Church of Christ = Non Denominational?

[MentalSoliloquy]

I'm trying to find a non denominational church in my city but when I search the only non denominational churches are called 'Church of Christ', I read somewhere that this was a cult?

Can somebody please direct me? I don't want to get mixed up into anything...

[Belle0985]

I'm trying to find a non denominational church in my city but when I search the only non denominational churches are called 'Church of Christ', I read somewhere that this was a cult?

Can somebody please direct me? I don't want to get mixed up into anything...


I went to their Easter service, and I plan on going to the new CityPlace things on Sunday. If it's a cult I'll let you know, but I thought it was wonderful. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and only wanted to get the point across that Jesus died on the cross for us, and that He is our Lord and Savior. They had 3 choirs, and little kids were sooo cute! I just have to go check it out. (They were in the Sound Advice Amphitheater for Easter, and they filled all of the seats!)

I don't know what they have in Australia, but it can't be that bad. But ther is one thing... They have a website: http://www.gochristfellowship.org and I don't see anything there about Australia. Hrm... I'd look into it more if I were you.

[Theophorus]

I'm trying to find a non denominational church in my city but when I search the only non denominational churches are called 'Church of Christ', I read somewhere that this was a cult?

Can somebody please direct me? I don't want to get mixed up into anything...

The Church of Christ is not a cult. Some consider the International Church of Christ to be a little off the wall. The way to tell the difference, besides the name, is to see if they believe in "discipling". It was mainly this practice within the IOC that was controversial.

You could also look for an evangelical church, most of those are non-denominational. Also many of the denominational names that have "free" in their title are also non denominational.

[MentalSoliloquy]

http://www.lifegate.org.au/index.html

does this church seem non denominational?

[TomUK]

From the website it looks non-denom.

[MentalSoliloquy]

I have emailed them... I am praying it is.

[Mea Culpa]

Every church is denominational. Unless it is a home church, in which case it is kind of denominational in that it seperates itself from the body of God just like a denomination.

The church has lost the power of its' wisdom by creating denomination after denomination.

At any rate, I am not trying to discourage you but state what I feel is true. I pray that the Lord will direct you to where He has you.

[Telrunya]

They sure dont expound much on their core beliefs though do they? Sorry I make web sites for churches and I can see alot of things on this page they could od better, but it does look non denom for the page. The old joke is "If you don't like organized religion, come to our church. We're about as un-organized as you can get"

[MentalSoliloquy]

yeah it didnt tell me much.

[Theophorus]

Oh, the phrase "community church" is usually another tip that it is non denominational.

[MentalSoliloquy]

Lifagate belongs to the Churches of Christ is Australia and although we are very big on being a Kingdom church (working with churches from all denominations) we are also linked to a broader church body for accountability and support.

Churches of Christ are a mainstream evangelical movement who have been a very strong part of Christian life in Australia for over 150 years.

Very similar in nature to the baptist churches (both denominations emerging out of what was called the restoration movement in the 1800's.) but fewer in number (only about 90-100 churches in NSW).

We are Bible based and very open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our expression of faith.

Hope that helps.


...So does this mean they are or not?

[Stinker]

The Churches of Christ that I was a member of uses scripture traps to get and keep people as members much like a cult does. When a person is water baptized into the physical church it is to show that you have repented of your sins (Mk.1:4) (Acts 2:38) and is mentioned as a Biblical figure of speech to clear a person's conscience of of sins (that God has already forgiven) by 'washing them away' (Acts 22:16) (1Pet.3:21). The CofCs that I was a member of taught (what I consider one of the traps) that water baptism changed from John's baptism of repentance/ to baptism of remission of sins. Thus making a person think that their becoming members of this church absolutely essential to their salvation. Another trap was that the use of Instumental music in worship is sinful. So since almost all other churches use instruments in their worship, to leave this church and go to one not CofC was to damn one's soul. Their are many other traps that are used, but I think this enough to let people decide if the CofC is a cult to them even though it is not listed as an official cult.

[Anthony]

Non-Denominational Church = Generic Protestant Church, i.e an unlabeled Protestant Church.

