What is "Non-denominational"?

[JTLauder]

I've always assumed "non-denominational" meant not affiliated with any true Protestant church (ie, Baptist, Presbyterian, Luthern, etc.).

But I'm seeing the term used to refer to a broader definition of "Christian" including the Catholic Church, Mormon Church, etc.

So what is the accurate definition of "non-denominational"?
If someone says they are "non-denominational" what can you assume about their beliefs? The stricter Protestant view, or a broader view?

(Please refrain from discussion of whether these other churches are cults are not. I'm sure lots can be said about that, but that's a whole other topic and I would like to stick to the topic of my question.)

 

[CrazyforYeshua]

You're right in your definition. It is a church not involved with any religion, or with any church affiliation. Usually, full gospel charismatic, but not always.

 

[Overcash]

I go to a non-denominational church. It is a Bible church. It is not affilated with any religion. It's not a charismatic church though.

 

[Sketcher]

Not affliated with any denomination, just Christian.

 

[HeyHomie]

My congregation, which is officially "non-denominational," takes a narrower definition: a lack of a governing heirarchy. Any decisions that affect our congregation, such as hiring or firing of staff; budget allocations; building projects; etc., are made by our congregation. There is no "headquarters" anywhere to which our elders, or our ministers, answer.

However, we aren't strictly "non-denominational" in the broader sense. There are literally thousands of other congregations across the world with almost identical beliefs and practices, who follow similar worship styles, who have similar names, and who support the same colleges and ministries.

 

[Be11e]

I call myself non-denominational, although i attend a United Reform Church (Protestant). I don't want to commit myself to one churche's views...why are there so many divisions? I'm a Christian...just a Christian.

 

[Grateful4God]

Some of the affiliations have requirements as far as training/schooling to be an official Pastor.

A Pastor I know is a former lawyer for some well documented civil cases. Although he does not have any official relgious training, he is filled with so much Wisdom. He has a lifetime of knowledge of scripture, his father was a Pastor.

Because of his backround the church had to drop the affiliation and is now know as Non-Denominational. When I travel to his city I love to sit in on his services. They are so moving.

 

[HikariKitKit]

I say i'm non-denominational, because you can't put a lable on the kind of relationship people have with God. For me, religian is very stupid, because to me it's like they're saying. "God wants to be your friend, BUT you have to follow all these rules to stay his friend." That's not a friendship...and that's what I have with God. A friendship, the perfect relationship, a friend that will never leave you, someone who will always be there when you need him, you can't put a lable on that.

 

[JTLauder]

I understand and agree with the non-affiliations and not using labels, but what I'm curious about is what is assumed about a person's Christian beliefs if he were to call himself "non-denominational".

I call myself "non-denominatinal" because I do not wish to be aligned with a specific denomination's practices. But I accept only the mainstream Protestant viewpoint. But I'm finding some people consider a "denomination" to be more inclusive to include anything that just has the word "Christ" in their beliefs, some of which I don't agree with. So I don't want to call myself "non-denominational" as if to say that I am not in conflict with those differing views.

For example, I don't believe the Mormon belief of Jesus and Satan as brothers. (Again, I restate that for this thread I'm not trying to raise opposition against certain churches. I'm just using this as an example. I'm not trying start any flame wars.)

I don't want to call myself "non-denominational" if it means that I accept all "christian church" beliefs. So my question is what is assumed about the "non-denominational" person's beliefs?

 

[Sketcher]

For example, I don't believe the Mormon belief of Jesus and Satan as brothers. (Again, I restate that for this thread I'm not trying to raise opposition against certain churches. I'm just using this as an example. I'm not trying start any flame wars.)

The Mormons aren't even a Christian church, so they are excluded by default.

 

[kenrapoza]

I've always assumed "non-denominational" meant not affiliated with any true Protestant church (ie, Baptist, Presbyterian, Luthern, etc.).

But I'm seeing the term used to refer to a broader definition of "Christian" including the Catholic Church, Mormon Church, etc.

So what is the accurate definition of "non-denominational"?
If someone says they are "non-denominational" what can you assume about their beliefs? The stricter Protestant view, or a broader view?

