Non-denominational

[forumuser86388]

Hi. I just have a question. What does non-denominational mean? I just understand a little bit. Can anyone explain a little bit more about it? Thanks.

 

[1watchman]

Some use it to mean they are biblical, but in practice it sometimes just means to not take a name/title, and it always is local choices for Christian beliefs according to the individual church group. If any group or Christian fellowship is not clearly a universal Bible-only fellowship then it is sectarian ---whether it takes a name designation or not.

 

[abysmul]

I've always understood it to mean a Bible believing congregation that is not part of some larger financial/political/religious organization; that the congregation is independent of any higher organization and manages 100% of their own affairs and answers to no other governing body.

 

[Xalith]

I always took it to mean, simply, not part of any of the other distinct denominations (Baptist, etc) and I suppose "stand-alone" church would be a good way to describe it too.

I'd assume that such a non-denom church would preach primarily from the Bible (but maybe not strictly Bible-only always?), and not put emphasis on any part of the Bible over another part, unlike the various denominations tend to, but rather encourage the entire Bible be read and followed rather than focusing on one aspect of Christianity.

 

[Winken]

I've always understood it to mean a Bible believing congregation that is not part of some larger financial/political/religious organization; that the congregation is independent of any higher organization and manages 100% of their own affairs and answers to no other governing body.

Precisely.

 

[crixus]

Non-denominational churches are not a member of any particular denomination and have their own leadership within the church (Pastors, Elders, etc.), without an outside hierarchy or ruling body telling them what to do. I used to attend a non-denominational church and loved the solid Biblical teaching, but the town I'm living in now unfortunately doesn't have one.

 

[SistrNChrist]

I always took it to mean, simply, not part of any of the other distinct denominations (Baptist, etc) and I suppose "stand-alone" church would be a good way to describe it too.

I'd assume that such a non-denom church would preach primarily from the Bible (but maybe not strictly Bible-only always?), and not put emphasis on any part of the Bible over another part, unlike the various denominations tend to, but rather encourage the entire Bible be read and followed rather than focusing on one aspect of Christianity.

I'm sure you are correct on this one, as my church is non-denom, and the pastor places a heavy emphasis on reading the entire Bible on your own free time, and making sure that all scripture is understood in the context it was written in, rather than the proof texting that I have seen in other denominations.