[Theophorus]

The Churches of Christ that I was a member of uses scripture traps to get and keep people as members much like a cult does. When a person is water baptized into the physical church it is to show that you have repented of your sins (Mk.1:4) (Acts 2:38) and is mentioned as a Biblical figure of speech to clear a person's conscience of of sins (that God has already forgiven) by 'washing them away' (Acts 22:16) (1Pet.3:21). The CofCs that I was a member of taught (what I consider one of the traps) that water baptism changed from John's baptism of repentance/ to baptism of remission of sins. Thus making a person think that their becoming members of this church absolutely essential to their salvation. Another trap was that the use of Instumental music in worship is sinful. So since almost all other churches use instruments in their worship, to leave this church and go to one not CofC was to damn one's soul. Their are many other traps that are used, but I think this enough to let people decide if the CofC is a cult to them even though it is not listed as an official cult.

Really this is taking things quite far. The theology of the Church of Christ baptism is really not much different than the largest group of professing Christians, the Catholics. Not to mention Anglicans, Orthodox, and Lutherans. This puts them in the majority view as far as this is concerned (padeo baptism excepted). If that is a scripture trap, then one could infer that the majority of confessing Christians are cult members, for the interpretation of the CoC is right in line with the above mentioned communions.

The music issue is something that they have in common with the majority of Orthodox, so again it is not as extreme as you would paint it, and at one time it was the status quo for Christianity.

[MentalSoliloquy]

um can anyone answer my question on page two?

[MentalSoliloquy]

I went to it...

There was a lot of singing, there was communion, a bit of talking (they were talking about courage, prayer and fasting) however, not much reference to the bible, a lot of interaction with the people, very casual...

I'm not sure whether this is how non - denominational churches are? Can anyone let me know???

Please

[miyako_1984]

Non denominational churches are just groups of people who meet to worship God and follow or study scriptures together in fellowship and prayer. It's a broad term, in the UK at least, that encompasses loads of groups from churches in the more traditional sense of the word, that just do not 'follow the script' of anglican, church of england or other services to small groups that meet in homes or community buildings. Usually it's a bit of both in large churches with regular home groups and a weekly main meeting. Non demoninational churches here take their lead directly from the teachings laid down in the NT by Paul in his letters and also by Jesus. Although for some, this means that some rather odd intepretations creep in, it usually means simply that they do not hold truck with a lot of the traditions of established denominations- frequently they are less formal, more evangelical perhaps and this is pretty much what the term 'non denominational' has come to mean. One group I know often go out for day trips together and have broken bread on the top of mountains to give thanks etc..

Having said that, a few non-denominational churches (eg. those that don't believe in instrumental music) may distinguish themselves from established denominations that they feel have compromised too much and as a result may be _more_ formal or legalistic. These churches tend to describe themselves as something else though usually.

Non denominational is pretty wide open and the whole point is that they can't really be lumped in together as they won't _necessarily_ all agree on the secondary issues of christianity that separate more established denominations. If they did, as someone else noted, then they would be a denomination as well.

If you've already been to the church, it's probably best to ask them directly where they fit in. Unless they give you a name you recognise, they probably don't go along with everything one of the denominations you recognise do either. Talk to God about it and go back to the NT yourself to see what you think he did mean for fellowship. Doubtless meeting with other christians, sharing communion, prayer and worship and learning from them is central to a healthy spiritual life. But do it where you meet God and don't worry about trying or asking about different churches! You don't have to feel 'trapped' ever and don't have to get fully involved in a church until you feel you (and God) are ready!

[miyako_1984]

Churches of Christ are a mainstream evangelical movement who have been a very strong part of Christian life in Australia for over 150 years.

Very similar in nature to the baptist churches(both denominations emerging out of what was called the restoration movement in the 1800's.) but fewer in number (only about 90-100 churches in NSW).

We are Bible based and very open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our expression of faith.



Sorry, in answer to your question- the fact they describe themselves as a denomination implies they consider themselves apart from other established denominations. Denomination is just a word- here it just means that all CofC churches you find will agree and act similarly whereas many 'non denominational' churches are independent or 'one off'.

More important is how they describe themselves- 'evangelical, bible based and spiritual.' These are features common to many non denominational churches and might be what you have in mind but could mean a surprisingly broad range of approaches. The reference to Baptist churches and restoration implies they are a bit more formal than my mountain top friends...!

[WesWoodell]

Yes, they are non-denominational. No, they are not a cult. I am a church of Christ minister - please pm me if you have any questions.


Just to let you know, some churches are way more conservative than others. Ultra conservative churches tend to turn people off (like Stinker :) ), so you might take that into account.

