I feel that non-denominational churches are the "true" Christian churches...

[Bo3]

When I go and look at all these Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc. churches, I've never, ever gotten the true "spiritual", "godly" feeling that I get when I go to the first, and only, true non-denom church I've ever been to. Also- I've never been prophecied to before by people with the gift of prophecy at any other church except this one (4 people in relation to this church known for prophecy all prophecied to me). My inner gut is REALLY telling me that denominations are somewhat wrong and the TRUE spirit really lingers in non-denom churches.

Every Christian I've met that has that pure ego-less, selfless, pure loving attitude and heart is all about non-denominational churches.

I'm not judging people guys, I'm just stating my observations. When I go to these non-denominational churches, the people there are NOT "bad" people by any means... but most of the Christians (if not all) that I have met that are truly pure in heart and REALLY dedicated to the gospel (from what I see) are non-denom. At all the other churches, I often meet people many people with lots of hang-ups in life, probably pride-related... whatever it is, they do not appear to really be giving it ALL up to God, because when you do, you are filled with the life-giving spirt that is such a beautiful thing to witness (which I crave more than anything).

What do you guys think? What is your opinion or experience on this (all pride/ego aside)?

 

[Gnarwhal]

When I go and look at all these Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc. churches, I've never, ever gotten the true "spiritual", "godly" feeling that I get when I go to the first, and only, true non-denom church I've ever been to. Also- I've never been prophecied to before by people with the gift of prophecy at any other church except this one (4 people in relation to this church known for prophecy all prophecied to me). My inner gut is REALLY telling me that denominations are somewhat wrong and the TRUE spirit really lingers in non-denom churches.

Every Christian I've met that has that pure ego-less, selfless, pure loving attitude and heart is all about non-denominational churches.

I'm not judging people guys, I'm just stating my observations. When I go to these non-denominational churches, the people there are NOT "bad" people by any means... but most of the Christians (if not all) that I have met that are truly pure in heart and REALLY dedicated to the gospel (from what I see) are non-denom. At all the other churches, I often meet people many people with lots of hang-ups in life, probably pride-related... whatever it is, they do not appear to really be giving it ALL up to God, because when you do, you are filled with the life-giving spirt that is such a beautiful thing to witness (which I crave more than anything).

What do you guys think? What is your opinion or experience on this (all pride/ego aside)?

My experience is quite the opposite. I grew up in (and technically still attend) a Christian & Missionary Alliance church which is Evangelical in nature. My family's gone there since its inception in the 60's and only in recent years has it turned more charismatic than the rest of its history. I have to say, I've never encountered so much ignorance, arrogance and simply bad theology than what I've seen in some of the people that have approached me at different times for different reasons. They're all excellent people, that was never in question, but there are so many loose ends theologically that non-denominational, evangelical or "low church" Protestant denominations, etc tend to border on anarchy at times.

I haven't been to a Catholic Mass or Anglican service and I've yet to attend the Divine Liturgy at an Eastern Orthodox Church but I have attended the Great Vespers service and found it phenomenally compelling. The people were all very warm and welcoming, the deacons all introduced themselves to me and the priest was extraordinarily hospitable. Afterwards myself, the priest and an elder sat out behind the mission (there isn't a full-fledged Orthodox Church in my town yet) and discussed Orthodoxy--it was quite a profound experience and that wasn't even the main event!

I think some people will find the more informal nature of evangelical and non-denominational churches more appealing and comfortable, especially as either a place to bring friends who have a lot of preconceived notions about Christianity (although I think the Divine Liturgy at an Orthodox Church would pleasantly surprise them) or for themselves if they're relatively new to the faith.

For me, after 20+ years, the "low-churchiness" of non-denominational and evangelical churches became cheap, tawdry and kitschy and I longed for something more transcendent. I'm not a part of the Orthodox Church yet, but I hope to join some day in the near future. I presently work Sundays so church of any kind isn't in the cards right now, although my mission apparently has a Divine Liturgy on Wednesdays, which I look forward to attending after the semester ends. Even if I could go back to my old church, or another (I've been to a few truly ND churches in town too), I don't think I would except to support my wife since her interest in Orthodoxy is just starting to sprout and she's still pretty content at our CMA church.

That's all my experience.

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[jakael02]

Truth is not based upon a persons limited experiences in one geographical area and the few Christians you interacted with in that area. Truth is based upon the Church Jesus Christ established and discovering that Church.

Each denomination (including non-denomination denominations) have good and bad folks. Kindly - James

 

[Willie T]

James, you echoed my thinking on this, exactly.

 

[seekingsister]

It's great that you found the right church for you.

I grew up in a non-denominational church and the first time I felt the Holy Spirit was at an Anglican service. I have yet to find a non-denominational church that captures the mystery and wonder of God in the way that liturgical churches do.

Just my experience, of course.

 

[Gnarwhal]

It's great that you found the right church for you.

I grew up in a non-denominational church and the first time I felt the Holy Spirit was at an Anglican service. I have yet to find a non-denominational church that captures the mystery and wonder of God in the way that liturgical churches do.

Just my experience, of course.