(Please refrain from discussion of whether these other churches are cults are not. I'm sure lots can be said about that, but that's a whole other topic and I would like to stick to the topic of my question.)

I've gone to non-denominational churches my whole Christian life. You are right that by strict definition, the term just means "not affiliated with any particular denomination." However, the whole non-denominational movement really took root in the not too distant past. It has really grown out of the separatist movement of J N Darby and his group of Plymouth Brethren. This helped popularize dispensationalism in independant churches in America. Thus many dispensationalists feel that they serve God outside of any established denomination, or non-denominational.

So what can you assume about a non-denominational Christian? Well...like I said they are not a unified group so you really shouldn't assume anything, but some typical characteristics are:

1.) Dispensational - very common
2.) Conservative - Biblically conservative, not always politically conservative
3.) Evangelical - most non-denominational churches would be considered evangelical
4.) Fundamentalist - not all are this way but many are (as are most or all of the ones I've been to)
5.) Contemporary - non-denominational church services haven't grown of a liturgy, so they tend to be pretty contemporary when it comes to their worship

Some here have said "charismatic." None of the non-denomenational churches that I know of in my area are charismatic. Maybe it's a regional thing. However, some of the more visible non-denomenational churches (mega-churches) are charismatic (like New Life Church in Colorado Springs - 10,000 people, charismatic and pastored by Ted Haggard).

But the non-denominational movement should not be confused with the Word of Faith movement...even if some are charismatic. And yes, you're right that now it is becoming a more popular phenomenon and is becoming part of the modern collective American consciousness and people are using it more broadly now.

 

[JTLauder]

The Mormons aren't even a Christian church, so they are excluded by default.

That was a very helpful description, kenrapoza, thanks.

What's the "Word of Faith movement"?

And, twistedsketch, I agree with you that Mormons should not be considered a legitimate Christian church, but I'm always surprised and dismayed to find many people list the LDS and other "Christian cults" under "christianity". That was the point of my question as to what people consider to be "non-denominational".

 

[kenrapoza]

What's the "Word of Faith movement"?

Word of Faith (sometimes just Word-Faith) is an extremely controversial movement within charismatic and pentecostal Christianity. The basic idea is that physical health and prosperity are God's plan for His people and if we as Christians are not blessed in that way then we are lacking faith in God. It is also known as the "health and wealth" or "name it and claim it" or "Prosperity" Gospel.

So what the teaching comes down to is that Faith is a force and Words are the containers of that force (hence the Word of Faith name) and I can affect my reality through having enough faith and speaking these blessings into existence. There are also some other controversial (heretical) doctrines that are commonly taught in the Word of Faith circles:

1.) Healing - Although this is common in other charismatic circles as well, Word-Faith teachers hold that physical healing was included in Christ's atonement. Sickness is due to sin, lack of faith, and satanic attacks.

2.) Believers are 'little gods' - This is a direct quote from Kenneth Hagin (often considered to be the father of the movement): "God made us in the same class of being that He is Himself" and by being born again the believer becomes "as much an incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth".

3.) Prosperity - Already mentioned

4.) Faith and Confession - or "Positive Confession" this is the doctrine that because God created the universe through the spoken word, believers also have a similar ability to alter their circumstances (faith is a force and words are the containers of that force...)

5.) Jesus died spiritually - Word of Faith teaches that Jesus actually had to suffer in Hell to complete the atonement and there be born again himself

It's pretty obvious why this movement has caused such a controversy. Noted Word of Faith preachers are Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar and others. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is one of it's biggest promoters. Probably the most outspoken critic of the movement has been Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute.

Sorry for the long-winded explanation. I just wanted to be thorough. I bet that it also may cause some controversy...

 

[Markinator123]

Word of Faith (sometimes just Word-Faith) is an extremely controversial movement within charismatic and pentecostal Christianity. The basic idea is that physical health and prosperity are God's plan for His people and if we as Christians are not blessed in that way then we are lacking faith in God. It is also known as the "health and wealth" or "name it and claim it" or "Prosperity" Gospel.

