Question about what non-denominational churches believe

[BonnieBee]

Do non-denominational churches still have their own doctrines like other churches, or are they just a group of believers who don't really have a set belief except on the main ideas? Do you have ordained ministers/pastors? I'm just curious.

I hope this is in the right section...?

[BGMCFAR]

alot of the non -denominational churches have ordained pastors and a lot have lay pastors which have a regular job are also a church pastors and alot non denominational churches have a core set of beliefs but a lot of them focus on the life of Christ and their personal relationship with Christ and not so focused on doctrine and dogma. I hope that helps and I find they are more Christ oriented :)

[calidog]

I probably should'nt begin to answer since I have never even been an elder, but I'll give you my $0.01.

Each church publishes their doctrine.
The pastors must be ordained.

My (limited) understanding is they place the NT as greater relevance over the OT where "apparent" conflicts between the two arise.

Commonly, a new believer may begin at a non-denominational, and move on to a denomination church.

[malckiah]

Hello friends, The Apostles and in The New Testament- they were a Non- denominational church! The denominations didnt come in until arguments about scriptures that had little or nothing to with Salvation. The only name given to Followers of Jesus in The New Testament was Christians! Non denominational churches are just Christians who follow The Bible word for word and if there is a difference of opinion in things that do not interupt Salvation- they do not argue and seperate in anger......instead they are still Christian friends with varying opinions. If It's in The Bible- That is what non-denominal churches believe!- nothing else! :thumbsup:

[ranyhyn]

I attend what could be called a non-denominational church. We have members that have come from Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, Roman Catholic, etc. backgrounds.

Our pastor comes from a Pentecostal background. Our church is an "independent" Baptist church. We do not belong to the Southern Baptist Convention nor do we belong to any association. We have our own doctrine that is recorded in our church bylaws and such. We do follow a lot of the stuff like the Baptist denomination does but we are not an official member of that organization. Thus we don't have to abide by their specific rules. We are free to make our own.

We believe that the Bible is the true Word of God. Our pastor is ordained as are the deacons and the elders of the church. Denominations are man-made and we believe that all Christians should celebrate and worship as a united body in Christ. BGMCFAR put it quite nicely I think. That kind of sums it up.

[HowardDean]

I have belonged to Assemblies and Foursquare, but mostly Non denominational.
They all believe about the same things, gifts of the holy spirit, Jesus is God, prayer works. My favorite part of them is the worship. It is ..not boring. My heart is lifted with the joyful, bouncy songs. I truly prefer that in a church.
Though I have yet to find one of these churches to have anything other than conservatives in them (not counting me).

[OutofDarkness]

Non denominational is not baptist. And they do focus on Doctrine......Its called The Bible. Non denominational churches follow The Bible and do not teach anything unless it is in The Bible! My church is non denominational and we teach out of The Bible verse by verse!

Think about it, if there is a denomination, there was first an argument that they couldnt resolve!

I agree with Mal

[BonnieBee]

alot of the non -denominational churches have ordained pastors and a lot have lay pastors which have a regular job are also a church pastors and alot non denominational churches have a core set of beliefs but a lot of them focus on the life of Christ and their personal relationship with Christ and not so focused on doctrine and dogma. I hope that helps and I find they are more Christ oriented

Ok, so basically the 'church' structure is the same, just not the doctrine?

I probably should'nt begin to answer since I have never even been an elder, but I'll give you my $0.01.

Each church publishes their doctrine.
The pastors must be ordained.

My (limited) understanding is they place the NT as greater relevance over the OT where "apparent" conflicts between the two arise.

Commonly, a new believer may begin at a non-denominational, and move on to a denomination church.

So where conflicts like the Ten Commandments etc happen, they put the NT over that?

Hello friends, The Apostles and in The New Testament- they were a Non- denominational church! The denominations didnt come in until arguments about scriptures that had little or nothing to with Salvation. The only name given to Followers of Jesus in The New Testament was Christians! Non denominational churches are just Christians who follow The Bible word for word and if there is a difference of opinion in things that do not interupt Salvation- they do not argue and seperate in anger......instead they are still Christian friends with varying opinions. If It's in The Bible- That is what non-denominal churches believe!- nothing else!

That's great! :)

I attend what could be called a non-denominational church. We have members that have come from Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, Roman Catholic, etc. backgrounds.

