Why are you non-denominational?

[2PhiloVoid]

As an outsider, I see non-denominational churches as either Baptists or Charismatic Baptists. But, why don't they join one of the multitude of Baptist and Pentecostal denominations out there?

Is it a financial issue, in order to own our church building and not support a denomination? Or is it to be able to hire a pastor without qualifications? Or is it to be able to teach weird doctrine?

Forgive me. I just can't understand.

It's so I can teach weird doctrine. Of course, if you believe that, I have some land l'd like to sell you.

 

[Heavenhome]

I'm non denominational because I consider myself Christian, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I'm non denominational because I consider myself Christian, nothing more, nothing less.

Good answer...

No one has a monopoly on practising Acts 2.42...

 

[pescador]

Denominations are clubs, not unlike political parties. "Either you agree with us or you're a rebel".

There are no denominations in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13: "What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?…"

 

[barefeetonholyground]

I guess I just don't see the benefit of identifying with different denominations. I believe in Jesus, I believe that the Bible is 100%, and beyond that who cares?

 

[BNR32FAN]

As an outsider, I see non-denominational churches as either Baptists or Charismatic Baptists. But, why don't they join one of the multitude of Baptist and Pentecostal denominations out there?

Is it a financial issue, in order to own our church building and not support a denomination? Or is it to be able to hire a pastor without qualifications? Or is it to be able to teach weird doctrine?

Forgive me. I just can't understand.

I’m nondenominational because I don’t completely hold to any single denomination’s doctrines.

 

[NWGeorgiaguy]

I'm non-denomination because i'm not baptist, methodist, catholic, JW etc...
The truth is nobody is defined by denominations i'm a born again christian my identity not baptist.

 

[John Helpher]

Non-denominationalism appeals to me because it seems to offer the most flexibility for change. I think most denominations probably have something good to offer, but from my experience, when we humans put ourselves in a box, (no matter how good our intentions), we tend to become less receptive to what continues on outside the box.

 

[Albion]

Non-denominationalism appeals to me because it seems to offer the most flexibility for change. I think most denominations probably have something good to offer, but from my experience, when we humans put ourselves in a box, (no matter how good our intentions), we tend to become less receptive to what continues on outside the box.

I think what you are saying is what others here have said. That's not that you belong to an independent congregation but that you don't belong to or associate with any particular church body.

People who say this seem to me to think they're brave, free, and all of that; but I remember that Christ instructed his followers to do certain things, many of which are not possible in the case of a person who believes in Christ but whose "church" is only his own mind. The Lord puts us into a certain "box," if we truly commit to him.

 

[John Helpher]

People who say this seem to me to think they're brave, free, and all of that; but I remember that Christ instructed his followers to do certain things, many of which are not possible in the case of a person who believes in Christ but whose "church" is only his own mind. The Lord puts us into a certain "box," if we truly commit to him.

Nah, I don't think of myself as brave, though I do recognize that bravery may be necessary when it comes to saying no to people who want to rope us in to various religious doctrines or teachings which are not consistent with what Jesus taught. For example, Jesus said we should not swear for any reason and yet there are many professing Christians who encourage one another to swear (usually on a bible or with their right hand raised) for various official reasons. They often argue that such swearing is a demonstration of honesty and good intention and think less of me for not doing it. But, it's what Jesus said.

I am not saying that people in all these various denominations are wrong; it may even be that God has deliberately led some of those people to those denominations. It's just that I have personally witnessed (both in others and in myself) a tendency to become blinded by the organization. If one can be part of a particular denomination and not become blinded by that affiliation then I see no problem with it.

 

[Albion]

Nah, I don't think of myself as brave, though I do recognize that bravery may be necessary when it comes to saying no to people who want to rope us in to various religious doctrines or teachings which are not consistent with what Jesus taught.

I'm not in favor of being "roped into" any church by some other person. in fact, I doubt if many people are, in fact, so helpless as that.

But here's a thought. Independent Christians could always choose to join a denomination that they are convinced, upon examination, DOES teach what Jesus taught.

There are only thousands of different churches to choose between.

 

[John Helpher]

I'm not in favor of being "roped into" any church by some other person. in fact, I doubt if many people are, in fact, so helpless.

I see a lot of roping happening, but of course it's not presented as roping. For example, you attend a church where the preacher makes an alter call for people to give their life to Jesus. He makes some pretty good points about the need to turn from a sinful life which sounds good, and then the band plays some soft, relaxing music while the audience cheers you on. The pastor and a stage full of other leaders and members lays hands on you, making this wonderfully flowery prayer about Jesus coming into your heart etc.