So what the teaching comes down to is that Faith is a force and Words are the containers of that force (hence the Word of Faith name) and I can affect my reality through having enough faith and speaking these blessings into existence. There are also some other controversial (heretical) doctrines that are commonly taught in the Word of Faith circles:

1.) Healing - Although this is common in other charismatic circles as well, Word-Faith teachers hold that physical healing was included in Christ's atonement. Sickness is due to sin, lack of faith, and satanic attacks.

2.) Believers are 'little gods' - This is a direct quote from Kenneth Hagin (often considered to be the father of the movement): "God made us in the same class of being that He is Himself" and by being born again the believer becomes "as much an incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth".

3.) Prosperity - Already mentioned

4.) Faith and Confession - or "Positive Confession" this is the doctrine that because God created the universe through the spoken word, believers also have a similar ability to alter their circumstances (faith is a force and words are the containers of that force...)

5.) Jesus died spiritually - Word of Faith teaches that Jesus actually had to suffer in Hell to complete the atonement and there be born again himself

It's pretty obvious why this movement has caused such a controversy. Noted Word of Faith preachers are Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar and others. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is one of it's biggest promoters. Probably the most outspoken critic of the movement has been Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute.

Sorry for the long-winded explanation. I just wanted to be thorough. I bet that it also may cause some controversy...

Sometimes people get the wrong idea about Word of Faith People. They believe that we are all just about being healthy and wealthy. Nothing can further from the truth. Prosperity is really experiencing success in every area of life. We care about you being prospers in soul, spirit, mind, and relationships as well.

Before anyway comes in here and say that we are people who come up with false doctrines, read these scriptures before you come to that conclusion.

Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember the Lord Your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it today.

Ecclesiastes 5:19
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work- this is a gift of God.

Proverbs 10:4
Lazy hands make a man poor, but dilgent hands bring wealth

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will to come to ruin.

Proverbs 18:20
From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Psalm 82:6
I said, You are "gods"
you are sons of the Most High

John 10:34-36
Jesus answered them, "Is is not written in your Law, I have said you are gods? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came- and the Scripture cannot be broken-what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blamsphemy because I said, "I am God's son?

Psalm 103:2-3
Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all of your sins and heals all of your diseases

John 10:9-10
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He come in and go, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destory; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.

 

[wmc1982]

some people are new Christians and haven't decided on what denomination they believe yet.

 

[kenrapoza]

Sometimes people get the wrong idea about Word of Faith People. They believe that we are all just about being healthy and wealthy. Nothing can further from the truth. Prosperity is really experiencing success in every area of life. We care about you being prospers in soul, spirit, mind, and relationships as well.

Before anyway comes in here and say that we are people who come up with false doctrines, read these scriptures before you come to that conclusion.

Hi and welcome to Christian Forums! Thank you for your response as it is always good to have a balancing perspective. I will do my best to respond respectfully. I agree that Word of Faith people are not only concerned with money and health but also the prosperity in the other areas you brought up (sort of the "Full Gospel" approach).

However, I would contend that many Word of Faith preachers place an overemphasis on the health and wealth aspects. Many of God's most precious saints led poor lives according to the world's estimation. Their treasure was in the Lord. I believe God wants us to be spiritually prosperous in the sense that He wants us to know Him more and more. Sometimes other prosperity is a hindrance to that. Sometimes a difficult relationship teaches us holiness.

Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember the Lord Your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it today.

Ecclesiastes 5:19
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work- this is a gift of God.

Proverbs 10:4
Lazy hands make a man poor, but dilgent hands bring wealth

Yes, if God blesses us with wealth, it is His gift and we are to enjoy it. We are also to use it for His glory. That does not mean it is His plan for every Christian, God's spiritual riches are much greater, are available to all Christians, and are of eternal value. Our money will not come with us when we die.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will to come to ruin.

This verse gives us practical wisdom about controlling our speech. This is in reference to dealing with others, someone who is always shooting their mouth off will definitely cause trouble! This verse does not imply any metaphysical power in words.

Proverbs 18:20
From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Again, this is wisdom literature with practical lessons that Solomon learned from his eventful life. If positive and uplifting words characterize a person's speech, then it will have positive effects on their life. Not only in their relations with others but also in their own emotional and spiritual health.

