Why non denominational

Among all Protestant denominational families large enough to examine, nondenominationals had the highest percentage of millennials— 30 percent. While Baptist, Holiness, Presbyterian, and Lutheran denominations are all majority baby boomer and older, 3 in 5 nondenominational church members are Generation X or younger. While 7 in 10 nondenominationals are white, that number is significantly higher for those who are Presbyterian 81 percent , Baptist 85 percent , Holiness 88 percent or Lutheran 92 percent.

Nondenominationals are also the Protestant group most likely to be parents with kids at home, as 38 percent of all adult members of a nondenominational church have children under Some theologians worry the growth of nondenominationalism is part of a broader shift in American Christianity. Truett Theological Seminary, told Christianity Today.

The result is often folk religion rather than historic, classic, biblical Christianity. The good news, however, is that nondenominational Christians are often the group most likely to believe core Christian doctrine.

Although there are now many of them in several countries all over the world, it was here in the United States that they first started to appear. The reasons behind the establishment of a specific non-denominational church would depend upon the particular circumstances and ideas of its founders but, for the most part, these churches arose out of a desire for independence and a need to return to the biblical basics of Christianity, removed from the doctrinal and sometimes political affiliations that many long-established denominational churches had accumulated over the years.

Although the answer to this question can vary from church to church, non-denominational Christian churches generally believe that the Bible should be the authority that dictates teaching, worship, and other aspects of church life.

Instead of following beliefs set out by a larger organization, non-denominational churches rely on scripture to guide dogma. They are led by members of the church congregation often a group of elders in the church , reflecting a belief that a church is a community of believers rather than a hierarchy. This is in contrast to most denominational churches, many of which have codified doctrinal principles that are not necessarily grounded in the bible. Rather, these doctrines are formulated through substantial annotation and interpretation of the scriptures, as well as — occasionally — more secular considerations.

Many denominational churches also have established hierarchical structures led by a formal priesthood. Although non-denominational churches do have pastors and elders who work to guide and assist the congregation in their relationships with God, and they do believe that there are those individuals who have a special anointing to teach, their structures are much less formal and the door is always open to any members of the congregation who feel a calling to participate in the life of the church.

There are, of course, a number of foundational beliefs that bind all non-denominational churches together in the broader Christian fellowship. The cornerstone of these is the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son and earthly incarnation of God, as well as His crucifixion, resurrection and prophesied second coming.

This is a belief, of course, that non-denominational churches share with all Christians. The Christian life, therefore, as far as non-denominational churches are concerned, is one grounded in biblical principles, not in ritual or dogma.

In regard to matters relating to central features of Christian doctrine, such as the priesthood, communion or the Eucharist, and sacraments such as marriage, baptism and funeral practices, non-denominational churches often have a lot in common with later, non-episcopal Protestant churches, as distinguished from those doctrines espoused by the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church or the American Episcopal Church which was formed from local branches of the Church of England after the Revolutionary War.

In most cases, non-denominational beliefs in this regard are highly simplified compared to those of older churches, emphasizing the basic biblical teachings at their core.

Among the many non-denominational churches that have acquired large national and even international congregations are Hillsong Church, Willow Creek Community Church, Lakewood Church, and Grace Church. Aside from these well-known names, however, there are thousands of non-denominational churches, ranging from well-established, large-scale organizations to small, family-led, community-based congregations, which one is likely to find on almost every street in the Christian world.

There are various pros and cons of joining a non-denominational church. Here are some of the common ones:. Because each independent congregation can decide what the church believes and practices, the church can change and adapt to society. When a practice becomes outdated, the church can respond appropriately and adapt to serve their community and congregants. You knew how much money came in, where it went, how much was left over, how much was saved in the bank.

In short there was a much higher level of transparency and information as to where your donations went. This was done because it was usually a requirement of the denomination the church was formed under. In a non-denominational church, no such requirement exists. They can choose to do it, or they can choose not to do it.

And even if they do, the amount of information they share is up to them. Again, this does not make this type of church good or bad, it is just simply a reality of how the church is run.

The process for choosing a church is the same regardless of what type of church you go to, whether it is tied to a denomination or not.

Let me give you some simple steps to help you. Visit a church, or a couple of churches, and experience the church culture, the atmosphere, the worship, the preaching, the teaching, and what they believe.

When you are looking for a church, the denomination or non-denomination of that church should not be the most important factor. Whether God is leading you there or not is what matters most. By the way I am not picking on Baptists this is just an illustration. At the end of the day, where God is leading you is what matters more than anything else because he typically leads you to a church where he wants to develop you and use you.

I will put it to you in this language — there is something you need in the church God leads you to that they will provide for you. Likewise, there is something the church God leads you to needs that you will provide for them. When those two things align, then you are in the place God wants you to be, whether it is tied to a denomination or not. There is nothing inherently good or bad about non-denominational churches.

As with all churches there are some good ones and some bad ones. Some of the good ones are non-denominational and some of the bad ones are tied to a denomination and the reverse of this is true as well. I guess the bottom line is simply this, go where God is leading you. I believe these things are a good foundation for any church. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will.

This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes. Plus Toggle navigation.