I know what you mean.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[Yahu]

When I go and look at all these Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc. churches, I've never, ever gotten the true "spiritual", "godly" feeling that I get when I go to the first, and only, true non-denom church I've ever been to. Also- I've never been prophecied to before by people with the gift of prophecy at any other church except this one (4 people in relation to this church known for prophecy all prophecied to me). My inner gut is REALLY telling me that denominations are somewhat wrong and the TRUE spirit really lingers in non-denom churches.

What do you guys think? What is your opinion or experience on this (all pride/ego aside)?

First off, I am non-denominational but there can be a broad spectrum of non-denominational churches.

Now there is no 'true' church. 'The church' is the body of believers. It has nothing what so ever to do with a correct denomination. I have known committed Christians that were Catholic or Baptist or ....

Even within non-denomination congregations you have the major difference of WoF verses non-WoF. There are also many charismatic churches that are all about the feeling and lack any serious teaching.

 

[abysmul]

Truth is not based upon a persons limited experiences in one geographical area and the few Christians you interacted with in that area. Truth is based upon the Church Jesus Christ established and discovering that Church.

Each denomination (including non-denomination denominations) have good and bad folks. Kindly - James

Really well said.

 

[theweirdn8]

The true church is the one that Christ Jesus is coming back for, those people God predestined long ago to be saved. Don't worry about titles, but seek to bring forth unity with your brothers and sisters.

 

[motherprayer]

I left a non-denominational church that had EXCELLENT Sunday service but absolutely no help for those (like myself at the time) who needed spiritual help and guidance. I now attend a Baptist church where Sunday services are great in other ways, and they are truly there for me and my family.

It isn't about the name on the sign, but the richness in spirit of those inside. That goes for ANY church, denominational or otherwise.

 

[krugerpark]

yep the true church is avoiding 'church' in favor of reality

 

[motherprayer]

yep the true church is avoiding 'church' in favor of reality

I disagree. The true church rests within the hearts of believers in Christ, but we have been given an admonishment to fellowship together. I always ask, how does one who doesn't go to church follow Hebrews 10:25?

 

[abysmul]

I disagree. The true church rests within the hearts of believers in Christ, but we have been given an admonishment to fellowship together. I always ask, how does one who doesn't go to church follow Hebrews 10:25?

I assemble at random times throughout the week with friends and coworkers and family who are Christians. Sometimes it's in the parking lot after work for a bit discussing scripture, sometimes it's with a couple friends before a movie where we may pray together and lend support to one another... etc. etc.

I for one, reading Hebrews 10: 19-25, in no way take that as some sort of commandant to gather in a "church" on Sunday with a printed program and follow a scripted "worship service" almost timed to end exactly with enough time for everyone to beat the Methodists to the best restaurants for lunch. (Yes, please take some of that with the good humor it was intended in).

 

[mjere]

I disagree. The true church rests within the hearts of believers in Christ, but we have been given an admonishment to fellowship together. I always ask, how does one who doesn't go to church follow Hebrews 10:25?

Couldn't Agree More.

The word church has taken on such a religious connotation, that I don't believe many people can get beyond their learned definition, to the spiritual definition God has called us to.

 

[krugerpark]

go to church if you want to get mixed up in drama, lukewarm teachings, and it you put culture over God... that's what the churches in the West do. We need persecution to test the faith.

 

[motherprayer]

go to church if you want to get mixed up in drama, lukewarm teachings, and it you put culture over God... that's what the churches in the West do. We need persecution to test the faith.

I am sorry you have had that experience. My church is not anything like that. Many churches are not anything like that.

 

[Forge3]

I go to my Church for fellowship. I am Catholic as you see. The fellowship there is true. But I do not deny that in another denomination this may be true.

 

[krugerpark]

I am sorry you have had that experience. My church is not anything like that. Many churches are not anything like that.

Maybe not, most are though, the point I'm getting at is that God is no longer really working in actual churches here in the West, for years we have heard prophecies about this and how the next movement will be of people that don't even go to church.

And as a devout Christian finding there are ok churches out there, but the same old recipe isn't cutting it, we've had too much of the gospel and we have too much money. There is no revival like there was decades ago. Pastors no longer influence politicians, and rarely call out to pray over the government or crisis facing the nation. There is no PURPOSE in modern day churches in this part of the world.

We are gravitating back to where it all began, which is home groups and other means of fellowship outside the church... and once persecution starts, most of the survivors will be from this section, and they will be the leaders.

 

[manitouscott]

@James- +1 my thoughts exactly

Kruger I am sorry you have had that experience with church. It is not an experience I share with you, fortunately. For any minor faults I may choose to find in my congregation, there are many positive and impactful ministries on both local and international levels in action. Thank God.

 

[krugerpark]

every congregation has faults and you missed the point of my post. I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm stating fact about the Western churches. No one remembers what it used to be like so they have no comparison to make. From a spiritual perspective, when was the last time you saw a limb grow back? someone raised from the dead? These signs follow Jesus disciples

as fine and positive and great as everything else they do is, they are not demonstrating the signs the bible says follows true believers

The movement is moving outside of church, not into it

if I haven't heard of a church anywhere in this country moving, it isn't moving. They are not on the march, none of them.