What exactly does a non-denominational church service consist of?

Question

I am going to meet my boyfriend's parents for the first time in California, (I live in New Hampshire) and they are practicing non-denominationalists. While we are visiting we are going to attend Sunday church with them, and I just wanted to know what to expect. I was raised roman catholic... are there any similarities between the two? Is there a comunion part of the ceremony?

Answer 1

I am part of a non-denominational congregation, as well.

Each one is different, as most ND churches operate independently. The biggest difference is that they often don't practice certain traditions and rites of the old denominations.

Communion is and should be a practice, as Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." Some may do communion every week, some once a month, while others will let the Spirit lead and do communion when so led.

You will find the music different - maybe. Many ND congregations don't use traditional hymns but contemporary choruses. My church not only does contemporary music, but we (pardon the term) rock the house, so to speak. Yet others may use traditional hymns.

The reason, as I understand, for ND churches is that many people wanted to get away from "religiosity" and tradition, or the religiosity of tradition. Nothing wrong with tradition, except that it becomes law in some congregations and/or denominations. Some traditions have little or nothing to do with scripture or the actions of the 1st century church.

Just relax and enjoy the service. You will find it completely void of the pageantry and rites you are probably used to in your own home church. But, if they are a Bible believing church, you will see that what they do and how they conduct things should line up with scripture.

This is the quickest way I could describe it. You will have to see for yourself - don't worry, as long as Jesus is in the center of all they do.

Answer 2

Typical Service at my church:
I will probably be the one to arrange services at my church tonight. It will start at 7:00. I will ask the choir to sing 3 songs. I will then take prayer requests which will last untill about 7:45. After going to the Lord in prayer I will ask everyone to fellowship with each other (shake hands). I will then as if anyone has a testomony or a song. This will last untill about 8:10 at which time I will call for the preacher to preach. After He preaches we will close the services at about 8:45 - 9:00.
No comunion tonight. Monday nights are prayer services.
No comunion on Sundays either. Comunions are only done at special times.

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 don't see alot of communion done in non-denom churches. Some just do it once a month or on special occasions. But i have been to some that do it every service. There will probably be a band playing songs for the first part of the service. You will be asked to stand, but sometimes the band plays for awhile, so if you get tired, go ahead and sit down. noone will care. They play the lyrics on screens for all to see and use, so bring glasses if you need them. It might not seem very structured, especially coming from mass. You won't hear alot about sacraments, and there wont be a confession. only one offering is done usually. And the sermons don't last as logn as I would like them to. Hope that helps.

Answer 5

I attend a non-denominational church, and we only have communion once a month instead of at every service like you're used to. Whether or not you participate in the communion depends on the church -- my congregation doesn't keep a list of members; everyone is welcome to receive communion regardless of whether you attend on a regular basis or not.

Non-denominational services vary between churches. At mine, we have praise and worship first -- we accept the giving of tithes and we sing a few songs. After praise and worship, the pastor leads us in prayer and then delivers the sermon. At the end of the service, the altar is open for anyone who feels moved by the Holy Spirit to make a commitment to God or who just needs one of the church leaders to pray with them.

The tone in most ND churches is alot less serious and structured than Catholic Mass. People tend to express themselves openly -- whether you feel like waving your hands while singing or worshipping quietly, its all okay. I hope you and your boyfriend have a safe trip, and I hope you enjoy the service!

Answer 6

I attend a non-denominational (or independant) church but to be very honest you could be in for just about anything because independant churches can practice just about any way they want so you might want to ask about their doctrinal background instead cuz that will probably tell you more about what you want to know

Answer 7

I am a non-denominational Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son. That Jesus is God's word in the flesh and that He God, came to the earth in the form of the man Jesus Christ to live, die on the cross to take the place of my sin and to rise again by the power of the Holy Spirit so that I can live eternally with Him.

I believe that acceptance of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and repentance of my sin which means to turn away from sin is what is required by God for salvation and eternal life as we were all born with the sin nature. I believe that Jesus is the only way to a renewed relationship with God. No other way. I can not be good enough or religious enough to please God. But, Jesus is.

There is Communion involved in our worship service although, not every week and if you are a believer, you are welcome to participate. Our worship music is contemporary. The dress is casual. Blessings.

Answer 8

A non-denom church is one where the denomination doesn't dictate doctrine or belief, it's the pastor himself who decides what he believes and preaches as he wishes.

Most (but not all) non-d churches are more casual that you're accustomed to. Don't expect coat's & ties, but you'd feel comfortable in a shirt & tie.

Some are very charismatic leaning, but most have gotten away from that.

Hope your experience is a positive one.
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Answer 9

I think you'd be better off asking your boyfriend instead of us. There are so many non-denominational churches in the US today and no doubt each one has a different way of doing things.

Answer 10

There is a HUGE difference between a Catholic Mass and a non-denominational service!

Don't expect it to be anything like what you are used to.