Does a Christian "need" a denomination?

[servingthesaviour]

My question is: Does a Christian "need" a denomination?
I ask this because I used to be a catholic, then I wanted to be a Lutheran and at the moment I'm being bullied to be catholic again (it's a bit complicated).
That's why I thought, what about if I'm just a christian, neither catholic nor lutheran, just a plain follower of Christ.
What do you think?

 

[toolite]

My question is: Does a Christian "need" a denomination?
I ask this because I used to be a catholic, then I wanted to be a Lutheran and at the moment I'm being bullied to be catholic again (it's a bit complicated).
That's why I thought, what about if I'm just a christian, neither catholic nor lutheran, just a plain follower of Christ.
What do you think?

I thank God that He first allowed me to be a part of different denominations but, now I just follow God - instead of trying to fit in a category because when you pick one you may limit yourself. I believe each denomination has a good piece but, Loving God and having a relationship with the Lord is the best piece. I am spiritual.

All The Glory Belongs To God Forever!

 

[RevRo]

My question is: Does a Christian "need" a denomination?
I ask this because I used to be a catholic, then I wanted to be a Lutheran and at the moment I'm being bullied to be catholic again (it's a bit complicated).
That's why I thought, what about if I'm just a christian, neither catholic nor lutheran, just a plain follower of Christ.
What do you think?

All you need is to be His follower. Christ must be broken hearted over 'denominations'.

 

[Barefooter]

There won't be any denominations in heaven. When asked by others, I tell them I am a christian, Christ one, one of Christs. If we are truly saved, we are all brothers and sisters, not baptists, lutherans, etc.

 

[theseagullwithoneleg]

it makes arguements on these boards more interesting if you do have one.

Jesus just said "come follow me"

 

[Haldog]

Religion (denominations) is mans attempt to get right with God. Jesus made us right with God at the cross. No religion needed, just fellowship.

 

[Svt4Him]

Yes, 1 Vince 3:16 says if thou doesneth go to a denomination, thoueth are damethed.

Sometimes it's best to simply see what the Bible says.

 

[RevRo]

Yes, 1 Vince 3:16 says if thou doesneth go to a denomination, thoueth are damethed.

Sometimes it's best to simply see what the Bible says.

HUH?

 

[zuc704]

After experiencing a few denominations and a few churches, I'm finding that no one view of doctrine, the bible, faith, etc. is quite like mine. Personally I piece together the ideas from a few different denominations, and what I read both from the bible and from Christian authors who provide some insight.

It is important to find fellowship with a church community though, even if you don't agree with everything they think. We're all followers of Christ, and we need to stick together

 

[tackattack]

Rev it was sarcasm I believe. I love being part of a non-denominational Church. The level of acceptance is great (Well not right now, but usually)

 

[jonny2step]

I agree with many of the comments above.
As the assistant to the pastor of a non-denom church, here are what I see as drawbacks:
Lack of any historical tradition.
Often a lack of accountability. When there is a governing body or synod in place, there is a carpet for one to be called upon if necessary.

 

[RevRo]

I agree with many of the comments above.
As the assistant to the pastor of a non-denom church, here are what I see as drawbacks:
Lack of any historical tradition.
Often a lack of accountability. When there is a governing body or synod in place, there is a carpet for one to be called upon if necessary.

I reported a pastor to the headquarters of a certain denomination as he was constantly viiting me in my home and made a 'pass' at me even though he and I were both married to others. The headquarters did not believe me.
In another church (same denomination) the pastor called me 'on the capet' and said "I have heard that you are saying things about the Bible that concern me" I replied "How do you know I said them?" He said "Good point" and excused me. Now that same pastor had caled me in his office when he first was appointed and asked me to pull up my skirt to see how high my legs went and I refused. His comment was; "I heard you were a harlot but I can see it isn't true". I should have immediately left that church but let my fear over-rule my common sense. And in case anyone thinks I am not being Godly honest, let them take it to God because I have put it behind me and will never belong to a denomination again.