Our pastor comes from a Pentecostal background. Our church is an "independent" Baptist church. We do not belong to the Southern Baptist Convention nor do we belong to any association. We have our own doctrine that is recorded in our church bylaws and such. We do follow a lot of the stuff like the Baptist denomination does but we are not an official member of that organization. Thus we don't have to abide by their specific rules. We are free to make our own.

We believe that the Bible is the true Word of God. Our pastor is ordained as are the deacons and the elders of the church. Denominations are man-made and we believe that all Christians should celebrate and worship as a united body in Christ. BGMCFAR put it quite nicely I think. That kind of sums it up.

I see :)

Non denominational is not baptist. And they do focus on Doctrine......Its called The Bible. Non denominational churches follow The Bible and do not teach anything unless it is in The Bible! My church is non denominational and we teach out of The Bible verse by verse!

Think about it, if there is a denomination, there was first an argument that they couldnt resolve!

I agree with Mal

Thanks very much for replying, everyone! :) I've always been curious as to what these churches 'teach'. So they are the sort of church you'd go to (just to worship/pray etc) if you were somewhere where there was no church of your denomination (ie you're on vacation) (if you're with a specific denomination?)

[calidog]

. So they are the sort of church you'd go to (just to worship/pray etc) if you were somewhere where there was no church of your denomination (ie you're on vacation) (if you're with a specific denomination?)I would give a resounding yes:)

[calidog]

[quote=BonnieBee;30216042]Ok, so basically the 'church' structure is the same, just not the doctrine?
[quote]yes. the bible is used for doctrin.

[calidog]

[quote=BonnieBee;30216042]Ok, so basically the 'church' structure is the same, just not the doctrine?
[quote]yes. the bible is used for doctrine.

[calidog]

So where conflicts like the Ten Commandments etc happen, they put the NT over that?




they would use scripture to interpret scripture as many denominations would do. They believe the whole bible is the inspired word of God and that Christ is the center of it throughout (The fulfillment of Christ in the NT).

[Nadiine]

I like to call Non denominational churches the "etcetera" (etc.) of Christianity.

It's mainly that they don't hold to other denominations' focus on certain doctrines or forms of worship as such, but aren't necessarily opposed to them either.

Unfortunately, in this non denom. category, there is no SET "belief" or Creed to keep us in unison/unity of one shared belief - which is what you do get with specific denoms. (generally).
And that's where I feel

Denominations have an advantage... due to us NOT having set standards of belief/creeds -
I'm noticing more & more non denom. churches springing up that have strayed far away from the true teachings of the Gospel (in their fullness).

Many are falling into the doctrines of 'universalism' & 'inclusivism'... where there's more liberal theology. They're trying to keep EVERYONE from feeling any kind of offense - so they preach a watered down version of the NT. (basically throwing out the OT entirely).

I belong to an Orthodox Christian non denominational church that hasn't strayed from teaching the WHOLE counsel of God (new and old Test. - & includes the harsher scriptures many are refusing to preach).

[ivory]

Hello friends, The Apostles and in The New Testament- they were a Non- denominational church! The denominations didnt come in until arguments about scriptures that had little or nothing to with Salvation. The only name given to Followers of Jesus in The New Testament was Christians! Non denominational churches are just Christians who follow The Bible word for word and if there is a difference of opinion in things that do not interupt Salvation- they do not argue and seperate in anger......instead they are still Christian friends with varying opinions. If It's in The Bible- That is what non-denominal churches believe!- nothing else! :thumbsup:
I agree!

[Nadiine]

Non denominational is not baptist. And they do focus on Doctrine......Its called The Bible. Non denominational churches follow The Bible and do not teach anything unless it is in The Bible! My church is non denominational and we teach out of The Bible verse by verse!

Think about it, if there is a denomination, there was first an argument that they couldnt resolve!

I agree with Mal

Ok, but what of the early Christian churches that had to create formal CREEDS?
They did this because of false teachings that kept creeping into the Christian faith.

Sure, we preach what's "in The Bible!" the issue is, how that BIBLE is interpreted by different Christians.
Look how often Paul had to send letters or visit churches that had error in teaching.