It's an emotional experience (which can be pretty powerful in the moment), which often comes across to me as roping in emotionally vulnerable people. But, is that what Jesus taught; to have an emotional experience asking him into your heart and then boom! it's all done? Nah, he talked about a need to count the cost. The preacher is right to talk about a need for repentance, but he should also clearly explain all the other stuff, too. If you follow Jesus it's very likely you'll be persecuted. There's a good chance your family and friends will turn against you. There will be expectations for how you use your time and a shifting of your life goals. God may ask you to make dramatic changes like quitting your job, forsaking your hobbies or material possessions, to travel far from home, or even to lay down your life.

When pastors do not clearly explain these costs to potential members/converts, to me it is a sign of roping-in; a grab for quantity over quality.

That same pressure for membership isn't there with non-denominationalism; I am joined with all other sincere believers around the world, whose total membership only God knows.

 

[Albion]

Nah, I don't think of myself as brave, though I do recognize that bravery may be necessary when it comes to saying no to people who want to rope us in to various religious doctrines or teachings which are not consistent with what Jesus taught. For example, Jesus said we should not swear for any reason and yet there are many professing Christians who encourage one another to swear (usually on a bible or with their right hand raised) for various official reasons. They often argue that such swearing is a demonstration of honesty and good intention and think less of me for not doing it. But, it's what Jesus said.

Well, I already have said that I'm not in favor of anyone allowing himself to be "roped into" any church by someone else, so I don't know why that is featured in your reply. A person choosing a congregation on his own was the point.

I would, however, be open to being instructed in the reasoning behind swearing off making a free decision to join any congregation.

A decision to deliberately not gather together with other believers, not receive the Lord's Supper, not refer disputes to the church for resolution, and more that is specifically called for in God's word seems hard to justify.

 

[John Helpher]

A decision to deliberately not gather together with other believers, not receive the Lord's Supper, not refer disputes to the church for resolution, and more that is specifically called for in God's word seems hard to justify.

Perhaps there is a misunderstanding here. I've said a couple times that I'm not saying people should not join any particular church. I even suggested that, while I personally do not feel led to join any denomination, I can understand that God may lead some to do so. I don't think it should be a competition, but rather an examination of what will be the most productive for the kingdom of Heaven.

 

[Albion]

Perhaps there is a misunderstanding here. I've said a couple times that I'm not saying people should not join any particular church. I even suggested that, while I personally do not feel led to join any denomination, I can understand that God may lead some to do so. I don't think it should be a competition, but rather an examination of what will be the most productive for the kingdom of Heaven.

I am somewhat confused by the direction of the conversation, that's true.

While it is admirable, I guess, that you are okay with people choosing to join a church if they want to, you are not about to make that move yourself (if I understood you correctly).

Yet you also said that the Bible is what guides you...and TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, the Bible says in a number of places to do things that are possible only for people who DO make the choice to be part of a congregation.

You can see why this looks like a complete contradiction.

However, this exchange probably has gone on too long and probably also kept you from discussing other things with other people, so I want to thank you for the conversation we've shared.

 

[John Helpher]

Yet you also said that the Bible is what guides you...and TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, the Bible says in a number of places to do things that are possible only for people who DO make the choice to be part of a congregation.

I see. I think your confusion is that you equate fellowshipping with other Christians as necessarily being only possible through denominational affiliation. I fellowship with other non-denominational Christians.

 

[Albion]

I see. I think your confusion is that you equate fellowshipping with other Christians as necessarily being only possible through denominational affiliation. I fellowship with other non-denominational Christians.

Oh, that's the least of it. That was but one of several examples I offered, and I noted that there are other ones.

 

[John Helpher]

Oh, that's the least of it. That was but one of several examples I offered, and I noted that there are other ones.

Ehh, I guess I'm not really sure what you mean by that so I'll just leave it there for now.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I guess I just don't see the benefit of identifying with different denominations. I believe in Jesus, I believe that the Bible is 100%, and beyond that who cares?

It's all about practising Acts 2.42 activities and not about denominational structures.

 

[Jay Sea]

Jesus accepted that someone who was not of his group was healing in his name. God gives us all a mission in this life whether it is within the "church" or in the "world" it is spiritual work that we do in humility. I have been in the past worked between denominations and found no inconsistancy at therelationship level were we be there with people no mater which denomination or lack of denomination they are.

We were commanded to love even our enemies simply because God has no preferences that we can judge.

in love
jay