I identify as ''Christian'' does that make me a non-denominational Christian?

[by right paths]

Hello, I identify as ''Christian'' is that enough to be ''non-denominational'' ? or is there specific beliefs that makes someone a non-denominational Christian ?

 

[Sketcher]

Non-denominational means not affiliated with a particular denomination. Denominations tend to have policies and extra teachings outside of Scripture that can interfere with the Spirit's work. Scripture and the instructions therein are to be held in high regard as opposed to what one would find convenient, however. Teachings and stories outside of Scripture tend to be frowned upon, and rightly so.

 

[Wunderlust]

That's true. All non-denominational Christians agree on everything - nothing is believed or done anything outside of scripture. No individuals or churches adopt certain beliefs or practices common in other denominations.

 

[by right paths]

What would be some of the common beliefs ?

 

[mark kennedy]

Hello, I identify as ''Christian'' is that enough to be ''non-denominational'' ? or is there specific beliefs that makes someone a non-denominational Christian ?

God has never required a denominational affiliation. It has some benefits, you get a nice boilerplate doctrinal statement and a fellowship with like minded believers. What really matters is what you believe with regards to doctrine, especially the gospel. After that the rest will happen naturally. It's not about denominational affiliation, it's about a relationship. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Grace and peace,
Mark

 

[St_Worm2]

A few things to know about non-denominational Christians:

• A non-denominational Christian church is one that is autonomous and not under a central authority (i.e. governing board, Magesterium, Patriarchs) on matters of doctrine, ordination, policy or discipline. They may, however, be part of an association to share resources.
• We believe that Bible is the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice.
• We believe in the Triune nature of God (Trinitarianism) and therefore the topic of non-Trinitarianism may not be discussed in this forum. Please discuss this topic in the Controversial Theology forum.
• We believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's (agape) love, which is greater than differences one may possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.
• Salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, providing eternal redemption to those who believe. It is not by our works or works of the law. (Eph 2: 8-9)
• Since salvation is by grace, promotion of the doctrine of salvation by works and Saturday (seventh-day) worship is not allowed. Please discuss these topics in Sabbath and The Law forum. ~Non-Denominational Statement of Faith (excerpt), ChristianForums.com

Most basic of all, it seems to me, is that the identifier, "non-denominational", should be used by "Christians" who "attend a church" which is not part of a denomination. It was not meant for those who call themselves Christians but never attend church, nor was it meant to be used by non-Christians or cult members who call themselves Christians.

Non-Denominational churches have a wide range of beliefs (beyond the standard beliefs mentioned in the statement of faith above). Some are unlike any denomination, others, like Dr. John MacArthur's megachurch, are very similar in what they believe and how they operate to one denomination or another (they are simply not affiliated with any of them).

--David

 

[by right paths]

A few things to know about non-denominational Christians:

• A non-denominational Christian church is one that is autonomous and not under a central authority (i.e. governing board, Magesterium, Patriarchs) on matters of doctrine, ordination, policy or discipline. They may, however, be part of an association to share resources.
• We believe that Bible is the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice.
• We believe in the Triune nature of God (Trinitarianism) and therefore the topic of non-Trinitarianism may not be discussed in this forum. Please discuss this topic in the Controversial Theology forum.
• We believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's (agape) love, which is greater than differences one may possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.
• Salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, providing eternal redemption to those who believe. It is not by our works or works of the law. (Eph 2: 8-9)
• Since salvation is by grace, promotion of the doctrine of salvation by works and Saturday (seventh-day) worship is not allowed. Please discuss these topics in Sabbath and The Law forum. ~Non-Denominational Statement of Faith (excerpt), ChristianForums.com

Most basic of all, it seems to me, is that the tag "non-denominational" should be used by "Christians" who "attend a church" which is not part of a denomination. It was not meant for those who call themselves Christians but never attend church, nor was it meant to be used by non-Christians or cult members who call themselves Christians.

Non-Denominational churches have a wide range of beliefs (beyond the standard beliefs mentioned in the statement of faith above). Some are unlike any denomination, others, like Dr. John MacArthur's megachurch, are very similar in what they believe and how they operate to one denomination or another (they are simply not affiliated with any of them).

