Are Non-Denominational Churches Just Baptist Churches by Another Name?

[Cary.Melvin]

What is the difference between Non-Denominational Churches and Baptist Churches?

They seem very similar to me.

Why are you not a Baptist?

Thanks,

 

[Kelly]

Not ours, the gifts (prophecy, tongues, etc) are occassionally displayed in service.

 

[HeyHomie]

What makes a congregation non-denominational is its lack of adherence to written creeds and its lack of accountability to a heirarchy someplace. The beliefs and practices of one non-denominational congregation may be very similar to those of a Baptist congregation; then again, they may not. Each congregation varies in its beliefs and practices.

 

[appleofhiseye]

Yeah, the baptists in my area do not consider tongues appropiate in their meetings. to put as PC as possible.

 

[pretty2in2pink9]

My nondenom church is very similar to the baptist church. We do not speak in tongues at my church, but I know many that do.

 

[Brother Jason]

Fox
The green smiley is from my 4 year old and he wanted me to write fox by it. Anyway, that's the best way to keep him off of my back.
I used to go to an Apostolic church that held the oneness doctrine and they were non denominational. Point being, non denominational churches come in all flavors, not just Baptist.

 

[Bulldog]

Some are, some aren't.

 

[dalej42]

My non-demoninational church is about as far away from a Baptist church as can be. Not only in theology, but worship style as well.

I've always thought that non-denominational churches didn't belong to a certain demonination, but still have some structure which is similar to denominational churches.

Also, some churches are non-denom because they have left a particular denomination.

 

[Dondi]

I have been to a Charismatic Baptist church, where the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, was taught. That church's history was unusual in that it used ti be a regular independant Baptist church until the pastor go healed at some healing service apart from the church. Then he started teaching on the gifts of the Spirit, which ended up causing more than half the members of the church to leave, as they were strict Baptist fundamentalists who don't believed that the gifts are for today.

Long story short, this Charismatic Baptist church ended up with twice as many members as when it was fundamental.

I think the major reason for calling a church "non-denominational" is to emphasize acceptance of anyone regardless of previous denominational affiliation. Everyone is made welcome to worship.

That is not to say that everyone is not welcome in a Baptist church, but there will be certain teaching traditional to the Baptist church taught, whereas in a non-denom, there is a bit more freedom.

One example in the Baptist church I attended (not the Charasmatic one), is that in order for someone to join the church, they have to have been baptized in a Baptist church or agree to get baptized there. Also, most fundamental, independent Baptist churches hold to the KJV version of the bible.

 

[Selznak]

Non-denominationalism is a misnomer. It's simply single church denominationalism, regardless of whatever theological doctrines are adhered to.

 

[SoulFly51]

Non-denominationalism is a misnomer. It's simply single church denominationalism, regardless of whatever theological doctrines are adhered to.

Interesting way to put it.

 

[prophecystudent]

There are many denominations out there. Catholic, Baptist, Assemblies of God, etc, etc etc. All that means is that a group of congregations got together and developed an organizational structure with the associated hierarchy, rules, etc.

The denomination sets the rules of conduct for its members, and determines the church doctrines.

Non-denominational churches do not belong to one of the established denominations with all the attendant rules, regulations, restrictions, etc.

Baptist is just one of many denominations. Believe it or not, there are charismatic Baptists, charismatic Catholics, Charismatic Jews etc.

Sometimes when a congregation heads into the charismatic direction the denomination leaders will pose a choice. Either return to the denomination doctrine or withdraw from the denomination. Sometimes the leadership accepts the charismatic worship.

In the truest sense, non-denominational churches are simply congregations that do not belong to some hierarchy or larger organization. Has nothing to do with Baptists, Catholics, etc.

Fred

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

Many Baptist churches don't believe in speaking in tongues and in the holy spirit not all of them just some. Just depend where the church is. I use to attend AWANA at a baptist church and just the two are very very alike. AWANA (ALL APPORVED WORKMEN ARE NOT ASHAMED) and from the meeting on sunday (I didn't go to the church just attended the kids thing) I saw that they believe in God and all

 

[JVD]

Non-denominationalism is a misnomer. It's simply single church denominationalism, regardless of whatever theological doctrines are adhered to.

??Huh??

Totally disagree. A denomination is an organized group of churches. If a church is not a member of any organized group of churches it is non-denominational.

A non-denominational church can be practically any flavor. Some can be on the borders of christianity in their doctrine, others are very mainstream. Some are charismatic, others aren't. Some are liturgical but most are not.

If you are concerned about a churches doctrine, ask to see a doctrinal statement. If they don't have one, that tells you something as well.

There are some churches that meet in homes that say their doctrinal statement is the bible itself. That is very fine until you realize that they really do have a specific definition of salvation that says if you aren't introduced to Christ through their church, you aren't saved.

So...all that is to say, NO they aren't just a Baptist chruch in disguise

 

[RMathison]

Non denominationals,

don't necessarily

believe: Once Saved Always Saved.

which -to my understanding- , is what a certain denomination does believe.

 

[patio87]

What do you guys mean tounges??? Babtists speak in tounges??

 

[SteelDisciple]

What is the difference between Non-Denominational Churches and Baptist Churches?

They seem very similar to me.

Why are you not a Baptist?

Thanks,

The difference? We don't follow mind-numbing rituals that pull people away from the relationship of God. Some have lively rock music (like mine) They concentrate more on inter and outer community.

Never been to a baptist church I liked...they all felt so dead. But there are some that find Christ throught hem...so hey...no complaints.