What is "Non-denominational"?

[JTLauder]

OK. To turn this thread back on topic on the description of "non-denominational"...

Is "non-denominational" the same thing as "inter-denominational"?

If not, what is "inter-denominational" and how are they different?

 

[Sketcher]

And, twistedsketch, I agree with you that Mormons should not be considered a legitimate Christian church, but I'm always surprised and dismayed to find many people list the LDS and other "Christian cults" under "christianity". That was the point of my question as to what people consider to be "non-denominational".

Somehow, the way that non-Christians who don't know any better count them became official.

 

[dubbies]

non-denominational is a church that is not affliated with other churches.

 

[heavenlysongbird]

I attened a non-denominational church and this is what we believe!!






What We Believe... 1. Bible: We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, without error in the original languages.

2. God: We believe the one true God manifest Himself in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) known as the Trinity.

3. Jesus: We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His complete conquest over the power of Satan, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His sure return in the manner as He went away.

4. Holy Spirit: We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling Christians are enabled to live Godly lives.

5. Church: We believe the church consists of all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning death, and who trust in Him as their Lord and Savior.

6. Salvation: We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for the salvation of lost men and women. This salvation is wholly by grace through faith and also includes healing.

7. Gifts of the Holy Spirit: We believe that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 12 are available and operational in the body of Christ today.

8. Baptism & Communion: We believe in the ordinance of baptism in water (immersion). We also believe in the ordinance of Holy Communion.

9. Heaven & Hell: We believe in the resurrection of both the lost and the saved. The lost unto eternal damnation; the saved unto eternal life.

 

[salida]

I've always assumed "non-denominational" meant not affiliated with any true Protestant church (ie, Baptist, Presbyterian, Luthern, etc.).

But I'm seeing the term used to refer to a broader definition of "Christian" including the Catholic Church, Mormon Church, etc.

So what is the accurate definition of "non-denominational"?
If someone says they are "non-denominational" what can you assume about their beliefs? The stricter Protestant view, or a broader view?

(Please refrain from discussion of whether these other churches are cults are not. I'm sure lots can be said about that, but that's a whole other topic and I would like to stick to the topic of my question.)

True - its not any membership and denomination. But my church is gospel charismatic and its a great church. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I agree with Heavenly..

 

[kenrapoza]

OK. To turn this thread back on topic on the description of "non-denominational"...

Is "non-denominational" the same thing as "inter-denominational"?

If not, what is "inter-denominational" and how are they different?

Hehe, you're right, sorry about that. If Markinator123 and I wish to continue our discussion it should be outside of this thread.

So...getting back to the topic at hand. I would say that there can be a difference between the two. "Inter-denominational" usually applies to a type of church event or organization in which multiple denominations are represented. Non-denominational generally refers to a church or organization that works completely outside of denominations. Although both could describe a para-church ministry that itself is not affiliated with any denomination but works with all types of churches. I think at that point it's more a matter of semantics.

 

[~InHisHands~]

I've gone to non-denominational churches my whole Christian life. You are right that by strict definition, the term just means "not affiliated with any particular denomination." However, the whole non-denominational movement really took root in the not too distant past. It has really grown out of the separatist movement of J N Darby and his group of Plymouth Brethren. This helped popularize dispensationalism in independant churches in America. Thus many dispensationalists feel that they serve God outside of any established denomination, or non-denominational.

So what can you assume about a non-denominational Christian? Well...like I said they are not a unified group so you really shouldn't assume anything, but some typical characteristics are:

1.) Dispensational - very common
2.) Conservative - Biblically conservative, not always politically conservative
3.) Evangelical - most non-denominational churches would be considered evangelical
4.) Fundamentalist - not all are this way but many are (as are most or all of the ones I've been to)
5.) Contemporary - non-denominational church services haven't grown of a liturgy, so they tend to be pretty contemporary when it comes to their worship

Some here have said "charismatic." None of the non-denomenational churches that I know of in my area are charismatic. Maybe it's a regional thing. However, some of the more visible non-denomenational churches (mega-churches) are charismatic (like New Life Church in Colorado Springs - 10,000 people, charismatic and pastored by Ted Haggard).

But the non-denominational movement should not be confused with the Word of Faith movement...even if some are charismatic. And yes, you're right that now it is becoming a more popular phenomenon and is becoming part of the modern collective American consciousness and people are using it more broadly now.

Will you please explain to me in a bit more simple terminology what dispensationalism is? I do not understand.

 

[~InHisHands~]

I attened a non-denominational church and this is what we believe!!






What We Believe... 1. Bible: We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, without error in the original languages.

2. God: We believe the one true God manifest Himself in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) known as the Trinity.

3. Jesus: We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His complete conquest over the power of Satan, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His sure return in the manner as He went away.