Just because someone is IN a denom. (Baptist, Lutheren, Pentecostal etc.) doesn't automatically mean they don't kave knowledge of truth in scripture. (not that you claimed that)

As I always say, we as Christians are ONE BODY in Christ, But we do differ. Differences do NOT mean "division" - we should focus on the CENTRAL teachings of scripture that make us what we are: Christians.
And UNITE IN WHAT WE AGREE UPON, not attack one another on what we don't (which do not alter salvation).
:angel: :groupray:

[ranyhyn]

Many are falling into the doctrines of 'universalism' & 'inclusivism'... where there's more liberal theology. They're trying to keep EVERYONE from feeling any kind of offense - so they preach a watered down version of the NT. (basically throwing out the OT entirely).

I belong to an Orthodox Christian non denominational church that hasn't strayed from teaching the WHOLE counsel of God (new and old Test. - & includes the harsher scriptures many are refusing to preach).

Our pastor teaches that all of the Bible is still relevant today. If it was applicable back in OT times then it is still today. He likes to say to remind us that if God did something for Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob he'll do it for us today. He also warns us that if he's preaching something and it gets on our toes...don't take it up with him but to take it up with God.

Our pastor doesn't believe in just preaching "feel-good" messages. He preaches whatever has been put on his heart to bring.

[BonnieBee]

I would give a resounding yes

Ok! :)

[quote=BonnieBee;30216042]Ok, so basically the 'church' structure is the same, just not the doctrine?
[quote]yes. the bible is used for doctrine.

I see. Thanks

they would use scripture to interpret scripture as many denominations would do. They believe the whole bible is the inspired word of God and that Christ is the center of it throughout (The fulfillment of Christ in the NT).

Great :)

I like to call Non denominational churches the "etcetera" (etc.) of Christianity.

It's mainly that they don't hold to other denominations' focus on certain doctrines or forms of worship as such, but aren't necessarily opposed to them either.

Unfortunately, in this non denom. category, there is no SET "belief" or Creed to keep us in unison/unity of one shared belief - which is what you do get with specific denoms. (generally).
And that's where I feel

Denominations have an advantage... due to us NOT having set standards of belief/creeds -
I'm noticing more & more non denom. churches springing up that have strayed far away from the true teachings of the Gospel (in their fullness).

Many are falling into the doctrines of 'universalism' & 'inclusivism'... where there's more liberal theology. They're trying to keep EVERYONE from feeling any kind of offense - so they preach a watered down version of the NT. (basically throwing out the OT entirely).

I belong to an Orthodox Christian non denominational church that hasn't strayed from teaching the WHOLE counsel of God (new and old Test. - & includes the harsher scriptures many are refusing to preach).

Ok, that's interesting...

Our pastor teaches that all of the Bible is still relevant today. If it was applicable back in OT times then it is still today. He likes to say to remind us that if God did something for Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob he'll do it for us today. He also warns us that if he's preaching something and it gets on our toes...don't take it up with him but to take it up with God.

Our pastor doesn't believe in just preaching "feel-good" messages. He preaches whatever has been put on his heart to bring.

Wow, that is a different view...!

Thanks again for responding, everyone :)

[Nadiine]

Our pastor teaches that all of the Bible is still relevant today. If it was applicable back in OT times then it is still today. He likes to say to remind us that if God did something for Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob he'll do it for us today. He also warns us that if he's preaching something and it gets on our toes...don't take it up with him but to take it up with God.

Our pastor doesn't believe in just preaching "feel-good" messages. He preaches whatever has been put on his heart to bring.

Sounds great to me.
I hope people don't misunderstand the terms "we don't preach feel good messages" too.
It's not to say ALL sermons are about wrath & sin... just that we adhere to ALL the scriptures; even the ones that aren't preached by others who are more worried about offending people than telling the truth.

Jesus used lots of warnings & so did the apostles... we can't ignore them just becuz society gets darker & it makes us stand out more & become less loved (the world isn't supposed to love us).

John 15:19 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=15&verse=19&version=49&context=verse)
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.


Jhn 17:14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Jhn/Jhn017.html#14) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.


2Cr 6:17 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Cr/2Cr006.html#17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

[Caleb89]

When I registered to become a member of CF, I registered just as "Christian." But, if I was to choose a "denonomination," if you will, it would be Non-denominational. This is because I personally believe that denonination is one of Satan's last attempts to divide and destroy Christianity. I've saw first hand what "religion" and "denomination" and 'doctrine" can do to a church. It can very easily destroy a church and its congregation. Believe me, I've witnessed it first hand. In fact there's a qoute that I cannot for the life of me remember who it came from (I would have to look it up), but Rob Bell mentioned it in his book Velvet Elvis{GREAT BOOK!!!}. It goes, "Doctrine is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master."