[WesWoodell]

Churches of Christ are a mainstream evangelical movement who have been a very strong part of Christian life in Australia for over 150 years.

Very similar in nature to the baptist churches (both denominations emerging out of what was called the restoration movement in the 1800's.) but fewer in number (only about 90-100 churches in NSW).

We are Bible based and very open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our expression of faith.

Hope that helps.


...So does this mean they are or not?


The facts here are incorrect. Baptist churches did not emerge out of the restoration movement. They are also wrong to say the churches of Christ are apart of a denomination.

If you would like to read the document that helped spawn the restoration movement (and the churches of Christ) follow this link http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/tcampbell/etc/DA-KS.HTM

That is a paraphrase of Thomas Campbell's "Declaration and Address."

[Ginny]

This is not a flame...repeat not a flame....

I have read a very generic book called "Book of Cults" in which Church of Christ is listed along with other well known denominations such as Seventh Day Adventists, MOrmons, Jehovah's Witness...I was studying at the time about how I was going to witness to a Mormon.

I found an interesting definition of a cult with the last sentence being the most fascinating b/c it would be up to personal internpretation.....
Cult: By its primary dictionary definition, the term cult just means a system of religious beliefs or rituals. Christians generally have a doctrinal component to their use of the word. Cult in this sense, is a counterfeit or serious deviation from the doctrines of classical Christianity. In most cases the group claims to be Christian, but because of their aberrant beliefs on central doctrines of the faith (God, Jesus, and salvation), the organization is not considered to be part of orthodox, biblical Christianity.



No one here should be flaming any other denomination...like Wes said, ask him.

Wes, I found something a bit interesting...what do you think of their reasoning? Does your church believe they are the only true Christians?

http://www.chocd.org/pages/5/index.htm

(see, wasn't that polite? :wave:)

[WesWoodell]

No. That book (as well as many other sources) groups the mainstream churches of Christ with the International Churches of Christ.

The ICC is very different from the CoC. The ICC actually spawed when a man (who was a CoC preacher) began claiming to be a prophet from God. He claimed that God has spoken to him and instructed him to start a new church that would be the only true church of God on earth. This started at a church in Florida called the Crossroads Church of Christ. This movement became known as the Crossroads Movement.


The minister taught his followers a very methodical approach to evangelism. Regular Christians were required to "disciple" new Christians. That is to say, new Christians had to run everything past their "discipler" before making a decision, and their "discipler" had to give them permission as to what to do. I'm talking about every day life here - these folks had to get permission to hang out with "non-Christian" freinds, they had to get permission about what job they should have - pretty much everything had to be run by this "discipler." This proved to be a problem. If a woman was married to a man who didn't come to an ICC church, that woman would be advised to divorce that man and find a believer to wed (even if her current husband was a believer but went to another church). Single people were forbidden to date outside the ICC. You were not allowed to have "non-believing" freinds (even if your freinds were believers, but just went to a church that wasn't ICC).

Basically what these folks and this system would do is this: they would "disciple" you until you had no freinds or family outside the ICC, and they thought you were going to go against their teaching, they would threaten to disfellowship you from the ICC, which would basically take away your "freinds" and "family." When a church is teaching that anyone outside it's fellowship is going to hell, thats a pretty big deal to someone that believes that. These poor people would do just about anything to keep from being condemned to hell, so once they were in the ICC and believed their doctrines, they were pretty much stuck. If they were to "fall away" all their freinds would simply have nothing to do with them. In many cases, these poor people had already been cut ties with their biological family and pre-ICC freinds, so once again the people in this church were all these folks had. A very bad situation indeed.

This all started about 30 or so years ago. The movement basically fell apart once some of it's leaders realized that what they were doing was sinful. There is still a remnant of it around today, and many people still believe that all CoC's are like the ICC. There is a website that was set up for former members of the ICC at www.Reveal.org (http://www.Reveal.org) If you would like to read more about the ICC and the letter from one of their elders that brought that movement down, I suggest you check out that site.

Besides the ICC, there are also the ultra-conservative churches of Christ. They are apart of what is known as the anti-establishment churches of Christ. Most of these folks are so narrow minded if you poked them one time in the face with a stick you would put out both of their eyes because they are so close together. It would not surprise me if a few of them claimed to be one of the only real churches left on earth. They're kind of crazy if you ask me. Their beliefs vary from church to church, but here's a sample. They believe hand-clapping while singing is a sin. They believe having a kitchen attached to the church is a sin. They believe having a gym on church grounds in a sin ("You can't spend the Lord's money that way!") - yadda yadda yadda.