--David

It seems to be exactly the same as Baptists but calling yourself non-denominational instead

 

[Landon Caeli]

Nm

 

[~Anastasia~]

It seems to be exactly the same as Baptists but calling yourself non-denominational instead

Some non-denominational churches are essentially Baptist. Some are Pentecostal. Some have other leanings. They don't necessarily have those kinds of things in common.

What they have in common is an independent structure, completely autonomous to themselves. And the basic Christian beliefs that are usually common to most/all denominational churches.

Basically, it's an appropriate label for people who attend churches that call themselves "non-denominational". But it doesn't tell anyone anything about the nuances of your beliefs. You could be strongly conservative reformed, or you could be wildly Pentecostal, and still wear the label.

It only means your church is autonomous.

 

[Jim Langston]

Yes, most non-denominationalists are similar to baptist. In fact I was raised in a baptist church. The only disagreement I have with the baptist church is I believe the bible teaches we can lose our salvation by basically walking away from God and living a worldly life again. The Baptist church, and many, believe in the doctrine once saved always saved.

That is, I believe repentance is an on going thing.

 

[~Anastasia~]

It may be "most". Or not. I'm not sure. It does seem a somewhat regional thing in some places.

I met my husband long-distance, and we both attended "non-denominational" churches. So I expected our beliefs to be similar, since all the ones around here are of one type. Well, where he came from, they were all of an opposite type.

Can't assume anything based on the label.

 

[1watchman]

It is all interpretive! When I speak of non-denom. I usually am thinking also "non-sectarian"; that is, the man-made practices outside of Bible-only ---which is about no innovations to or deletions from Holy Scripture. We need to esteem God's mind rather than what pleases self.

 

[Job8]

It seems to be exactly the same as Baptists but calling yourself non-denominational instead

If you study the history of the Baptists, they were essentially non-denominational to begin with, and were opposed and persecuted by the Reformed denominations. But after they started adopting the denominational structures (along with many other compromises) they became largely denominational (other than the independent Baptists). Now many independent Baptists are trending towards compromise also.

 

[1watchman]

It may be "most". Or not. I'm not sure. It does seem a somewhat regional thing in some places.

I met my husband long-distance, and we both attended "non-denominational" churches. So I expected our beliefs to be similar, since all the ones around here are of one type. Well, where he came from, they were all of an opposite type.

Can't assume anything based on the label.

Yes, and one should not give any credence to what one says without supportive evidence of reality and truth. Of course, one cannot know that in brief contacts. A real Christian needs to pray much and talk to others of known faith to learn about one before marriage. Many people profess to be Christian and do not know the Lord Jesus, except some Bible verses. Salvation and the new birth comes from devotion to Jesus, the Christ (see John 14). Maybe you can find sound ground of faith in Jesus, and be much help to your hubby. I recommend one visit the sound site at biblecounsel.net each month to learn what God intends for His testimony in the world. Look up always!

 

[~Anastasia~]

Yes, and one should not give any credence to what one says without supportive evidence of reality and truth. Of course, one cannot know that in brief contacts. A real Christian needs to pray much and talk to others of known faith to learn about one before marriage. Many people profess to be Christian and do not know the Lord Jesus, except some Bible verses. Salvation and the new birth comes from devotion to Jesus, the Christ (see John 14). Maybe you can find sound ground of faith in Jesus, and be much help to your hubby. I recommend one visit the sound site at biblecounsel.net each month to learn what God intends for His testimony in the world. Look up always!

Thank you, Watchman. We've been married some years now, and have both been through changes in our approach to faith and our preferred place to attend.

It has been a learning experience, especially since we are once again not "on the same page" but as he has read and re-read the Scriptures cover to cover many times, he actually thinks very much as I do on almost everything. We just (sadly) can't attend together. But I've learned that God works with each of us as we allow Him and as we are ready, so I content myself with peaceful conversation that is mutually edifying.

 

[Goodbook]

I thought i would post here because Jesus was autonomous. My church is wherever fellow believers are, it doesnt matter the denom. I dont choose to be involved with denom politics.

Where i live the established churches all seem to belong to a denom, but, thats their thing not mine, am not a member of them and swearing allegience to one or the other, wherever the holy spirit is moving I go.