One of my FAVORITE TV preachers is John Hagee, who is Non-denominational!!!

Anyway, my question is:

Do many Non-denominational Christians share my view that "denomination" is one of Satan's last attempts to divide and destroy Christianity?

Thanks.

GOD BLESS!!!

[Adammi]

When I registered to become a member of CF, I registered just as "Christian." But, if I was to choose a "denonomination," if you will, it would be Non-denominational. This is because I personally believe that denonination is one of Satan's last attempts to divide and destroy Christianity. I've saw first hand what "religion" and "denomination" and 'doctrine" can do to a church. It can very easily destroy a church and its congregation. Believe me, I've witnessed it first hand. In fact there's a qoute that I cannot for the life of me remember who it came from (I would have to look it up), but Rob Bell mentioned it in his book Velvet Elvis{GREAT BOOK!!!}. It goes, "Doctrine is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master."

One of my FAVORITE TV preachers is John Hagee, who is Non-denominational!!!

Anyway, my question is:

Do many Non-denominational Christians share my view that "denomination" is one of Satan's last attempts to divide and destroy Christianity?

Thanks.

GOD BLESS!!!
As I browsed around the forums, I saw this post.
It's a good question. You should start another thread just for this question.

[HowardDean]

Yes! I think all true christians are around, but many go to different churches. To each His or her own, but we must all believe in Jesus and His resurrection.

[Nadiine]

When I registered to become a member of CF, I registered just as "Christian." But, if I was to choose a "denonomination," if you will, it would be Non-denominational. This is because I personally believe that denonination is one of Satan's last attempts to divide and destroy Christianity. I've saw first hand what "religion" and "denomination" and 'doctrine" can do to a church. It can very easily destroy a church and its congregation. Believe me, I've witnessed it first hand. In fact there's a qoute that I cannot for the life of me remember who it came from (I would have to look it up), but Rob Bell mentioned it in his book Velvet Elvis{GREAT BOOK!!!}. It goes, "Doctrine is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master."

One of my FAVORITE TV preachers is John Hagee, who is Non-denominational!!!

Anyway, my question is:

Do many Non-denominational Christians share my view that "denomination" is one of Satan's last attempts to divide and destroy Christianity?


I love John Hagee too =) I actually went to a book signing he was doing at my local Christian bookstore about 8 yrs ago. I was thrilled to meet him & his wife Diana. :clap:

But we as non denom.s ALSO have to keep from "dividing" with those in denoms. If we divide w/ our brothers & sisters who are in denominations, we're just as guilty of what we accuse them of doing (& many don't divide at all).
Difference is not necessarily division.
& aren't WE saying "WE are the right church"? Denoms. aren't? How is it any different than what we point at them for? This confuses me.

Anyways, I'm not for OR against denominations/non denoms.
I CONSIDER US ALL ONE BODY OF CHRIST IF WE ALL BELIEVE THE ESSENTIALS from scripture FOR SALVATION. Mere claims of belief are not necessarily salvation - FAITH which prompts action is.

I mentioned this a few posts earlier - I think denominations have a strong advantage over non denoms.
Non denoms like us are under a huge eclectic umbrella with NO set guidelines on beliefs & no set teaching standards.
Take baptists... they adhere to a basic baptist belief system & they STAY in those confines.
**& I just stumbled onto a short post from another section that proves this very point:
http://www.christianforums.com/showpost.php?p=30245485&postcount=2

I'm seeing many churches today spring up that are "non denominational" that are WATERING DOWN the truth of God's word - preaching ONLY the 'warm fuzzy' stuff that people like to hear (don't want to offend our fine patrons with TRUTH or anything)...
In fact, I'll come right out & say, they aren't even Christian (as my Bible defines it).

With no set creed or standard, we're seeing every type of church under the sun being erected in "God's" name that are NOT preaching the true gospel of Christ whatsoever. They have no names, & they are not accountable to anyone. Lone pastors just starting up new non denom. churches anywhere.
In a denom. you at least have more of a safeguard with others of that denom. who hold a pastor accountable in their teaching & actions.

