How are non-denominational churches non-denominational?

Question

Isn't non-denominational just another denomination in the church?

amber, give your source...because I know you didn't type that.

Answer 1

The way I understand the term, a non-denominational church is one that doesn't formally associate itself with an established denomination. While some will associate with a broad group of churches in the local or regional area (for example, they may participate in occasional cross-denominational meetings/conferences with other churches in town), most of them consider themselves autonomous. Decisions about the foundations of the church (it's "statement of faith") rest entirely in the hands of the congregation of that church.

On the other hand, a denominational church formally agrees to accept and abide by a set of foundational beliefs prescribed by the central leadership of the denomination. Some denominations limit these beliefs to broad issues such as baptism (e.g., sprinkling versus immersion...my church requires baptism by immersion for members)...some go so far as to select and appoint pastors for each of the member churches while others leave this type of decision up to the local congregation.

My dad is one of the "pastors" of a non-denominational church. All decisions about the church rest in the hands of the leadership team (called elders). While some of the issues addressed in the church's belief statement are similar to other churches, they were developed solely by the leadership of the church. They do not attempt to create new congregations that subscribe to the same set of beliefs nor are they compelled to make changes to those beliefs because individuals or leaders in another congregation suggest that they do.

One way to think about it might be to consider the difference between a small, mom & pop store and a corporate chain store or franchise. The small mom & pop store operates according to the decisions made by the owner...the franchise operates according to the decisions made by a central group of leaders that make decisions all the members of the chain must follow.

Does this make it another denomination...not really, because the church-related definition of the word refers to a group of churches and a true non-denominational church is a single entity not a part of a group. Over time, a church that starts as a non-denominational church may grow into a new denomination. For example, the Four Square Gospel churches started as a single non-denomination church and they continue to use that term to describe themselves (at least the one I attended did that in the phone book!) even though it is no longer entirely accurate!

Answer 2

You're correct in your basic assumption. A non-demoninational church is one that is not affiliated with a larger church body -- it is a stand-alone congregation. If you were to move to another place, it is possible to find another church that teaches like the previous one; but it would be purely accidental. The idea of being non-denominational precludes the possibility of a larger umbrella organization which guarantees doctinal uniformity. You ask if various churches teaching the same (or similar) doctrines makes them a denomination. No -- not at all. You and I might make similar purchasing choices, but that doesn't mean one of us is following the lead of the other. The idea of becoming a denomination means that people have decided on a common code of teaching for separate congregations, and a single governing body to oversee compliance with those teachings. Once again, it's possible that many non-denomination churches may very well be teaching the same thing; but it is purely coincidence because none of these churches recognizes the authority of an external body making a super-ordinate claim of obedience. Do any non-denominationals claim to be the "true" church? Since there are countless non-denominationals out there, my guess would be that they all do. After all, one goes one's own way precisely because one has come to the conclusion that everyone else is incorrect.

Answer 3

One of the main differences between denominational (D) churches and non-denominational (ND) churches is that D churches usually have a set of established doctrines and practices, whereas ND churches do not.

I suppose you could consider a ND church as "another" denomination, but unlike most D churches you will never see that church spread into various branches or congregations. In other words, if you attend a D church in California (whether it be Pentecostal, Baptist, Catholic, Mormon, Lutheran, etc.), you have a pretty good chance of finding the same church, teaching the same doctrines, in New York or any other state. However, if you were attending a ND church in California, you will never find the same church in New York, or anywhere else.

The bottom line is, ND churches do not claim to be the true church; they are more like a fellowshipping community of believers in Christ.

Answer 4

In most cases your non-denominational churches are really independent churches that for one reason or another the pastor has left a mainstream organization .

There is a lot of stuff going on in mainstream churches that people are tired of and they are looking for alternatives and non-denominational or independent Churches give people that.

I was in a mainstream Pentecostal Organization and I got tired of all the politics involved and now I am independent or non-denominational .

Answer 5

Often non-denominational churches like to think that they all believe different things and can still serve together, but what I've found when visiting these type churches....they have the same basic beliefs....so.....they really would be considered denominational....

Answer 6

A non-denominational church is usually a church that is fed up with the ways that christians have ran church for so many years. Therefore they don't want to be associated with any certain religion. So they just call temselves "non-denominational". These churches are normally a church that are more progressive and are doing things to attract people to God... not run them out of the church because of how painfully boring it is.

Answer 7

They're not, and it is.

Eclectic Wicca, to use an example from another religion, is still Wicca. Non-denominational churches are Eclectic Christianity. Or at least, that's how it looks to this former Christian.

(For the record, I've never seen a non-denominational church that didn't litmus test as some form of Protestant.)

Answer 8

It simply means that the church is a Bible teaching, Bible believing Church without having to adhere to some sort of hierarchy.
The church belongs to all its members, who decide how to go about the daily business of living out the Christian faith, and serve their community.
The members are the ministers, and choose elders, and deacons from the member body.
The church is open to all Christians from all walks of life, or back ground.
There are no rituals other than what the bible calls for; communion to remember our Lord (do this in memory of Me), and baptism as a public testimony of faith.
Simply put it is set up as the early house churches were, and how it was intended to be.

Answer 9

No outside Oversight, The Local Congregationan
is the "Oversight; This can be a Problem
when some "Leader" gets off track;-----It is also
a Problem with Continuity,when The Pastor Dies or moves on; What i have seen is the Leader,will
have His Family in Positions of Power;They will not give in easly,There are Exceptions I"m sure;

Answer 10

It is a denomination, true.

The idea though is a denomination that will not burn fellow Christians at the stake over a difference of interpretation.