Is a denomination that important?

[secretoceanmystery]

Post removed.

 

[DaveS]

It depends on who you are. For me, I pretty much disagree with a very large amount of the "set" Anglican doctrine (though if there is a set doctrine is debatable) as I often find myself disagreeing with a large proportion of sermons given at my church. However, the style of worship (traditional), particularly the music really touches me and helps in my own growth. I often find that the more modern styles, while they do wonders for others does not really hit a chord with me.

 

[Taylor43]

Denomination does not matter It is believing in Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and keep That God is control we do not have the answers always but I can let you know he cares for you. Just be free in worship
Love
Taylor

 

[prophecystudent]

No person was ever saved by a denomination. Salvation is by the grace of God.

Denominations are generally groups of people who have similar definitions of doctrine, procedures, rules, etc. Many of them are "Christian" in that they believe in Christ and His sacrifice and the other requirements.

People who are new in their beliefs are generally better off by choosing a church, does not have to be a mainstream denomination, where they feel comfortable and the whole gospel is preached.

Few people will agree with everything the pastor preaches on every ocassion, but for the most part agree with enough to stay with that congregation.

Some like the contemporary services, others do not. To my way of thinking trying to study the bible, as a new Christian, can very often lead to confusion and even error. For that reason I suggest you find a "church".

Once you have become more mature in your faith you will be better equipped to search for what might be a better church.

I suggest getting into a group study, or even a correspondence course, that teaches the bible.

I have been a believer for more than 50 years. I recently signed up for a bible study correspondence course and continue to be surprised at what I am learning. Note that I have worked in counselling centers, been active in church, read the bible from cover to cover at least 6 times, and I still learn new stuff. When you study under a person who has spent a lifetime acquiring the knowledge and skills to explain "tricky" portions of the bible, or to add historical facts, etc it makes your learning much easier, and more fun.

We can never learn too much about our bible, or our God.

Fred

 

[whateveristrue]

If you join a denomination, you may be fed lies that are based upon tradition rather than truth.

The Bible doesn't say anything about denominations. Just stay close to Jesus, and you will be fine.

 

[Sketcher]

I don't think it's important. That's why I don't belong to one. And I'd join a denominational church if I needed to.

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

It really isn't important completely, but it does help. Kind of shows what you belief in it doesn't really define you but kind of gives a basic guide line on some of the things you do believe and is the ine you feel reflects the way or the things that you believe I think think it's just alittle deeper going mroe into the types of things you do and don't believe. I am a bible based christian also sometimes known as non-denonmational in being this in a way you say that you just believe in the bible and God and feel and believe for it to be true but in the same sense you kind of are in a group of people

 

[whateveristrue]

I definitely think non-denominational is the way to go... because you get to avoid the many pointless debates on secondary issues. Preaching the Gospel and believing in the Bible is good enough for me.

The only downside to being non-denominational is... there is little or no accountability. It's easy for a non-denominational church to lose sight of scripture. "If it feels right... then it must be okay... right?" ...
brothers & sisters... let's stay alert.

 

[tel0004]

Its about as important as what you had for breakast this morning. I had captain crunch. Not very important. That being said there are denomations that label themselves as christians, but arnt, and some liberal churches that I dont agree with, but its not really important.

 

[J4Jesus]

IMHO the best thing to do is simply believe what God says in His Word and do it. God cannot lie. Listen to the Spirit of God within you. He will never contradict the written Word. There are so many views and ways churches do things. But only God's way is what matters. It says in James 1:22-25 we are to be a doer of the Word of God and not a hearer only. So I look for a church that is most like what the Bible teaches although there is no perfect church because there are no perfect people.

 

[karrie]

IMHO the best thing to do is simply believe what God says in His Word and do it. God cannot lie. Listen to the Spirit of God within you. He will never contradict the written Word. There are so many views and ways churches do things. But only God's way is what matters. It says in James 1:22-25 we are to be a doer of the Word of God and not a hearer only. So I look for a church that is most like what the Bible teaches although there is no perfect church because there are no perfect people.

Whilst in the Uk I was a member of a non denominational Church but as it was made up of all personalities it was a long way from perfect but I was fed there and understood that those I struggled with and whom struggled with me all loved Jesus as I do. Since moving to the States I have not yet found a Church where I am comfortable with the teachings. It is a small town and is made up of Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Lutherans. All very good people but I find the structures of the services difficult. There is rarely any spontaneity. I am not criticising just makeing the comment that I find Churches which come under a certain denomination a bit too structured.