The mainstream CoC is not a cult and should not be looked at as one. All doctrine and beliefs are based striclty on the Bible, and the only thing you guys might find different is that they don't use musical instruments in their worship services - they sing a cappella like the church of the first century (which can be quite beautiful).

People confuse the mainstream CoC with the ultra conservative CoC's and ICC - that is why that book refers to their fellowship as a cult, but it's just dead wrong and quite ignorant of the facts.

[Forest]

The mainstream CoC is not a cult and should not be looked at as one. All doctrine and beliefs are based striclty on the Bible, and the only thing you guys might find different is that they don't use musical instruments in their worship services - they sing a cappella like the church of the first century (which can be quite beautiful).

People confuse the mainstream CoC with the ultra conservative CoC's and ICC - that is why that book refers to their fellowship as a cult, but it's just dead wrong and quite ignorant of the facts.

It looks like a person would need to visit each local church to find out if they are mainstream, conservative, ultra conservative, etc....

[WesWoodell]

By the way, the young man that made this site http://www.chocd.org/pages/5/index.htm is a product of the ultra-conservative churches of Christ. He has taken his experiance with one church and grouped all of the churches of Christ into his narrow view (I know this because of his comment about Christmas trees).

He also refered to them as a denomination. The churches of Christ are not a denomination - that is to say there is no central governing body dictating doctrine to the rest of the churches.

His view is like this - you go to a neighborhood that has 100 houses in it. You enter the first house and have dinner with the people living there. They eat steak and potatoes for dinner - therefore everyone in the other 99 houses must have eaten steak and potatoes for dinner.

That is how this young man is viewing the churches of Christ, and that line of thinking is at best ignorant.

[WesWoodell]

It looks like a person would need to visit each local church to find out if they are mainstream, conservative, ultra conservative, etc....


With a non-denominational fellowship you are going to see variances from church to church. My advice - find one you like and stick with it. You can't simply attend one church of Christ and then say "all the other churches of Christ are like this one."

[Theophorus]

It looks like a person would need to visit each local church to find out if they are mainstream, conservative, ultra conservative, etc....

Thoug I am not 100% sure, the ICoC (the discipling cult church) do not have buildings typically. They organize around a vast metropolitan area such as the whole Boston area and surrounding suburbs. They have Large conventions when all of the church may attend but tend to meet in "cells" throughout the area, many times in hotels, convebntion centers and other rented space.

If you saw a sign or ad for "Main Town USA Church of Christ, you could almost bet that it was a mainline church, some being more conservative than others.

Also do not confuse the CoC with the United Church of Christ. Which is very liberal, in the sense that the episcopalians are.

[Jim Woodell]

I'm trying to find a non denominational church in my city but when I search the only non denominational churches are called 'Church of Christ', I read somewhere that this was a cult?

Can somebody please direct me? I don't want to get mixed up into anything...

I would encourage you to check out the Church of Christ. I am a member of the Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, AR (www.downtownchurch.org (http://www.downtownchurch.org)) and we are a non-denominational church.

In my judgement a non-denominational church is one that is: self-governed, follows the Bible as its guide, and recognizes only Christ as the head. Individuals are encouraged to read the Bible for themselves and are free to follow the Bible without having human laws imposed upon them. When we follow the Bible the congregation will have a plurality of elders overseeing the body (1 Pet. 5:1-4) and other servants taking care of the menial tasks (Acts 6:1-6). Read also 1 Timothy 3.

God bless you in your search!

Jim Woodell

[Jim Woodell]

I went to it...

There was a lot of singing, there was communion, a bit of talking (they were talking about courage, prayer and fasting) however, not much reference to the bible, a lot of interaction with the people, very casual...

I'm not sure whether this is how non - denominational churches are? Can anyone let me know???

Please

Just curious to know what your birth year is. It sounds like the church you attended is attempting to connect with the post-modern generation. What was the attendance? If there was a large number there it would indicate they are being successful.

There is a group in the US, just out of Chicago, known as the Willow Creek Church, that has used the approach you seem to be describing.

Non-denominational churches are not "cookie-cutter" groups. They will all have some degree of difference. The real question is, "Do they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord?" "Do they follow the Bible as their guide?"

