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So called “non-denominationalism” is in itself a CONTINUATION in the extreme of denominationalism.

Why? Every so-called non-denominational or “Bible” church has its own distinct theology (or set of theologies) which at least the head pastor holds (and each assistant may well have a different theology too). This means the bigger and more “mega” such churches get, the less they cooperate with other churches—as their pastor, his personality, not a tried and tested approach to the Bible....dominates their beliefs.

Most such churches are baptistic in practice, and Zwinglian in assumptions... making them, historically speaking—at the edge of Protestantism (even if pretty well center in American evangelicalism).

Typically they substitute the modern/hyper-individualist SOLO scriptura (individual interpretation only, with NO respect for past Christian belief or traditions) for the classic Protestant/Reformation SOLA scriptura (yes, one letter “a” different) which respected past Christian belief and practice—but just put scripture—as discovered by the Church corporate...as the full and final authority. (yes, that is a seemingly subtle difference, but important).

What this means in practice is that when a mega-church pastor dies/retires or leaves (under a cloud or not) from such an “independent” church, that body finds it nearly impossible to replace him—as the Church’s essential beliefs ARE the founding pastor’s individual beliefs....

Classic Protestant groups however, rally around the Bible as their final authority—but while reading it in respect to generations of devout Christians who came before. Such confessional churches rely on a confession—an agreed upon summary of biblical truths, arranged in a systematic way. This actually builds MORE unity with other churches, as one can be in direct communion with many other churches (a denomination) and not be standing alone (or reliant on a pastor with a charismatic personality), mis-trustful of other churches....as so many so called “non-denominational” (hyper-individualist/divisive) churches are.

I’ve seen it happen more than once. Show me a “non-denominational” church, and I will show you a body with its own unique spin on the Bible, which really doesn’t give respect to either other equally biblically orthodox churches now, or the rich history of 2,000 years of the Church.