why nondenominational?

[HaveHope]

Hi,

I'm just curious to hear some reasons why you all have chosen to be nondenominational. What are your thoughts on the various denominations? I am just trying to figure some stuff out as far as what church to go to and where Christ wants me, and it might help to get some perspective from Christians with more experience, if you don't mind sharing. Thanks!

 

[patience7]

Hi,

I'm just curious to hear some reasons why you all have chosen to be nondenominational. What are your thoughts on the various denominations? I am just trying to figure some stuff out as far as what church to go to and where Christ wants me, and it might help to get some perspective from Christians with more experience, if you don't mind sharing. Thanks!

My reasoning - At first I thought of non denominational as not being a denomination. I based it on the verse in 1 Corinthians 1:10 "that there be no divisions among you" but I guess it is a denomination in its own right.
There are bits and pieces that I believe from each denomination so I just considered myself a non-denominational, not adhering specifically to any other denomination.

 

[TruthSeeker2012]

God has One Church, One Body and One Bride. And Jesus' last prayer was for us to be united as one as He and the Father are One.

Yet evil men come along and create man made denominations and try to seperate the One Body of Christ into 10,000+ different denominations.

That's why I am a non-denominational Christian. I am a member of God's One and only Church, and refuse to become a member of man made denomination who have separated Christians and who have betrayed Jesus' past wishes and prayers.

 

[Jerushabelle]

Revelations from the Holy Spirit.

 

[miamited]

Hi Hh,

Yes, I believe that the first believers were non-denominational. They were all just called christians in Antioch.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Nanopants]

I've never encountered a single church which I can completely agree with in doctrine.

 

[HaveHope]

Thanks for the replies. I agree with a lot of what you wrote.

 

[Esdra]

Hi

does this mean then that all of you (the ones who wrote answers here) don't attend any church or community on Sundays?

I have always thought that non-denominatinal Churches are certain Churches which don't feel affiliated with any known denomination, but that they are Churches nevertheless where people can have community with each other and praise Him on Sundays and here His word.

Did I get something wrong here?

Wikipedia writes that the following Churches are "non-denominational":

The following organizations and institutions label themselves as non-denominational:

• Bread of Life Ministries International - non-denominational megachurch in Manila, Philippines, the church's mission and vision that love for God and sharing the Gospel are strongly linked to one's love of country, to be not only contented on spiritual needs and Heaven's promise, but also to be competitive, excellent and to be nationalistic as a nation.
• Brunstad Christian Church – The church claims to differ from other non-denominational groups through its belief that Jesus was tempted to sin just like every human being.
• Calvary Chapel — mildly charismatic, originating in California
• Christ's Commission Fellowship - non-denominational megachurch in the Philippines, they focus to be Christ Committed Followers.
• Christian Congregation in the United States - self-declared non-denominational, non-sectarian.
• Churches of Christ in Christian Union — focuses on free-form worship and evangelism
• Churches of Christ — associated with the Restoration Movement; known for sola scriptura, a cappella worship, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
• Crossroads Christian Church
• Cornerstone Fellowship — A non-denominational church in Livermore, California.
• Evangelical Christian Church in Canada (Christian Disciples)
• Family Stations, Inc. Identifies as a non-denominational, Christian radio ministry. Reformed, conservative, Calvinistic
• Gordon College (Massachusetts) — started by a Baptist church and once part of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ - also associated with the Restoration Movement like the Churches of Christ above. It is similar in all respects except for the use of instruments in worship as opposed to a cappella.
• Independent Fundamental Churches of America — association of conservative, independent churches
• Local churches — The local churches (Chinese: 地方教&#26371 are a Chinese Christian movement influenced by the teachings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee and associated with the Living Stream Ministry publishing house. Its members see themselves as separate from other Christian groups, denominations, and movements, part of what they sometimes call "the Lord's recovery"
• Newfrontiers — charismatic, of United Kingdom origin
• Open Bible Standard Churches — Pentecostal
• Open Brethren — non-charismatic, of UK origin
• Plymouth Brethren
• Sovereign Grace Ministries — identifies itself as "Reformed Charismatic"
• Victory Christian Fellowship - megachurch in the Philippines under Every Nation Ministries.
• Vineyard Movement — evangelical/charismatic
• World Changers Church International - originating in College Park, Georgia

While in general these groups will not have formal legal ties between individual congregations and consider themselves non-denominational, outsiders often describe them as denominations in and of themselves due to their close associations, equivalent doctrine, similar worship practices, and the ease of using one name to cover a larger group of churches.

in Christ,
a rather confused,
Esdra

 

[jehoiakim]

I think the local church needs to make more decision for themselves instead of being paralyzed by a bureaucracy. Often I feel churches are not allowed, permitted or encouraged to make necessary changes to effectively communicate the gospel. Formulas and systems are readily handed down and the church looses it's organic-ness and personality.

There are quite a few nutty churches out there sadly with the non-denominational label and that bothers me, but hey what can you do about it, comes with the territory.

 

[Boidae]

Well, my wife and I are non-denominational and our church doesn't fit into the list that is posted.

It's a church that several members of another church started because they felt as though the church (also non-denominational) that they were attending wasn't heading down a good path. The leaders of this church didn't want to hear what these people were saying and so ignored them.