Psalm 82:6
I said, You are "gods"
you are sons of the Most High

John 10:34-36
Jesus answered them, "Is is not written in your Law, I have said you are gods? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came- and the Scripture cannot be broken-what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blamsphemy because I said, "I am God's son?

When Psalm 82 is read in its entirety, it is specified that these are referring to unjust human judges. They were called "gods" because they were God's representatives on earth, administering justice. But if you look at the Psalm, it is clear that these judges failed to do so. So the term is used in irony - though they are called "gods" they will die like mere mortals they will "fall like all the other rulers." (Psalm 82:7) This Psalm is an attack on those judges, not a declaration of the divinity of humanity.

Jesus was referring to this Psalm in his quote from your reference to John's Gospel. He was being charged with blasphemy by the Jewish leaders and was responding with an argument from the lesser to the greater, which was a common form of rabbinic argument. The reason why the OT juedges could be called gods is because they were vehicles of the word of God. Therefore, granting that premise, Jesus deserves much more than they to be called God as he is the Word incarnate.

Psalm 103:2-3
Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all of your sins and heals all of your diseases

John 10:9-10
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He come in and go, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destory; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.

I'm with ya on this one brother!

 

[heavenlysongbird]

Im non deminational. we dont believe in deviding up the nation of christ. your either saved or not saved! at no point in time in the bible did i say a man was a baptist or catholic or whatever people choose to be. However being in a religion doesnt mean ur not saved. I just choose to focus more on what the bible tells me and work on my relationship with God. again being in a religon doesnt mean u cant also have a relationship with God. Its just who were are. we also belive in the gifts of the spirt and that it was designed for everyone. If these gifts are proof of the holy spirt and he lives in us then why wouldnt we too have these gifts? I have seen so many miracles in the church that i attened and also churches i have visited. Its amazing what happens in ur life when u total focus in tryin to bulid a relationship with your daddy in heaven!!

 

[Rick Otto]

There was a forum called "Unchurched/Home Church".

I suspect the few of us that don't attend any "brick & mortar" once a week were a bit too seditious for the believers in churchianity to tolerate, but I might just be a little paranoid.

First I discovered not all who claim to be Christian really are (duh!) Matt 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Then I discovered that those who claim to be non-denom have separated from physical authority hierarchies, but maintain significant "doctrinal distinctions" to establish tyhem as a defacto denom of their own.

The bottom line, the root cause of denominationalism is the nicolaitane deeds mentioned in Revelation. Nicolaitanes will tell you it's about a guy named Nick, mentioned in Acts, who was sexualy promiscuous with his congregation. But the word is Greek. Nico=overcomer/conqueror + laitane ="of the laity(people)".
Thus, a nicolaitane is someone who divides what is supposed to be a brotherhood, into "clegy" & "laity" with the clergy having the corner(authority) on truth.

That's how we got people bein' burned alive for translatin' The Bible into the common language (William Tyndale).

Re 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Re 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

 

[7angel]

I've always assumed "non-denominational" meant not affiliated with any true Protestant church (ie, Baptist, Presbyterian, Luthern, etc.).

But I'm seeing the term used to refer to a broader definition of "Christian" including the Catholic Church, Mormon Church, etc.

So what is the accurate definition of "non-denominational"?
If someone says they are "non-denominational" what can you assume about their beliefs? The stricter Protestant view, or a broader view?

(Please refrain from discussion of whether these other churches are cults are not. I'm sure lots can be said about that, but that's a whole other topic and I would like to stick to the topic of my question.)

I do not have religion, I am not Catholic, neither Adventist, neither evangelical, neither Protestant, neither sect any one, I am free for God's will.
It happened, one day I met with Jesus without setting oneself, enter rapturously and listen to his voice, he made me a proposal and accept it, I change my life, my thinking, my habits, and I learned from Jesus, things that they seem impossibility, I did not join no religious denomination why in this way, it insinuated to understand, I understand than the true believer, you do not can neither you should join no denomination, why we should consider than all man, your brother is, either good or bad, the true believer cannot discriminate neither to discriminate himself of anybody.