4. Holy Spirit: We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling Christians are enabled to live Godly lives.

5. Church: We believe the church consists of all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning death, and who trust in Him as their Lord and Savior.

6. Salvation: We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for the salvation of lost men and women. This salvation is wholly by grace through faith and also includes healing.

7. Gifts of the Holy Spirit: We believe that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 12 are available and operational in the body of Christ today.

8. Baptism & Communion: We believe in the ordinance of baptism in water (immersion). We also believe in the ordinance of Holy Communion.

9. Heaven & Hell: We believe in the resurrection of both the lost and the saved. The lost unto eternal damnation; the saved unto eternal life.

I agree with all those things.

 

[Diatheke]

I noticed Word of Faith was mentioned in the thread and as a WOF Christian I wanted to thank everyone for being respectful of us - that sometimes doesn't happen as people judge us before they know what were really about. (lots of misleading stuff about us on the net)
And yes most WOF churches call themselves nondenominational these days so you can add that to the mix.
We have out own little corner here:
http://www.christianforums.com/f400-word-of-faith.html

If anyone actually has a question regarding what we really believe come and ask - were a pretty friendly group.

 

[PastorJoey]

Word of Faith (sometimes just Word-Faith) is an extremely controversial movement within charismatic and pentecostal Christianity. The basic idea is that physical health and prosperity are God's plan for His people and if we as Christians are not blessed in that way then we are lacking faith in God. It is also known as the "health and wealth" or "name it and claim it" or "Prosperity" Gospel.

So what the teaching comes down to is that Faith is a force and Words are the containers of that force (hence the Word of Faith name) and I can affect my reality through having enough faith and speaking these blessings into existence. There are also some other controversial (heretical) doctrines that are commonly taught in the Word of Faith circles:

1.) Healing - Although this is common in other charismatic circles as well, Word-Faith teachers hold that physical healing was included in Christ's atonement. Sickness is due to sin, lack of faith, and satanic attacks.

2.) Believers are 'little gods' - This is a direct quote from Kenneth Hagin (often considered to be the father of the movement): "God made us in the same class of being that He is Himself" and by being born again the believer becomes "as much an incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth".

3.) Prosperity - Already mentioned

4.) Faith and Confession - or "Positive Confession" this is the doctrine that because God created the universe through the spoken word, believers also have a similar ability to alter their circumstances (faith is a force and words are the containers of that force...)

5.) Jesus died spiritually - Word of Faith teaches that Jesus actually had to suffer in Hell to complete the atonement and there be born again himself

It's pretty obvious why this movement has caused such a controversy. Noted Word of Faith preachers are Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar and others. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is one of it's biggest promoters. Probably the most outspoken critic of the movement has been Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute.

Sorry for the long-winded explanation. I just wanted to be thorough. I bet that it also may cause some controversy...

Wow. You've done some homework.

 

[J4Jesus]

Word of Faith (sometimes just Word-Faith) is an extremely controversial movement within charismatic and pentecostal Christianity. The basic idea is that physical health and prosperity are God's plan for His people and if we as Christians are not blessed in that way then we are lacking faith in God. It is also known as the "health and wealth" or "name it and claim it" or "Prosperity" Gospel.

So what the teaching comes down to is that Faith is a force and Words are the containers of that force (hence the Word of Faith name) and I can affect my reality through having enough faith and speaking these blessings into existence. There are also some other controversial (heretical) doctrines that are commonly taught in the Word of Faith circles:

1.) Healing - Although this is common in other charismatic circles as well, Word-Faith teachers hold that physical healing was included in Christ's atonement. Sickness is due to sin, lack of faith, and satanic attacks.

2.) Believers are 'little gods' - This is a direct quote from Kenneth Hagin (often considered to be the father of the movement): "God made us in the same class of being that He is Himself" and by being born again the believer becomes "as much an incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth".

3.) Prosperity - Already mentioned

4.) Faith and Confession - or "Positive Confession" this is the doctrine that because God created the universe through the spoken word, believers also have a similar ability to alter their circumstances (faith is a force and words are the containers of that force...)

5.) Jesus died spiritually - Word of Faith teaches that Jesus actually had to suffer in Hell to complete the atonement and there be born again himself

It's pretty obvious why this movement has caused such a controversy. Noted Word of Faith preachers are Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar and others. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is one of it's biggest promoters. Probably the most outspoken critic of the movement has been Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute.

Sorry for the long-winded explanation. I just wanted to be thorough. I bet that it also may cause some controversy...

Hi kenrapoza
I think sometimes people form opinions based on what someone said who does not believe as they do. Sometimes we dont understand or are misinformed. But I think its best to go to those who do believe in a certain faith to get a better explaination of what they truly believe so there will not be any misrepresentation.