It's focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus. Serving the community locally and abroad. It's the first and only church where I can honestly say that I feel fed spiritually that I have been in.

 

[Johnny Todd]

I've never encountered a single church which I can completely agree with in doctrine.

Me too!

 

[Esdra]

Well, my wife and I are non-denominational and our church doesn't fit into the list that is posted.

It's a church that several members of another church started because they felt as though the church (also non-denominational) that they were attending wasn't heading down a good path. The leaders of this church didn't want to hear what these people were saying and so ignored them.

It's focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus. Serving the community locally and abroad. It's the first and only church where I can honestly say that I feel fed spiritually that I have been in.

Yes, I can see that. This list is only an example list. And lists some more known non-denominational Churches.

But then you ARE part of a particular Church, aren't you?
And this is a certain non-denominational Church which is a denomination.

Mhm, I think I don't quite get the concept of non-denominational Churches! You are part of no denomination, but you are nevertheless??

I used this term differently, btw, see above.

 

[Boidae]

Yes, I can see that. This list is only an example list. And lists some more known non-denominational Churches.

But then you ARE part of a particular Church, aren't you?
And this is a certain non-denominational Church which is a denomination.

Mhm, I think I don't quite get the concept of non-denominational Churches! You are part of no denomination, but you are nevertheless??

I used this term differently, btw, see above.

Non-denominational means exactly that, it doesn't have a denomination that it subscribes to. the church leaders do what they feel led to do by God, not doctrines of man.

 

[Esdra]

Non-denominational means exactly that, it doesn't have a denomination that it subscribes to. the church leaders do what they feel led to do by God, not doctrines of man.

But they persue a certain theology, don't they?

And as far as I have got to know that, that is sola scriptura, sola gratia, sole fide, solus iesus, right?

They believe that you have to enthrust your life to Jesus and become reborn to be safed, right?

They (usually) see only Believer's Baptism as valid.

They have modern worship music in their Churches.

So, they have their theology. See my point?

And now: What's the difference to any other "Reborn Church" (Like Pentecostals or Baptists)?

 

[Boidae]

Put they persue a certain theology, don't they?

And as far as I have got to know that, that is sola scriptura, sola gratia, sole fide, solus iesus, right?

They believe that you have to enthrust your life to Jesus and bekome reborn to be safed, right?

They (usually) see only Believer's Baptism as valid.

They have modern worship music in their Churches.

So, they have their theology. See my point?

And now: What's the difference to any other "Reborn Church" (Like Pentecostals or Baptists)?

Here is the link if you would like to see what they are all about:

TBA Church

 

[kiko90]

i choose to be non denominational because i dont like to be told how i am supposed to worship the Lord or things like that. if you feel like dancing to God's music but the church sais no, then theres something totally wrong there.

another reason is because the fact that they say "this religion is what people need. this is how you will find salvation.", when in reality its not a "religion" that we need. What we need is a pact and understanding of how He wants us to do things.

 

[Esdra]

Here is the link if you would like to see what they are all about:

TBA Church

Hi

sounds nice - and actually not even that different from the Church I am attending.
(I think it is missleading to write that I am a Baptist, as our Church doesn't call itself Baptist, but so far, I've always thought that they are some kind of a Baptist Church...)

In my Church you are free to either dance or clap your hands during worship, or to sit or to knee, whatever you want. (Contemporary music is also used.)
There's also a Children's programm each Sunday. etc. Actually nearly the same as what I have read just right now on the Homepage of the TBA Church.

 

[Faith.Man]

Hi,

I'm just curious to hear some reasons why you all have chosen to be nondenominational. What are your thoughts on the various denominations? I am just trying to figure some stuff out as far as what church to go to and where Christ wants me, and it might help to get some perspective from Christians with more experience, if you don't mind sharing. Thanks!

I was raised Roman Catholic but left somewhere around age 20 for reasons I won't go into here. From 20 to 32 I didn't have any faith to speak of, but I did study world religions in a general historical sense while in college. Later, a series of events occurred that brought me to Jesus. God led me to belief in the bible, not a belief in any one denomination.

 

[elenore]

when you join a church (sign the papers etc) - you commit idolatry really, because you've placed people in spiritual authority over you that only God has the right to hold.
(took me years to realise that)

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

The word rabbi means spiritual teacher. But it's in the sense of between you and God.

Between is the operative word.

If you look at the following scriptures and check the words in a lexicon you get the picture. The translation muddies the full meaning of it.

If you ever place a person, or group, between you and God - you have just commited idolatry.

 

[Boidae]

when you join a church (sign the papers etc) - you commit idolatry really, because you've placed people in spiritual authority over you that only God has the right to hold.
(took me years to realise that)

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

The word rabbi means spiritual teacher. But it's in the sense of between you and God.

Between is the operative word.

If you look at the following scriptures and check the words in a lexicon you get the picture. The translation muddies the full meaning of it.

If you ever place a person, or group, between you and God - you have just commited idolatry.

Now that's a first. Never heard the above before. Just joining a church is idolatry.

Unless I have mistaken what you have said?

Hmm... what were those 7 lamp stands for again?