What's a non-denominational?

[Sketcher]

Can I go to a non-denominal Church? Even though I'm Catholic?

They won't mind. They'll even let you take communion. For that, they'll just ask that you have real faith in Christ and that "Christian" isn't just a label to you.

I think I'm going to go to Harvest next weekend. Is that non-denominational?

https://www.harvest.org/crusades-and-events/2018-socal/event-details

Looks like it, as I don't see any denominational affiliation here: http://www.harvest.org/church/about.html

 

[NolaB123]

I've never driven down the road and seen a "non-denominational" Church. But I've seen every other kind. Why?

Good Question Landon - Ive been with Jesus for 39 years and I cant remember ever seeing a non-denominational church (as a building). I suppose it could be more like a house church or just some pastor that has separated from his original denomination and set up something?? I know para church groups like Aglow, YWAM etc that would call themselves non-denominational.

 

[NolaB123]

Can I go to a non-denominal Church? Even though I'm Catholic?

At the end of the day when we stand before God our denomination tags will burn off. It is only our relationship with Jesus that will matter.

 

[Albion]

They're there, but they usually are named The Church of the Redeemer or Victory Community Church or Newberry Family Church or something like that, such that they are well-known but not necessarily recognized by passers-by as non-denominational.

 

[NolaB123]

They're there, but they usually are named The Church of the Redeemer or Victory Community Church or Newberry Family Church or something like that, such that they are well-known but not necessarily recognized by passers-by as non-denominational.

Im in Queensland Australia but I must take more notice when I drive/walk around. I am interested in the house church movement and would like to see what thats all about. I think we may be forced to go that way in the future as the denominational churches seem to be in a placed where they are forced to compromise with worldly standards not Gods.

 

[Alithis]

I've never driven down the road and seen a "non-denominational" Church. But I've seen every other kind. Why?

it is a group of people who gather on a regular basis in what they consider to be worship but have chosen to not adhere to the particular set of rules of any larger organised group of assemblies which often have a "governing " set of rules in place . there are many and often they meet as house or home groups and feel no need to purhcase building or properties ,though some still do that . though they like to call themselves non denominational they still get lumped into the usual brackets of evangelical / charismatic.

 

[Alithis]

It means it is a Mom and Pop business that has not joined a franchise.

pretty much

 

[nChrist]

The Statement of Purpose for this area of the forum has good information that should answer many questions like this:

https://www.christianforums.com/threads/non-denominational-statement-of-faith.7396062/

Bluntly, there is nothing wild or strange about being a non-denominational.

 

[aog17]

Wow, Hillsong is a mighty big one.

View attachment 237681

Actually Hillsong is part of the Assemblies of God. But because AoG churches are independent and autonomous, they can establish satellite ministries and franchises under their own resources and control.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Church

“As an international fellowship, the member denominations are entirely independent and autonomous; however, they are united by shared beliefs and history. ”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblies_of_God

 

[pescador]

If they are united by shared beliefs and history then they are a denomination. What about those who don't hold shared beliefs and history?

 

[Albion]

I believe that a solitary congregation does not constitute a denomination although, in one sense, it is like a mini-denomination so long as it has some stated beliefs--and almost all of them do. But a collection of allegedly non-denominational congregations cooperating together as in the Hillsong example probably do amount to a denomination.

For one thing, we have other such federations, and they claim to be a denomination or "church" and are seen as such by just about all observers. The only thing that would make the Hillsong example not fit is that those congregations have another denominational identity (AOG).

 

[Calvary4me]

I've never driven down the road and seen a "non-denominational" Church. But I've seen every other kind. Why?

There is a very fine conservative, evangelical church in Grand Rapids Michigan that is traditionally named "Calvary Undenominational Church". I believe in recent years they shorted their name in most venues to "Calvary Church", but their statement of faith still uses the traditional title.

 

[SaintCody777]

Some of these non-denominational churches are mega-churches with thousands attending each week. One televangelist in Dallas had over 15,000 attending in a week.

Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church is a well known example of a non-denominational church that is in Houston. His mega-church has more members than that mega-church in Dallas that you've mentioned. Lakewood Church has like 25K, something like that, attendees every Sunday. Its also the biggest Church is America.
Everything in Texas is as big as Texas itself.

 

[SaintCody777]

A non-denominational Church is a very flexible group of local believers who are not restricted by any creed or denomination. They are simply called Christians only. Not also Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, Presbylutheran, Methodist, or Pentecostal.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

By default a non-denom church doesn't go by any affiliation. They don't label themselves as anything. They just go by the bible. However problem is many churches like to claim they are non-denom despite basically teaching from some sort of denominations view. Our old church was non-denom until a new pastor took over then it became baptist in nature. Though still claimed to be non-denom.

Our current church is non-denom. Though some claim they lean towards pentecostal. Its hard to have a non-denom church because it really depends on the pastor and his teachings.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church is a well known example of a non-denominational church that is in Houston. His mega-church has more members than that mega-church in Dallas that you've mentioned. Lakewood Church has like 25K, something like that, attendees every Sunday. Its also the biggest Church is America.
Everything in Texas is as big as Texas itself.

Technically their site list them as non-denom charismatic. Which makes no sense since you can't be non-denom then have a denom label too. However most know them as a "prosperity church". But thats another topic.