What exactly is a non-denominational church?

Question

I was raised Catholic but do not practice. I don't agree with a lot of the standards, such as priests not being allowed to marry, not eating meat on Good Friday, giving something up for Lent, etc. I think these "rules" are silly and should not affect your relationship with God.
I am at a loss because I want to be a Christian and go to church but I don't want to be a Catholic. Would it make sense for me to go to a non-denominational church? Can I get married in a ND church? Would going here help me figure out where I stand with religion?

Answer 1

Basically a non-denominational church is simply one that has not joined one of the larger and better-known churches like Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, etcetera. They are the "independents" of Christian religion.

They do perform all of the functions of denominational churches, like your example of marrying couples. They can be a great place to help you figure out where you stand with your faith because in theory they are Bible-based, but without the slant or bias that come with the denominations.

Many people will tell you to beware of them, but in my experience there are no more crackpots there than anywhere else, and maybe fewer. If there were a good non-denominational anywhere near me, I would go there.

Answer 2

Non-denominational church just means that they call themselves Christians rather than Baptist, or something. You have to be careful these days no matter where you go because so many churches add their own flavor to the scriptures. Just be sure of this. If what you hear is not in the Word of God and written like you hear it then it's man made religion which is no different than being Catholic. Read Proverbs 30:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 4:6-7. If the person teaching you cannot show you what they are telling you in the Word of God then run! Those whom the Lord will send will speak His Words according to John 3:34 and Jeremiah 23:22.
Alan Ballou www.thehealingbook.com

Answer 3

So many questions! That's good. You are right about a few things. Have you read the Bible? Several of the answers you seek are right there. Paul's letter to the Romans, Chapter 14 talks about eating meat, observing one day as special above another, drinking, etc. The Bible also says that people who forbid to marry have gone their own way, not staying true to the Gospel. You're right. These are man's rules, not God's, and it will not affect your relationship with Him. If you can get married outdoors in a park or a garden, why not in a ND church? ND just means not affiliated with any formal denomination, not Non-God. A good Bible teaching church will quickly let you know where you stand, not with religion, but with God. That's the important thing.

Answer 4

I'm like you, but have simply chosen to stay out of religion altogether. I'm offended by all the things done in the name of God and religion, and don't want a part of that. I would say an ND church is better for you since you want involvement in a christian community, but without all the silly rules, this may be the way to go. Yes, you can marry in such a church-we are having a ND ceremony this winter in St Thomas.--I like the presence of God without the bureaucracy and all ofthe Catholic Church.

Answer 5

There are simply no denomination like Baptist,Pentecostal,catholic or any specific title given for the type of church and it's open to anyone even that homeless guy down the street! Yes you can get married in a non-denominational church, my pastors even can perform marriages but make sure you go to a spirit filled church these are best!

Answer 6

I was in foster homes for a couple years when I was younger. A couple of the families I lived with went to an evangelical free church. I think it's the same as non denominational. I tell you what, these churches, the people there were so nice. So kind and loving. I actually enjoyed going to church. I had went to a lutheran church for a short while before this. I hated it. The people were about nice clothes, nice cars, and they were snobby and phony. I think you will really enjoy going to a non denominational church. Good luck. Take care.

Answer 7

It is a christian church that believes in the Word of God. Believes that Jesus is his son, but it is not tied the the ritualistic ways of most denominations. There are no restrictions on women wearing pants, on men vs. women preachers, no battles about who can and can't speak in tongues. They seem to get more to Christ-like living than rituals.
But for some, rituals and certain practices are needed to keep you on track. so if you know you need more discipline, a denomination may be better for you.

Answer 8

Non-Denominational breaks down to not falling into a set group or practice of doctrine. Denominational churches would be catholocism. Lutheranism, Baprtist, Protestant, etc. They are all Christian, but they practice and interperet worship in different ways. It's good to try out a non-denom, to find out if it works for you. It wont help you figure out where you stand, but you can do that for yourself.

You can get married at one of these churches, but you usually need to be a member. They sometimes practice communion, but it's usually not mandatory.

Answer 9

A non-denominational church is a christian church that has no denomination. Meaning some christian churches are Methodist, or Baptist or Pentacostal, thereby only reading certain sections of the bible where in a non denominational church they read the entire bible and really try to get you to understand it, and related to you life.

Answer 10

I am catholic too . I found that protestants are forgiving of the things you mention that you don't like about the catholic church.

Non-denominational is a church that pry to God and don't interfere with the rules of any other denominations;

I found some more info here , but it is too long .. check it out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-denominational