Doesn't "non-denominational" just mean non-committed?

Question

This is not intended to be offensive, so please don't read it that way. I'm just curious about perspectives.

I've read many answers by Christian people who claim to be "non-denominational", or they say they don't belong to any church. Mostly this terminology comes from people who believe in Jesus Christ and his teachings. Isn't this just a sign of an unwillingness to commit to any particular code or standard of living?

Why not go all the way? Why not dive in head first and completely immerse yourself in a belief system?

In Revelations 3:15-16 it says:

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

What do you think?

I spent 5 points asking this question, so please - only sincere answers, ok? Thanks!

Answer 1

Many people I know consider themselves to be "nondenominational." They go to church regularly, study the Word, and live by its standards. What they don't do is ascribe to a particular creed such as Baptist or Methodist. They believe that God is God and that He is above denominational labels. They do not have anything against denominations, but it just isn't the box that they choose to place God or their own worship in. They are just as committed as the other people I know who love their denominational nametags. The denominational label does not save. It just tells you what building you go to to live out your faith. Nondenominational people go to buildings that simply lack the nametag. Recently, the term nondenominational is being replaced with the more accurate term Interdenominational.

Answer 2

Dear Ruthie Toothie,

(Cool name by the way)... Denominations have more to do with how the church is governed and their style of ministry. For example: methodists, pentecostals, presbyterians, and baptists all have different ways by which they govern their body.

IE: i work for a baptist church where many things are decided by the co-workers (they are like our elders and deacons) alongside with the pastor. Before when i went to a non-denominational church most decisions were made by the pastor with the advisement of the deacons, etc.

i think non-denominational is not be non-commital. Because the truth is any church regardless of denomination does not all function the same (not all baptist or presbyterian churches will be the same). The important thing is that they are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Just as Paul says we don't follow Apollos or Paul, but Christ. We don't follow Baptists, or Presbyterians, but Christ!

i love the Old church i went too because that was where i learned how to pray and serve the Lord for 11 years and now i'm serving at a Baptist church because God has lead me there. I have found that while denominations have their particular things- the most important thing is that the church is obedient to Christ.

i'm not sure why you are quoting Revelation 3:15-16 because it refers to a church that was not commited to Christ. To be non-denominational does not in any way suggest any lack of commitment to Christ.

i hope that helps.

Nickster

Answer 3

Quite the contrary! Ive seen some of the most committed people in Church of Christ that Ive ever seen in my life!

"Paticular codes or standard of livings" are covered in this book we read called "The Holy Bible." Church rules dont make people holy, only add a manmade burden that shouldnt be there.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. -Collosians 2:8

The downfall of denominations is they get bogged down in traditions, church rules, creeds, false doctrines, and even apostate teachings. And when you have a centralized government church that tells each of the branches exactly what to do, all that trash flows to them as well.

But the great thing about non-denoms is they avoid that because they are not controlled by a central government. Therefore if one is doing wrong, it will only hurt themselves, leaving the rest to live in the truth.

Answer 4

I am a Christian who does not attend church, and that's because I haven't found a church that I completley agree with or or even feel comfortable being there every week. Christianity is perfect, but when it goes through a church it has to be interpeted by people. These people don't necessarily have the right idea (according to me and what I beleive and what makes sense to me) and just because they are in a Christian church doesn't mean it's wrong to disagree with them. It't not an unwillingness to commit to a standard of living or to God, it's just that I don't need other people interpeting my Christianity for me every Sunday. I don't think God has a problem with that as long as I have a good standard of living and I have faith and believe in Him. That's all that really matters.

Answer 5

Hey! Excellent question...this will make people think about Christ! I attend a Church of Christ, which could be called UNdenominational. This means we do not submit to any man made traditions. We strictly follow the Bible. If you study denominations, many have their roots not only in Christ, but also some earthly leader that has lead to their code of conduct, so-to-speak. But you will find that in the end of Revelation, John tells us not to add to God's Word. He wants us to Love Him and others, which includes following His Word, solely. Now as for "non-denominational," I have come to find that many churches that have this title are ones that have committed to many doctrines that are a mixture of other denominational teachings. I think they don't label themselves, because they don't fit into any particular group...I know that was a long answer, but I hope it was clear enough. God Bless!

Answer 6

Many churches are non-denominational. The problem with main church denominations is they set certain rules and beliefs (dogma) that are outside the Bible, like the assumption of the virgin Mary into heaven (sorry Catholics), or that only 144,000 people get to go to heaven (sorry JW). Non-denominational churches typically believe only what is in the Bible canon.

As for people believing in Jesus but not going to church? If they really believed in Jesus' teachings they would know they need to be in the church body. It is important for mutual support, and to avoid getting erronious conceptions about what Jesus teaches. It doesn't have to be a formal church. I like home churches and small groups.

I consider myself non-denominational. I accepted Christ in a Baptist church, I have worshipped in Missionary Alliance, Charismatic, and Mennonite churches, and I agree with all of their statments of faith. But I don't think I am lukewarm. (I hope Jesus doesn't think so).

Answer 7

Okay, i am a Bible believing Baptist and NON DENOMINATIONAL. Do a study about denominations... You will find they are all started by a man.
true Bible believing baptists are not a denomination, because we are also INDEPENDANT (have no "mother church")

I have high standards that come straight from the Bible not mans opinion. I am a Bible believer by choice and attend church on a regular basis because I want to. I also serve the Lord a faithfully.

You DO NOT have to join a denomination to be hot... in fact I would say joining a denomination is wrong according to scripture... your church is supposed to be INDEPENDANT, and local... one that is supported by the congrgation not some righ mother church.

Answer 8

To be a christian is literally a "follower of Christ" Many churches today are more interested in their own particular interpretations (doctrine) and making you a member of 'their church' than making you a part of the kingdom of God.

So no a non-denominational person is not necessarily non-commited. Although I do agree with you that this is an easy asnwer to give.

Answer 9

Honestly, for me when I say non-denominational, that means that I don't care for most"churches'" doctrines. I believe fully in the bible, and in Jesus Christ as my savior, but I do not want to be categorized as a baptist, Methodist, reformist, Assembly of god, or any other bible following denominations.
Doctrines are how a church defines what it believes, I personally think that that is important , but that a lot of churches get carried away with "doctrine" and move away from biblical.

I hope you understand what I mean, and that I helped ya.

blessings.

Answer 10

Non-denominational means that a person chooses not to follow the rules of a religion, but they do live a christian life.
A couple of different denominational churches I attended actually had a mixture of religious beliefs. They choose not to be controlled by one religion but by the bible.
No, it is not a form of non-commitment, but rather a spiritual commitment to God without worldly control and regulations.