What's the difference between nondenominational and interdenominational churches?

Answer 1

Denominations of Christianity are divided by traditions.

Nondenominational fellowships are fundamentalist in nature, not adhering to any tradition, but relying solely on Scripture. Anything not clearly defined in the Bible can be agreed to disagree about.

Interdenominational churches accept multiple traditions, sometimes even if the tradition has no sound scriptural root.

Answer 2

Some of the churches are hierarchal in nature. Episcopalian and Roman Catholic have a centralized leadership program. Others are associations of essentially independent churches. Presbyterians have an association of ministers serving semi-autonomous churches. Then there are associations of independent churches, Congregationalist used to be the example. Independent churches can be formed by a minister according to a pattern that that founding minister defines. Independent churches can be simply a general church pattern that is not rooted to any distinct denomination, (true) community churches are likely to be this--nondenominational. Sometimes several churches get together to share resources or sometimes denominations share resources when money is tight and prospects of success limited--say in an expensive city. There will possibly be different services for the different denominational styles, or perhaps the ministers may have worked out some hybrid. This can work, for instance, with a presbyterian, episcopalian, and lutheran. It probably wouldn't work between lutheran and baptist and one of pentecostal groups, except in the different services scheduled. I know of an english-speaking pentecostal church that also had a spanish-speaking pentecostal church and a korean presbyterian church having services in the same facility at the same time. What kept that from being interdenominational is that the one church simply permitted sharing, not a merging which would have been an interdenominational.

Answer 3

One has 19 letters and the other has 17 letters. One begins with the letter I and the other with the letter N. One is non and the other is inter. [plus many more]

I do not want to go deep for all the other answers did do that. I just like to keep things simple. OK I find lif so easy if one don't waste a lot of time trying to impress people and use all them big words.

To me in my view those two words are saying that some people are on one side and some others are on the other side of something and I bet they do fight a lot. I bet they just can not see eye to eye and each says the other is wrong. I personally do not want to get involved in that kind of stuff.

Since you did use the word churches in the plural I see you got the right idea. They do have their own place and I bet they only welcome the same kind as they are or those who will change to what they are,

I do hope I did answer your question some. If not just look at the difference in the word Inter and non. Inter as prefix means: Between; among: In the midst of; within: Non as aprefix means: Not: noncombatant.

Now looking at them lfrom a dictionary prefix view it seems one is and the other is not or is a noncombatant ha ha [you think that means no fighting with other groups - who are they kidding?]

Well so much for those big name and what they mean to you. In my view they are just a waste of time and sure do take up a lot of space in an address OK [thats just my view ok]

Now you have a good day and do smile.

Answer 4

They both have smiler implications. One says we have our own creed as we see fit according to our interpretation of the Bible, and do not have a worldly higher authority we are accountable to, we are accountable only to each other and to God. The other (interdenominational) is comprised of members of several different Christian backgrounds coming together in unity (for the most part).

Answer 5

In my personal experience, non-denominational Churches are fundamentalist in nature, with detailed statements of faith, that members believe (and if they do not, they are wrong).

Inter-denominational Churches meet at the point of agreement, and agree to disagree on the rest.

In my opinion, St. Paul, in comparing Christians to Human Bodies (the Body of Christ) and growing vines would prefer the latter, actually.... can the HEAD say to the BUTT I have no need of you???

Answer 6

Non-denominationals claim no denomination, while inter-denominationals can claim any denomination they want. Non-denominational churches tend to be close to Pentecostal protestantism, or other conservative evangelical denominations. Inter-denominational churches tend to be more "anything goes." They cater to people who want absolute freedom to worship (or NOT worship) in any way they choose. They're "comfortable" churches for lukewarm Christians. I'm sure there are true Christians within them, but I can't imagine why a true Christian would choose to worship with people who may or may not be sincere.