Whats the difference in a denominational/non-denominational church?

Question

i'm confused...

i know the denominations, ex: catholic/lutheran/baptist... But do what do nondenominational churchs believe in if they arent of a specific denomination?

Answer 1

A denominational church, such as Lutheran is part of a bigger, national, and even national organization. For instance, I'm a member of the Evengelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA www.elca.org). The church which I'm currently attending is part of a local cluster of chruches; There are several clusters in the area which are all part of the Southeast Michigan Synod. Synods in the ELCA are smaller geographical regions (for lack of better word); The regions are part of bigger areas which are known as regions; The regions are part of the national church. We work together and answer to the higher authorities (bishops in the synod "over" the pastors;) to keep accountable and because with a group on all levels we can get things done, like social outreach. For instance, Lutheran Social Services and Lutheran World Relief (both of which are also affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church, Wisconson Synod, both of which are separate denominations of the ELCA) are two of the biggest relief/social organizations in the country.

While I'm not as familar with them, I beleive that eh Episcopal (Anglican) is of a similar set up-- Local churches with the regional churches and the national church.

Non-denominational are independant. They basically do their own thing without a network.

Answer 2

Denomnination churches are associated with a specific church and conference. Such as, an United Methodist Church is associated with the United Methodist Conference which is local (i.e. state/region), national and international. A non-denominational church is not associated with a conference or a higher body generally. This isn't true in all cases, some Baptist churches (for example) do not have a conference or a higher body that governs them. The United Methodist, Episcopals, Catholics and Presbyterians do for sure, I can not speak for all denominations though.

Answer 3

Hooray, a simple, straightforward question. A denominational church is one that answers to an organized collective of churches. A non denominational church does not, it is self governing.

Generally speaking, if someone tells you they go to a non denominational church, they are pointing out to you that they believe their church has more flexibility and freedoms. That can be true, or it may not be... it depends on the body of believers in that congregation.

Also, some denominational churches have a great deal of flexibility and freedom... so it can be a mute point.

Generally speaking all churches have a doctrinal statement of what they assert that they believe. You may want to take a look at it. If you wish to be a member... you are accepting that code of doctrine.

Answer 4

denominational church has a specific set of doctrines laid out for all of their churches to follow, and has some form of government to lay out those doctrines. Nondenominational does not usually have higher government to lay out specific doctrines, but instead, chooses it by church.

Although our current joke is that there is a difference between a truly nondenominational church and a nondenominational church that is part of the denomination of nondenominational. Those are the Pentecostal-type nondenominational churches even though they do not associate themselves with Pentecostals or each other. :)

Answer 5

if you understand what the denominations are about, then you are one step up, if not, here it is:
They preach out of a certain doctrine or a "play book" as it were. No matter where you are, what church you are in, if it says "Catholic" on it, you know you will get the same type of sermon from them as you do at home.
Same from all other denominations.

OK, a non-denominational church does not have that "play book" that the other churches have. They preach straight out of the Bible and interpret it as they see fit. If they literally interpret Jesus saying "leave your parents and take up your cross and follow me " ( paraphrased) then that means most likely they will walk everywhere with a huge hunkin' cross on their shoulder. If not then they would not be doing that, they would forsake anyone who opposed their truth and only follow Christ.
They have more freedom to interpret the Bible, and its many meanings.

Answer 6

denomination is when its a certain religion, its either assembly, baptist so forth and they only practice how they believe. but nondenomination is when its all religion in the same house and they except you if you dont believe in gifts or do. pretty much all beliefs coming to an agreement maybe.

Answer 7

denominational-baptist,catholic,lutheran,methodist..etc
Non-denominational- not belonging to a denomination or follow guidelines of the above


Hope it helped a little

Answer 8

A nondemoninational church is sometimes refered to as a Biblie Church. Most (not all) teach the bible, making sure you are clear and what the bible says so you can be sure you understand.