Compared to a Baptist church, what does an "Interdenominational" church believe?

Question

Just trying to sort out the differences! Please don't answer if you think you are unsure.

Answer 1

The real difference has to do with the structure of how the actual organization of the church is set up.

If you are a Baptist Church (or Catholic or Methodist or...), you belong to an organization that has Bishops that look over certain areas. You also have a set docterine that you profess to believe. The Bishops appoint the pastors of the churches and they are responsible to report to their superiors - whether it be a council of Bishops or someone higher up such as a Cardinal.

With "Interdenominational" and "Nondenominational" churches, those things are handled on a much smaller scale - usually just within that particular church itself. They can still be considered Christian Churches without a lot of the organizational structure. So Theologically (what their beliefs are) will often vary from church to church.

Matt

Answer 2

I can only speak of my experience as a Southerner in the USA.

An "Interdenominational" Church (or Non-Denominational) in the Southern part of the USA, called "The Bible Belt", is usually just a Pentecostal-type Church base that just opens it's doors to a broader range than it traditionally would in Christianity...allowing basically anyone in the door, from whatever background...as long as they adapt to the Founder of that particular church's basic or core belief system. When Interdenominational first began popping up in the South, it had the reputation of being a 'marketing ploy' of Penecostal groups.

Most of the "Interdenominational" Churches in the South are also the most racially integrated. You'll find "Universalism" is not the same as "Interdenominational"...it doesn't incorporate everyone's beliefs...Interdenominational just accepts everyone who will accept their basic core belief in their style of Christianity, regardless of their background. In the South, it's just a mix of Christianity (with Penecostal being the bigger slice in the mix).

As a child, I was raised in the Southern Baptist Church. In my teen years, we transferred to an Interdenominational Church. Not all Interdenominational Churches have the exact same practices, just as not all Baptist churches are exactly the same. Interdenominationals are usually strongly influenced by the Founder (usually the Minister and his Family--at least in the South;-) and operate more independently than a Baptist church would. Most Interdenominational Churches have loose affiliations, if any at all, unlike those of say, The Southern Baptist Convention.

Check the track record of the Minister and his founding core of the church, if you're considering a change to Interdenominational. Read my last answers on the Desmond Tutu questions if you want to see why I offer that caution.

Answer 3

Your question is hard to answer because beliefs vary between Baptist churches and Interdenominational ones too. I know this from personal experience because I have attended both kinds of churches, and I currently attend a Baptist church after leaving an Interdenominational one. But look, the bottom line is you want a church that teaches the gospel, treats others with love, and is committed to helping its members be all they were meant to be in Christ. Finding a church home can be difficult and sometimes discouraging, but ask God for direction and be patient. When you find a church home you'll know, because not only will it preach the gospel and love people unconditionally, but you'll feel comfortable and accepted there.

Answer 4

Many are Baptist churches. They use the name to try to hide who they are. Their teachings are varied. Most are people that pick and choose what parts of the Bible they want to follow. They follow some things and don't follow others.

Universalism is usually a different breed of individuals.

Answer 5

They are a church that believe in allowing all mankind to come to worship. They follow the bible like a baptist or any other church. They also worship with other religions. They do impose beliefs.

Answer 6

I believe they believe in not imposing beliefs, but instead exchanging ideas and viewpoints. Try looking up universalism, they are a good example.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdenominational

Answer 7

In the universal teachings of Yeshua. (Jesus) Unlike the christian religions which adhere to the rules, regulations and doctrines of their christian sects, "we" who do not set restrictions upon who is "worthy" or who are of the love Jesus said we should BE. We are just accepting of ALL mankind including the enemies Jesus said we should "also" LOVE.

Answer 8

They water their religion down enough to take money from a more diverse, and most importantly larger, group of people.

Answer 9

They believe that Jesus got up after being dead two days, and started walking around like nothing ever happened.