strict, others too relaxed, and some were just unbiblical in every form. Some were afraid of the stereotypes placed on them and didn’t want to attach themselves either. So when ministers tried to think of ways to reach a lost and dying culture, they created churches with their own set of beliefs (as long as it was biblical). Personally, I see nothing wrong with this at all. Non-denominational churches are self-supported; whereas those who are denominational are support by a whole. The Southern Baptist denomination supports financially and ministerially all churches within its own convention. Non-denominational church function separately on their own.

To ask the question if it is a denomination, then yes! Even though they aren’t attached to a network or anything; they are still recognized with all the other non-denominational churches in America. Each church will have their own beliefs, set of creeds and values that are scriptural, but yes it will be a denomination. One that is common but separate. They are still categorized in someplace because they must be recognized somehow for the believers in Christ that they represent.

Second, they aren’t a denomination. Thinking structurally, they lack a unity and working of themselves with other churches. Every atheist might be part of the atheistic religion, but each person’s set of ideas and beliefs will be different. They live their own lives and what they believe in themselves. Non-denominational churches might be categorized together, but each one will have its own set of creeds or ideas. Again, one denomination that I speak much of is the Southern Baptist one. All churches are connected not just organizationally, but all beliefs are to be the same within the denomination. On the other hand, non-denominational churches do not have to conjoin with other non-denominational churches because it is self-supported in their own beliefs and finances.

After all of this, non-denominational churches are part of the “Non-Denominational" organization, but they are not in the sense that each churches will work separately and not together. The question is not which one is better, but what church or denomination is more biblical and being able to show how God is relevant to a lost and dying culture?

Before I came to the church I was at, I made sure to read the beliefs and statements of it and see if it was scriptural. I found nothing wrong about which made my convictions clear. Now that denomination that I grew up might frown a bit that I serve outside of it, but we are all one in the body of Christ. Whether Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, or Non-Denominational, Christ has called us to be as one body with different parts. Divisions are never fun, but they do help make the ministry diverse to reach a greater audience.

If you are considering or concerned about a particular church, do three things. First, find out what they believe and back it up with the Bible. Second, talk to the pastor or leaders of the church and see why it is what it is and what they do there. Third, see how much this church really has a passion for worshipping and serving Christ to their community and throughout the world. A church or “denomination��? that doesn’t want to get their hands dirty for Christ is not healthy. God blesses those who bless him with their whole heart and lives.

[colorcountry]

We worked so hard for a Non-Denom caucus, I thought I'd post a thread for your perusal.

[colorcountry]

I forgot to add you to your own ping list. You might have been overlooked, but never forgotten. :-D

[Godzilla]

Thanks CC, good find.

[LS]

I guess by definition, any church becomes a "denomination" if people REFER to it by a name that represents certain principles it holds that differentiate it from others. For example, people talk about the "Saddleback" or "Willow Creek"-type churches, suggesting that those non-denominational churches are already, in fact, denominations.

On the other hand, a "renegade" denominational church, say, a conservative Presbyterian church that rebels against the leadership, nevertheless remains "Presbyterian."

[DungeonMaster]

I know of a group that calls themselves “Christians gathered to the Lord’s name” yet that is not the name you’d find on their building or in a phone book. They are the Tunbridge Wells Plymoth Brethren. They believe that the verse “where two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst” only applies to them because they don’t take a name for themselves. If anyone takes a name, denominates themselves, this verse no longer applies and the Lord is not in their midst. I consider them the most right wing in the effort to be “non denominational”. It’s shameful to be so hungup on such things.

[netmilsmom]

I’m Catholic and I know I’m not supposed to be on your caucus (have this post removed if need be) but I just wanted to say thank you to someone and I don’t quite know who, so here goes.

My Goddaughter married a Wiccan and left Our Lord for a time. She has a daughter and it sickened me to think that she would not know Christ. I prayed a lot.

My Goddaughter has recently joined a Non-Denominational church. I am thrilled beyond measure!!!!! So thank you so much for the great work your churches are doing in leading people back to the Lord!!!!! Bless you!

[colorcountry]

Thank you netmilsmom. God leads us on many different paths back to Him. He is and Awesome God!

[hosepipe]

[ ]{Non-Denominational Caucus} ]

LoL.. now thats funny..

All you have to do these days is identify a thread as a CAUCUS to limit comments and full vetting..

This thread is brilliant..

[Revelation 911]

but never forgotten

like sweet corn cramps

[Tennessee Nana]

Thank you

:)

[Alex Murphy]

Ping to read later

[colorcountry]

I think I attend a denominational Church. The Church is affiliated with EV Free. I also attend a Church that is affiliated somehow (by financial support) with the Mennonite Brethren.

In Utah, many of our Christian Churches are Church plants, and evangelical efforts directed to our Mormon neighbors.

While I might attend a group that has an informal relationship with a larger group, I, myself do not affiliate with any such group. I will and do attend many different non-denominational and denominational religious services. I consider myself only a member of Christ’s body.....no other. Perhaps I am multi-denominationl? :-)

[colorcountry]

Personally, I welcome your comments as long as you don’t disprupt our thread. :-)

[netmilsmom]

>>He is and Awesome God!<<

He is! And sometimes people just need the right path to come back to Him.

Thanks again!

[hosepipe]

[ Personally, I welcome your comments as long as you don’t disprupt our thread. :-) ]

WHat is the choir singing?..

[Godzilla]

I think a post like this is more than welcome and fits within the scope of this thread. I rejoice with you that she has begun her journey back.

[colorcountry]

Well....upthread there was a reference to “Our God is an Awesome God.”

Do you agree with the choir?

[hosepipe]

[ Do you agree with the choir? ]

I suppose... but you must be careful when dealing with non denominational denominations.. (John ch 10).. With the Sheep pens and all that..

[Tao Yin]

I was raised non-denominational, but I didn't know it at the time. My parents left the Catholic Church when I was still an infant, and I knew my grandmother was Catholic, but we were Christians.

Later in life, when I told people that I was raised Christian, they would ask me what denomination. I would look at them kind of funny and tell them "Christian?!". At first, I felt a little inadequate because it didn't seem my answer was enough. After a while, I caught on and learned the term non-denominational. But growing up, I was just Christian.