God bless.

[Jim Woodell]

This is not a flame...repeat not a flame....

I have read a very generic book called "Book of Cults" in which Church of Christ is listed along with other well known denominations such as Seventh Day Adventists, MOrmons, Jehovah's Witness...I was studying at the time about how I was going to witness to a Mormon.

I found an interesting definition of a cult with the last sentence being the most fascinating b/c it would be up to personal internpretation.....
Cult: By its primary dictionary definition, the term cult just means a system of religious beliefs or rituals. Christians generally have a doctrinal component to their use of the word. Cult in this sense, is a counterfeit or serious deviation from the doctrines of classical Christianity. In most cases the group claims to be Christian, but because of their aberrant beliefs on central doctrines of the faith (God, Jesus, and salvation), the organization is not considered to be part of orthodox, biblical Christianity.



No one here should be flaming any other denomination...like Wes said, ask him.

Wes, I found something a bit interesting...what do you think of their reasoning? Does your church believe they are the only true Christians?

http://www.chocd.org/pages/5/index.htm

(see, wasn't that polite? :wave:)

Did Al Gore really invent the internet? :help:

Ginny, did you know that Max Lacado is a member of the Church of Christ. Check out their website, or any of his writings and tell me that you think this is a cult.

You will find them under Oak Hills Church.

Here is the website address: http://www.oakhillschurchsa.org/

God bless.

Jim

[Jim Woodell]

It looks like a person would need to visit each local church to find out if they are mainstream, conservative, ultra conservative, etc....

This is the difference between denominationalism and non-denominationalism. Creeds were created to tell people what they are supposed to believe without any thought are study on their part. If you want to follow a creed join a denomination. If you want to follow just the Bible, go non-denominational, but this will require you to search and critique (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15).

You do need to determine what a church believes by attending and studying for yourself.

[constance]

The facts here are incorrect. Baptist churches did not emerge out of the restoration movement. They are also wrong to say the churches of Christ are apart of a denomination.


I wonder if the poster was talking about Disciples of Christ (Christian Church), which was talking about merging with the American Baptists in the 30's...
DoC and CoC are in fellowship with each other, and I know they're often confused...

But then it looked like the poster was in Australia, so maybe there's yet another Restorationist movement that happened out there...

Constance

[daverain]

.



Here's the proof:




Who do you write


'the cheque'


out to?



.

[MentalSoliloquy]

I was born in 1982....

There were about 18-20 people in attendance...mostly youth because I went to the evening service which is directed towards youth.

I asked the question because I recently recommited [I was previously Orthodox - by birth] and am unfamiliar with non-denominational churches.

[perfectlyok2]

.



Here's the proof:




Who do you write


'the cheque'


out to?



.


Wrong Dave

The Church of Christ (aka. the church that Christ built) was, is, and always will be non-denominational. The check may be written to the church but, the money goes to the Lord's work.

[daverain]

But...

Can I be baptised (in water) by them...

in The Name of The Father Son Holy Spirit....

-OR- does it have to be another way?

[- DRA -]

Every church is denominational. Unless it is a home church, in which case it is kind of denominational in that it seperates itself from the body of God just like a denomination.

The church has lost the power of its' wisdom by creating denomination after denomination.

At any rate, I am not trying to discourage you but state what I feel is true. I pray that the Lord will direct you to where He has you.

The denominational concept is based on the belief that the Lord's church is made up of churches. The concept is named after a denominator -- the bottom number in a fraction.

The church that Jesus promised to build (Matt. 16:18) and built (Acts 2:47) was not a denomination, but made up of the saved believers that obeyed the gospel of Christ and were purchased with the blood shed by the Lord (Acts 20:28). The original church in Jerusalem spread to other places when the disciples scattered after the stoning of Stephen (see Acts 8:1-4). All it took to establish a church in another geographical region was the word of God being preached and people responding favorably to the gospel. The same is true today. Any church established based on God's word will NOT be a denomination, because that particular concept is NOT taught or authorized in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:1-6).

The power of the gospel of Christ has NOT been lost (Romans 1:16) -- if we are willing to accept what the New Testament says about the matter (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21-25; 1 Peter 4:11a).

[- DRA -]

.



Here's the proof:




Who do you write


'the cheque'


out to?



.

The checks I write are made out to the Bacliff church of Christ. Now, how is this supposed to make the church a denomination?