What is the difference, between a non denomonational christian, and a christian?

[devincoffin]

What is the difference, between a non denomonational christian, and a christian? I'm confused.

 

[The Princess Bride]

My interpretation is that Non-denom. Christians feel that they do not follow any "man-made" doctrines or traditions, aside from many denoms. that follow a set "tradition" so to speak.

A Christian in the general sense can be from any Denom.

 

[Psalms34]

Mostly it has to do with church government or structure. In many denominations the pastor is given the outline of what he is to teach by a central church body that governs the many branches of the church. Often in such churches the pastor is also under the direction of the church elders and can only do or not do by what they dictate which is usually in line with that the centralized governing church board (over all the churches in a particular denomination). They function basically like mini-RCC’s while at a non-denominational church this is a self governed situation where in some cases the elders may be in control but usually or quite often the pastor is the head of the church and only answers to God by the leading of the Holy Spirit and looks to elders for counsel. Yes, some denominations heap up a lot of “traditions” since it is centralized government and tends to grow out of control with superficial writings and rules which do not pertain to the bible.

 

[SWigton87]

Nothing really. For me, I don't claim a denomination because I know that they're all flawed. Granted, I know my own knowledge is flawed, along with the knowledge of my non-denominational pastors. I consider myself to have the Baptist worldview on most, if not all points regarding morality and the interpretation of the Bible.

 

[BustedFlat]

The question is phrased wrong IMO. Non-denoms are a subset of Christians, just as Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican (or Episcopalian), etc are a subset of the Church of Christ. Not one of them is the Church, together we make up the Church.

 

[JTLauder]

The difference is like asking if you like fruit or if you like oranges.

A "christian" is just someone who claims to follow Christ.
A "non-denominational christian" is someone who claims to follow Christ and intentionally doesn't align themselves with any particular Chrisitan organization.

 

[buck]

What is the difference, between a non denomonational christian, and a christian?
Believe faith warrior.
Non Denomonational don't believe in any one of major
church groups, but are christians and believe the holy Bible.
God loves you, and me to
Buck

 

[LJSGM]

It means whatever it means to the person holding it. Some believe to have fellowship with everyone that is a born again christian, and some hold to a non-denominational denomination with a congregational belief.

I think it just shows a belief that you see the church as divided and you don't agree with it. I individually, would agree with pricess bride in which I do not hold to "man-made" traditions, especially when they divide us.

 

[Keenan]

I never considered it as a sort of denomination unto itself, or "anti-denomination". Pardon the pun..
I'm just beggining my journey and intend to attend churches of all denominations! Perhaps one day I'll find myself a Baptist, or a Lutheran, who knows? Until then I'll continue to see all aspects, views, and doctrines of the church.

 

[icedtea]

It happened to be the first church I went to after being saved.
To me, it means if you go to a say...lutheran church (for example) you can only go to other Lutheran churches.
But being non denominational, I can go to any Christian church!

 

[Bethshaya]

The question is phrased wrong IMO. Non-denoms are a subset of Christians, just as Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican (or Episcopalian), etc are a subset of the Church of Christ. Not one of them is the Church, together we make up the Church.

I agree with this statement. Someone who is non-denominational is someone who does not identify with any of the "other" subset churches of Christianity.

Its like instead of being "Republican", or "Democrat", they are "Independent".

 

[ChristianJohn]

My understanding is a 'denominational' Christian adheres to a particular denominational 'creed' ie Catholocism/Baptist/Metodist etc & its associated emphasis on specific thelogy/doctrines eg Mariology/Baptism/Weslyanism - aspects of which are not necessarily Biblically sound or are 'Traditions' in the worst sense - 'Non denomonational' Christians aspire to acknowledging the Word of God in Scripture as being the sole authoritive rule, historcally & traditionally in their practices without the embellishment of man made
up traditions. That said, all churches, fellowships follow a form or pattern of worship up to a point. Hope this helps - open to correction - I'm no Theologian!! Christian (good name eh!)

 

[gloryseven]

Non demoninational- not called by another name, Baptist, Catholic, Protestant.etc...?

 

[luv4HIM]

I belong to a non-denominational christian church. my understanding is that we came to be out of the reformation movement. we were trying to be 'true ' to the scriptures, but then even the christian church became divided by how to have"church" etc. the church I attend is autonumus, we have no creed or doctrine to follow.there is no leadership above our elders and pastors(but they are held accountable to the congregation if they are not being biblical). just the Bible.
because of those things we are considered non-denom

 

[wildthing]

What is the difference, between a non denomonational christian, and a christian? I'm confused.

There should be no difference between a non denomo christian and a christian. We worship the same God. We believe that his Son die for our sins. And that God has given us free will it is up to us to take the gift of His Son into our lives. So if we were to meet on the street and started talking about God there is common denometer.

I think the really question is about "Churchanty". There are many different forms of Church government. I don't believe they are wrong, some forms I like better then others.

The only time that I have left the church is when it has lost it's focus. The focus should be on God and how to have a growing relationship with Him. I also believe that the church should be able to provide a place for all christian to exercise their gifts.