Non denoms. are an eclectic group and ANYONE can spring one up anywhere & call it "christian". When you go to a new non denom. church, you'll have no clue what it's about or what the pastor is about & teaches till you go there & find out. They could come from any belief system with any background...
At least when U go to a baptist or Luthern church, you'll know what they profess, the format & background & what you can expect for teaching.

That's where I have issue with non denoms. Yes they're great, and I am one myself, but it also has some pitfalls the others don't. & it will only get worse as time goes on with more & more false teachers infiltrating Christianity.

[simplyg123]

Hello friends, The Apostles and in The New Testament- they were a Non- denominational church! The denominations didnt come in until arguments about scriptures that had little or nothing to with Salvation. The only name given to Followers of Jesus in The New Testament was Christians! Non denominational churches are just Christians who follow The Bible word for word and if there is a difference of opinion in things that do not interupt Salvation- they do not argue and seperate in anger......instead they are still Christian friends with varying opinions. If It's in The Bible- That is what non-denominal churches believe!- nothing else! :thumbsup:
amen to this quote, denomination, is just division

[linssue55]

Do non-denominational churches still have their own doctrines like other churches, or are they just a group of believers who don't really have a set belief except on the main ideas? Do you have ordained ministers/pastors? I'm just curious.

I hope this is in the right section...?


"ALL" of the church is to believe in the precise, exacting, word of God. There is only ONE bible, and over 1,000 religions in this world. God meant His word to be the ONE truth for all believers. No single believer has the right to change or put their own meanings, and words in place of the Holy written word.

Denominations are the "Evil" designed by satan (through negative believers) to decieve and confuse, and you know what?, it's working.

Instead MEN have taken their own words, speculations, and ideas to give praise to men, so they can rule over the masses, and claims these denominations as biblical. For where? in the bible does it say ONE thing about denominations being biblical? MAN will pay for their blatant misuse of the word.


God meant for EACH and EVERY word to be taken EXACTLY as it was written, ......"In the TIME in which it was written."

There will be ONLY ONE WORD in the millenium! So what? does this tell you?

[HowardDean]

When the church first came into being, it didn't have a denomination.

[simplyg123]

i heard from someone that maybe they did have a denominaton, something about the fist church movement called themselves THE WAY, does anyone no more on this, i am not positive?

[Nadiine]

amen to this quote, denomination, is just division

Ok, but so is dividing from people who belong to denominations and calling THEM divided.

This goes both ways. OUR division from them is equivalent to what we point at them for.

One other point, I was raised by 2 God fearing Baptist parents. I LOVE my parents dearly and to this day they love & honor the Lord in their church - they pray before every meal, they faithfully go to church and serve the Lord there in ministry.
THEY ARE CALLED CHRISTIANS, wherever they attend church.


I will not divide & point at them for not being non denominational like I am. There's ONE faith, ONE Lord and we must unite with Christian denominations or else become the hypocrites we point at in disdain.

[HowardDean]

Sometimes it seems imposssible for opposing beliefs to unite.:scratch:

[simplyg123]

Ok, but so is dividing from people who belong to denominations and calling THEM divided.

This goes both ways. OUR division from them is equivalent to what we point at them for.

One other point, I was raised by 2 God fearing Baptist parents. I LOVE my parents dearly and to this day they love & honor the Lord in their church - they pray before every meal, they faithfully go to church and serve the Lord there in ministry.
THEY ARE CALLED CHRISTIANS, wherever they attend church.


I will not divide & point at them for not being non denominational like I am. There's ONE faith, ONE Lord and we must unite with Christian denominations or else become the hypocrites we point at in disdain.
not exactly i have never "belonged " to a denomination

however, i do not consider myself apart from them, they are my brothers and sisters in christ and that is how i see it

[BonnieBee]

Please - there is another topic for debating division of denominations... ;)

[simplyg123]

well arent we a little tattle tail


just playing, your right

now i shall vanish into the depths of the world that is CF

[calidog]

Sometimes it seems imposssible for opposing beliefs to unite.:scratch:
unless that which they have in common keep them united

[calidog]

When the church first came into being, it didn't have a denomination.
right, but there was division immediately.

[BonnieBee]

well arent we a little tattle tail


just playing, your right

now i shall vanish into the depths of the world that is CF

Pardon? :scratch:

[HowardDean]

unless that which they have in common keep them united
Which is Jesus and His resurrection! :clap:

[calidog]

amen, the ties that bind.