What's a non-denominational?

[BNR32FAN]

I've never driven down the road and seen a "non-denominational" Church. But I've seen every other kind. Why?

Most nondenominational churches don’t list it in the name. I attend a nondenominational church which is called Filipino American Alliance Church. Nondenominational just means they don’t claim to be a church of any particular group of Christianity. Like Catholic, Lutheran, Pentecostal etc.

 

[Landon Caeli]

You can go to whichever church that have sound biblical doctrine.

But heads up a lot of the sacraments are basically void in a non-denominational Church. It’s a pretty bare bones approach.

What happens at a non-denominational gathering?

 

[paul1149]

There are two aspects to non-denominationalism that I'm aware of. The first is the overt ecclesial authority structure. A non-denom will be essentially autonomous, or may be a member of a family of churches. Hierarchy is kept to a minimum.

The second aspect is a turning away from an overemphasis on secondary doctrines that divide us unnecessarily. Instead, the focus in placed on the person and completed work of the Lord and on what He wants to do in the life of each individual and in the community. Often this perspective goes hand in hand with a more expressive, and perhaps more intense, form of corporate worship.

Can I go to a non-denominal Church? Even though I'm Catholic?

You would have to consult your elders on that, but from what I've read on it, as an RC you are allowed to attend other churches, but for reasons that escape me you are not allowed to participate in their Communion services even though no one is claiming that the elements used in those services present the physical Lord Jesus.

 

[salt-n-light]

I think I'm going to go to Harvest next weekend. Is that non-denominational?

https://www.harvest.org/crusades-and-events/2018-socal/event-details

Yup

 

[salt-n-light]

What happens at a non-denominational gathering?

Well I attend right now my parents church, which is Pentecostal. The only non denom I’ve attended is Hillsong. But their structure is 50% worship songs, 35% sermon and 15% prayers and announcements on what’s going on in the church and how people can participate.

 

[Landon Caeli]

Well I attend right now my parents church, which is Pentecostal. The only non denom I’ve attended is Hillsong. But their structure is 50% worship songs, 35% sermon and 15% prayers and announcements on what’s going on in the church and how people can participate.

Wow, Hillsong is a mighty big one.

 

[Hank77]

Yes, I've seen that. So that's the same thing then?

Frequently a Community Church has in attendance people from different denominational backgrounds, thus non-denominational. That is what the Community Church in my town looks like.

 

[Kenny'sID]

Pretty sure I've seen the occasional Atheist use it so they can post in more areas on CF. In affect they are non denominational, but...

 

[Albion]

Yes, I've seen that. So that's the same thing then?

Actually, that's not certain. While there is a good chance that it is, some denominational churches have taken to changing their names to "_______ Community Church" because there are a lot of people who feel that they don't want to be told what to believe or something else that they associate with denominational, affiliated, congregations.

As for the question about a Catholic worshipping in a non-denominational church, the Catholic Church would disapprove of it, just the same as if the non-denom was a denominational church.

 

[AnnaDeborah]

From the non-denom church's point of view, most will (and all should!) welcome anyone to attend a service. From your own point of view, you should ask your own priest if you are concerned about your own church's viewpoint. In my previous church, we did have one Catholic lady who attended regularly, but I have no idea if she did so with or without her priest's permission (she eventually left the Catholic church completely, so maybe she wasn't bothered about their views when she started coming).

 

[Albion]

What happens at a non-denominational gathering?

By and large, non-denominational churches are either Baptist for all intents and purposes, except not affiliated with any convention, or else they are Pentecostal. And those two families of faith are fairly similar anyway.

It is rare to find a non-denom that has a statement of beliefs that is very far removed from these two branches of Christianity, although they may have taken a stand on fewer issues. A lot can be learned by taking a peek at the church's website.

 

[Hank77]

As for the question about a Catholic worshipping in a non-denominational church, the Catholic Church would disapprove of it, just the same as if the non-denom was a denominational church.

Are you saying that one who is non-denominational would have a problem with someone from their church worshiping at a denominational church?

 

[salt-n-light]

Wow, Hillsong is a mighty big one.

View attachment 237681

lol cyeeaaahhhhh.....but that's probably a picture of their conference. A regular Hillsong church would be about 300-400 in attendance... but then they have 4-5 services on Sunday, so maybe 1200-2000 on a Sunday.

 

[Albion]

Are you saying that one who is non-denominational would have a problem with someone from their church worshiping at a denominational church?

No. I am saying that the RCC does not approve of its members worshipping in "non-Catholic" churches, regardless of whether they are denominational or non-denominational.

 

[Landon Caeli]

By and large, non-denominational churches are either Baptist for all intents and purposes, except not affiliated with any convention, or else they are Pentecostal. And those two families of faith are fairly similar anyway.

It is rare to find a non-denom that has a statement of beliefs that is very far removed from these two branches of Christianity, although they may have taken a stand on fewer issues. A lot can be learned by taking a peek at the church's website.

I like the Pentecostals. But the Baptists..? I don't know -I sense negative energy from them. I've taken a lot of shots from them in the past.

 

[Hank77]

No. I am saying that the RCC does not approve of its members worshipping in "non-Catholic" churches, regardless of whether they are denominational or non-denominational.

Thanks, I agree with you.

 

[dreadnought]

I've never driven down the road and seen a "non-denominational" Church. But I've seen every other kind. Why?

I think non-denomination churches give themselves names other than "Nondenominational Church."

 

[2tim_215]

Some of the major denominations
Baptists - believe in water baptism as they're major tenet
Pentecostal - associate with Pentecost, when the Christian church was formed in Acts 2. believe in baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing
Methodists - a Christian Protestant denomination originating in the 18th-century evangelistic movement of Charles and John Wesley and George Whitefield.
Lutheran - a denomination built off of Martin Luther

 

[AnnaDeborah]

I like the Pentecostals. But the Baptists..? I don't know -I sense negative energy from them. I've taken a lot of shots from them in the past.

Don't think you'd find much negative energy at the Baptist church I go to. And we've yet to take a shot at anyone

 

[2tim_215]

It really doesn't mean much by a name. What's important it what they're teaching. Are they teaching God's word? That's what most important. You can always call a church before you attend and talk to the Pastor to get an idea of their philosophy, approach before attending or even check their website first (most have websites). It's always good to do your homework before making a commitment.