Greetings
​

Sorry bay the translation

 

[Markinator123]

Hi and welcome to Christian Forums! Thank you for your response as it is always good to have a balancing perspective. I will do my best to respond respectfully. I agree that Word of Faith people are not only concerned with money and health but also the prosperity in the other areas you brought up (sort of the "Full Gospel" approach).

However, I would contend that many Word of Faith preachers place an overemphasis on the health and wealth aspects. Many of God's most precious saints led poor lives according to the world's estimation. Their treasure was in the Lord. I believe God wants us to be spiritually prosperous in the sense that He wants us to know Him more and more. Sometimes other prosperity is a hindrance to that. Sometimes a difficult relationship teaches us holiness.



Yes, if God blesses us with wealth, it is His gift and we are to enjoy it. We are also to use it for His glory. That does not mean it is His plan for every Christian, God's spiritual riches are much greater, are available to all Christians, and are of eternal value. Our money will not come with us when we die.



This verse gives us practical wisdom about controlling our speech. This is in reference to dealing with others, someone who is always shooting their mouth off will definitely cause trouble! This verse does not imply any metaphysical power in words.



Again, this is wisdom literature with practical lessons that Solomon learned from his eventful life. If positive and uplifting words characterize a person's speech, then it will have positive effects on their life. Not only in their relations with others but also in their own emotional and spiritual health.



When Psalm 82 is read in its entirety, it is specified that these are referring to unjust human judges. They were called "gods" because they were God's representatives on earth, administering justice. But if you look at the Psalm, it is clear that these judges failed to do so. So the term is used in irony - though they are called "gods" they will die like mere mortals they will "fall like all the other rulers." (Psalm 82:7) This Psalm is an attack on those judges, not a declaration of the divinity of humanity.

Jesus was referring to this Psalm in his quote from your reference to John's Gospel. He was being charged with blasphemy by the Jewish leaders and was responding with an argument from the lesser to the greater, which was a common form of rabbinic argument. The reason why the OT juedges could be called gods is because they were vehicles of the word of God. Therefore, granting that premise, Jesus deserves much more than they to be called God as he is the Word incarnate.



I'm with ya on this one brother!

Yes, I agree that we do need to be spiritually prosperous but that is not the only thing the father is concerned about. The Bible says seek first his righteousness and all of these things shall be given unto you. It never said seek only his righteousness.

You also need to recongize that Abraham,Issac, David, Solomon, Job and others were not poor. Jesus was NOT POOR! Yes, that is right I said it. In fact he did have a home, designer clothes, and money.

John 1: 35-39
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi: (which means Teacher), "where are you staying? Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

It looks as though the house was big enough to overnight guests. Ultimately, Jesus was living in his father's provision for him.

John 12:6
He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to whatt was put into it.

John 13:29
Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or give something to the poor.

These scriptures indicate that Jesus handled large sums of money. Why would anyone steal out of something that has nothing in it?

John 19:23-24
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fullfilled which said, "They divided by garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.

Why would Roman Guards fight over sloppy clothing? This indicates that Jesus was a very well groomed individual.

Now you just said that being wealthy isn't for all believers. Well, can you tell me why? I mean we have the power to get it so why? Can't answer? I'll tell you. Sure, not everybody is going to have millions of dollars but all I'm saying is that everybody can. It is usually based upon the person's motive, maturity, and knowledge. Without the proper motive, the level of maturity, and the knowledge, a christian would not be able to handle money properly.

I do believe in all of my heart that we as believers need to be out of debt. When you are in debt, you are slave to the world's system. We as believers are to control this world not it controlling us.

On another note, what you say about yourself can indeed have an effect on you. The thing is you have to believe what you say (you reap what you sow). The more you keep saying, the likely it will come to pass.

As for the authority we as believers are kings. God doesn't make poor kings. We were created to dominate. The Bible says that we are more than conquers not people just barely getting by.

Ultimately, it boils down to this. Who are you? Where is your heart? If you know who are and where your heart is then you can expect God's goodness to flow over in your life in every area.