God bless you and have a good day

 

[kenrapoza]

Hi kenrapoza
I think sometimes people form opinions based on what someone said who does not believe as they do. Sometimes we dont understand or are misinformed. But I think its best to go to those who do believe in a certain faith to get a better explaination of what they truly believe so there will not be any misrepresentation.

God bless you and have a good day

Hello! I agree, I tried to describe only basic official and widely publicized WOF doctrine that can be found easily from their prominent teachers so as not to misrepresent them. I would not want anybody to misrepresent my beliefs and I would do my best to show the same respect. Nothing is gained by tearing down a straw-man.

Also, my post was not intended as an attack but more as a description. I appreciate the input from the WOF Christians who have also posted in this thread. I think markinator123 did a good job of showing where the Word of Faith Christians are coming from Scripturally, though we are getting a bit off topic so I didn't want to continue to derail the OP thread.

 

[kenrapoza]

Will you please explain to me in a bit more simple terminology what dispensationalism is? I do not understand.

Sure thing! Dispensationalism is a framework for interpreting biblical theology, especially as it pertains to how God deals with man over the course of history. There are also other frameworks of interpretation, the most prominent being Covenant Theology and a newer one called New Covenant Theology. Covenant Theology is often considered to be more in-line with the historical Protestant understanding of the Bible than Dispensationalism.

Dispensationalism has actually become very popular in Evangelical America and many of us are familiar with some of its teachings without even realizing that they stem from this framework. If you're familiar with the "Left Behind" book and movie series, then you've encountered dispensationalism. Some aspects of it that you may be familiar with are:

Futurist interpretation of biblical prophecy - specifically the 70th week of Daniel and the book of Revelation.

The Rapture of the church.

The coming of Antichrist.

The Great Tribulation (7 year period prior to Christ's return).

The Battle of Armageddon.

A Future Millenial (1000 year) reign of Christ.

The real foundation of dispensaionalist thought is the separation of Israel and the church. All of these other aspects grow out of that assumption. In contrast, Covenant Theology sees the church as the spiritual Israel - the united body of believers throughout all human history. The church is in a sense the fulfillment of Israel and as such the promises to Israel take on a greater meaning now as they are applied to the church.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear!

 

[~InHisHands~]

There was a forum called "Unchurched/Home Church".

I suspect the few of us that don't attend any "brick & mortar" once a week were a bit too seditious for the believers in churchianity to tolerate, but I might just be a little paranoid.

First I discovered not all who claim to be Christian really are (duh!) Matt 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Then I discovered that those who claim to be non-denom have separated from physical authority hierarchies, but maintain significant "doctrinal distinctions" to establish tyhem as a defacto denom of their own.

The bottom line, the root cause of denominationalism is the nicolaitane deeds mentioned in Revelation. Nicolaitanes will tell you it's about a guy named Nick, mentioned in Acts, who was sexualy promiscuous with his congregation. But the word is Greek. Nico=overcomer/conqueror + laitane ="of the laity(people)".
Thus, a nicolaitane is someone who divides what is supposed to be a brotherhood, into "clegy" & "laity" with the clergy having the corner(authority) on truth.

That's how we got people bein' burned alive for translatin' The Bible into the common language (William Tyndale).

Re 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Re 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

They took the unchurched/homechurched forum out?

 

[J4Jesus]

------------ I would not want anybody to misrepresent my beliefs and I would do my best to show the same respect

Its true theres too much tearing down on forums .We are to help each other and edify one another.

EDIT:
You weren't really so much off topic. It IS nondenominational. There so many different ones. But because of that, people tend to group them in catagories and then they are called "denominations!"

 

[kenrapoza]

You weren't really so much off topic. It IS nondenominational. There so many different ones. But because of that, people tend to group them in catagories and then they are called "denominations!"

Yeah that's true. But I think JTLauder was looking for more of a definition of non-denominational when he started the thread and not necessarily a side conversation about the merits of some of its doctrinal perspectives.

 

[J4Jesus]

I have gone to nondenominational churches for most of my life. They were all charismatic , pentecostal or full gospel, yet not affiliated with a denomination. I thought all of them were charismatic. But a few years ago I noticed there were more and more popping up that were non charismatic; they do not believe in the Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 are for us today.

 

[~InHisHands~]

Thank you Kenrapoza. I have not seen all of the Left Behind series. I have seen only one video. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.

 

[wmc1982]

denominations = social groups

 

[~InHisHands~]

I have gone to nondenominational churches for most of my life. They were all charismatic , pentecostal or full gospel, yet not affiliated with a denomination. I thought all of them were charismatic. But a few years ago I noticed there were more and more popping up that were non charismatic; they do not believe in the Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 are for us today.

The non-denominational ones do not? I believe the gifts are very much for us today. I possess two that I am aware of. Considering the life I have had I do not understand why I have the two that I have but, nonetheless, I have them.