 

[jonny2step]

I reported a pastor to the headquarters of a certain denomination as he was constantly viiting me in my home and made a 'pass' at me even though he and I were both married to others. The headquarters did not believe me.
In another church (same denomination) the pastor called me 'on the capet' and said "I have heard that you are saying things about the Bible that concern me" I replied "How do you know I said them?" He said "Good point" and excused me. Now that same pastor had caled me in his office when he first was appointed and asked me to pull up my skirt to see how high my legs went and I refused. His comment was; "I heard you were a harlot but I can see it isn't true". I should have immediately left that church but let my fear over-rule my common sense. And in case anyone thinks I am not being Godly honest, let them take it to God because I have put it behind me and will never belong to a denomination again.

wow. that is seriously, seriously awful.
pastor or not, i would have something to say about someone talking to my wife like that.
i wish you'd name names...

 

[RevRo]

wow. that is seriously, seriously awful.
pastor or not, i would have something to say about someone talking to my wife like that.
i wish you'd name names...

When I left that particular denomination and joned another, I found myself standing next to the pastor as he said "Let us hold hands and pray" as I held his hand he 'scratched my palm" and I left that denomination that day. will P.M. you with the names.

 

[Barefooter]

I agree it is important to go somewhere. We HAVE to have christian fellowship. My brother, who is a christian, goes nowhere and it shows in his life. But I don't agree with "go to the church of your choice" I would rather go where I feel God would have me go.

 

[jonny2step]

I agree it is important to go somewhere. We HAVE to have christian fellowship. My brother, who is a christian, goes nowhere and it shows in his life. But I don't agree with "go to the church of your choice" I would rather go where I feel God would have me go.

i don't think that she meant that she wouldn't go anywhere to worship with folks...just that she was pretty soured on a couple of established denominations.
I agree...it's important to have folks around you...to disciple each other and try to "do life" together. I tried it on my own. It's a pretty lonely place to be.

 

[sk8Joyful]

Does a Christian "need" a denomination?

I ask this because I'm just a christian,
neither catholic nor lutheran, just a plain follower of Christ.
What do you think?

Right, and remember
God doesn't need/have a 'denomination/religion'. He's lives simply TRUE to His Nature
and
God as Christ said: "Come follow... me". Nor will there be denominations in Eternity.

 

[RevRo]

i don't think that she meant that she wouldn't go anywhere to worship with folks...just that she was pretty soured on a couple of established denominations.
I agree...it's important to have folks around you...to disciple each other and try to "do life" together. I tried it on my own. It's a pretty lonely place to be.

Thank you, Jonny

My solution was to become ordained and found a Interdenominational church that I pastored for 5 years until 5 men got together and visited my whole congregaton and 'proved' to them that I was out of order as no woman could be a pastor, according to their intreptation of the Bible. That left me with one sheep who just wasn't sure. That was regardless of the fact that souls were being saved, healed and delivered through the Holy Spirit of the living God. I legally dissolved that church and years later later founded a fellowshiip that I pastored for 11+ years and still have contact with one of the sheep and his wife.

When I need personal fellowship, all I have to do is go across the hall, as a brother in Christ lives there and we enjoy joining together in the name of Christ. In fact, he has invited me to have supper with him tonight as he bought porter house steaks for this meal, as my daughter told him they were my favorite. I am 73 years old and have retired from full time ministry but allow God to use me any time and any place He so desires.

 

[servingthesaviour]

Thank you all for your replies.
I didn't mean I wouldn't go to church, what I meant was, if I needed to be called "catholic" or "lutheran" or what ever in order to be a Christian.
Part of my being fed up with different denominations is due to family matters (my parents in law don't want me to be lutheran whereas my parents really incourage me). Plus I don't agree with a lot of stuff in the catholic church so I don't see the point being a member.

 

[DreamOutLoud]

Sometimes when you don't have a denomination it could be pretty annoying (just my experiences), but it's better than lodge in a church you disagree with.
And I think Christian is just Christian, we all believe in the same basics.

John 17
20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

In a denomination or not we have to follow this sentence.