Question

[I'mHis]

I am not sure this is in the right place or not. Sorry if it is not! But I was wondering. what is the easiest way to explain what a non-denominational church is to someone? I belong to one, but whenever people ask me what it is, I think I confuse them! So does anyone have any suggestions? A lot of the people at work don't have any kind of "church" background, so it is hard sometimes to explain different stuff to them. Thanks for any help you could give me.

 

[LuxPerpetua]

I'm interested in seeing the responses to your thread, because I'm not really sure what a non-denominational church is myself. Wish I could be more help . . . maybe others will know more than me.

 

[JVAC]

I am not sure this is in the right place or not. Sorry if it is not! But I was wondering. what is the easiest way to explain what a non-denominational church is to someone? I belong to one, but whenever people ask me what it is, I think I confuse them! So does anyone have any suggestions? A lot of the people at work don't have any kind of "church" background, so it is hard sometimes to explain different stuff to them. Thanks for any help you could give me.

Basically it is a church body that does not have to submit to a larger organization and doesn't have to send any money to it. They are very loosely organized churches, generally. By this I mean, one cannot go to one and expect the same thing in others. They are always different from the one down the street. I hear that the Pastor is accountable to the congregation.....

However, I think denominations are excellent things, but I won't go there.

-James

 

[Knight]

JVAC gave a good description. Basically this is a church that is internally governed apart from any outside authority. (Aside from Christ, that is)

 

[Iron Sun]

Well, there you go. You've just explained it perfectly. If someone doesn't have an understanding of anything Christian, you need to start from there.

 

[Andry]

If I may add to that, from my experience and understanding, many (not all) 'non-denominational' churches are regarded as 'charismatic' in nature, thus, oftentimes their church names ends with 'Christian Center' or 'Fellowship' or plainly, 'Church.' ie. Big City Christian Center, Big City Fellowship, Big City Church.

Also, the term 'non-denominational' is viewed by some as a 'denomination' in itself.

 

[Jesusson]

A church that is not affiliated with any denomination. I too attend a reformed non denominational church. I just tell people I’m a Christian.

 

[Jesusson]

Actually you may be right but I attend GraceChurch.org and our pastor is John Macarthur we are noting close to Charismatic.

If I may add to that, from my experience and understanding, many (not all) 'non-denominational' churches are regarded as 'charismatic' in nature, thus, oftentimes their church names ends with 'Christian Center' or 'Fellowship' or plainly, 'Church.' ie. Big City Christian Center, Big City Fellowship, Big City Church.

Also, the term 'non-denominational' is viewed by some as a 'denomination' in itself.

 

[Col]

I am not sure this is in the right place or not. Sorry if it is not! But I was wondering. what is the easiest way to explain what a non-denominational church is to someone? I belong to one, but whenever people ask me what it is, I think I confuse them! So does anyone have any suggestions? A lot of the people at work don't have any kind of "church" background, so it is hard sometimes to explain different stuff to them. Thanks for any help you could give me.

Well to borrow a quote I heard recently, you could simply say that your faith is "based on Christ, not on Christians"

Bless Ya
Col <><

 

[I'mHis]

Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[Iron Lion]

IAlso, the term 'non-denominational' is viewed by some as a 'denomination' in itself.

ive always thought that way as well.