 

[J4Jesus]

Whilst in the Uk I was a member of a non denominational Church but as it was made up of all personalities it was a long way from perfect but I was fed there and understood that those I struggled with and whom struggled with me all loved Jesus as I do. Since moving to the States I have not yet found a Church where I am comfortable with the teachings. It is a small town and is made up of Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Lutherans. All very good people but I find the structures of the services difficult. There is rarely any spontaneity. I am not criticising just makeing the comment that I find Churches which come under a certain denomination a bit too structured.

I konw exactly what you mean. There is not a nondeniminational church in my small town.I have to go out of town and that is not always convenient. But its worth it. I do visit a friends church in town when I dont go out of town.

 

[112657]

Thus far I have been non-denominational, though I have been looking at the Anglicans and Lutherans. I do not think it is important in itself, and I agree with whoever said that you need to be careful about being fed lies based upon tradition (and politics...yadda yadda). However, while these handy-dandy online forums are cool, and do provide a lot of insight and even some fellowship, personally I am feeling the need for the "real thing." So, is it necessary? I think absolutely not. But it might be beneficial. Just be careful out there.

 

[BohemianMare]

Well, honestly, I was raised Catholic, but after recently being formally 'saved' I'm finding some of the traditions and beliefs a little restricting compared to other denominations. So next weekend I'm going to try a Episcopalian church and see where it goes. I believe Christ is Christ and as long as you follow the teachings of the Bible and believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the rest is finding a denomination that has practices that fit your life and tastes.

 

[Joshua Howard]

There are two major mindsets in denominationalism:

Firstly, there are the sort of people that just like to worship with others who share their tastes or personal perspectives; who gather together not out of conviction, but rather unity. For example, let's say that one believer enjoys trumpets in praise & worship. Over time he finds others who enjoy the same. In 20 years, he has organized what is known as "The Trumpeter's Church." Such a body would be bound by common interests.

Secondly, on the other hand, there are the sort of people that are so hard and set in their personal take on Christian life that they shun everybody else and band together to look down on others and 'evangelize' all the other churches who don't measure up to their ordinance. That kind of a denomination or church is not bound by common interests, but by common enemies.

A group that intentionally or otherwise tends to view other Christians as enemies or violaters of truth is dividing the true body of Christ needlessly; not unlike the Third Reich in WWII Germany which pronounced itself to be "the master race."

Church should be a sanctuary of rest for the weary, not a war camp for the restless.

 

[whateveristrue]

A group that intentionally or otherwise tends to view other Christians as enemies or violaters of truth is dividing the true body of Christ needlessly; not unlike the Third Reich in WWII Germany which pronounced itself to be "the master race."

Church should be a sanctuary of rest for the weary, not a war camp for the restless.

Nicely said!

 

[poem]

I'm not sure what to think, because I don't have one, I suppose it would be good, so you can easily find others to talk to, but it makes things a bit-closed minded on subjects.

Does a denomination matter to your faith?
Is it better to not label yourself but instead read the bible, pray and make up your own decisions about the meanings rather than one that is a certain denomination and that's what you should believe.

My dad was a minister, and he died when I was five.
It was hard to go from his belief to another faith. I was
changed from his to United Baptist. In my dads church
nothing went on, but silent prayer. He believed this
made miracles happen if you stayed long enough.

United Baptist believe in the father, and his son.
The father being the maker, and his son the high
priest, and son he made. This is the belief I will
always hold. Yet, my fathers belief was the
same. There was just no sound in my dads church. Miracles did happen if you stayed and silently prayed along enough.

 

[Groce]

Denominations are very important. Doctrine is should be at the center when deciding on which to join. I am currently making the same deciding my self back to make the trip East. There should have never been any denomiatoins, or the Great Schism we should be one. One problem with the reformation is that now in the USA there are over 34000 denominations, some of which are out right heresy. They end up throwing the baby out with the bath water.

 

[JohnathanM]

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

Is denomination important?

If by important, you mean for salvation, I don't think so. With the verse above, it seems pretty simple. Jesus accomplished the hard part. All we have to do is believe.

 

[Groce]

No not for salvation, but for growth and community. I never meant that one or mine is the only way. Surely not. But the shattered body was went to be one. It is important that you dont worship or take communion with a denomination whos doctrine is in err.