Characteristics Of A Non Denominational Church
A non denominational church can actually be any kind of Christian place of worship, but many of them follow a pattern familiar to those who seek out this sort of congregation. Basically, these are gatherings of believers who have no allegiance to any worldly governance than their own elders and pastor. The size, order of worship, and even day set aside for fellowship will vary widely.
Denominations are national or international governing bodies that determine doctrine for their members, craft by-laws, and set procedural rules. For example, Catholics have communion at every service, while protestant churches often do this celebration once a month. The central group may function mostly in an advisory and dispute-settling capacity, or they may actually appoint ministers, regulate the size of fellowships, and even issue dietary guides. They often supply local groups with literature, provide funds, and host conferences for ministers and elders.
In the news in recent years have been inter-denominational disputes about doctrine and property issues. Such things as the ordination of women or homosexuals have caused church groups to split from their parent organization. A divergent congregation may find itself without a home, if their property actually belongs to the parent group.
Many people like the structure of a denomination, either because they were raised in that system or because they find spiritual satisfaction there. America has many large groups of this nature; Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Southern Baptist, Assembly of God, Presbyterian, and more. Others are casually known as Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Christian Scientist, Amish, Mennonite, and Adventist. Each has its own rules, order of service, hymnals, and perhaps its own translation of Holy Scripture.
There are other classifications, also. Catholic or protestant are the most comprehensive umbrella terms. All Christian faith groups derive from the first gathering of believers in Jerusalem after Christ ascended into heaven. Catholic monasteries are credited with preserving ancient texts with great care and accuracy.
Believers who want only the authority of the Bible will often seek out a non-denominational congregation. They expect the minister to teach Scriptural principles and the fellowship to give those precepts their obedience. People gather for 'house churches' in private homes or come together in huge auditoriums for praise, worship, prayer, and instruction.
Many of the independent congregations follow a charismatic way of enthusiastic group worship with music and songs based on the Psalms of the Bible. Their teachings are based on the Bible, with little humanistic input apart from personal testimonies. They call the worship 'Spirit-filled' and expect divine presence and guidance at every service.
The body of Christ, which includes all redeemed believers, has no Biblical description. While many believers gather for the kind of service that sustains them, they should seek the unity of the Spirit that God looks for in His children. This can be found in both denominational and non denominational church groups.
Denominations are national or international governing bodies that determine doctrine for their members, craft by-laws, and set procedural rules. For example, Catholics have communion at every service, while protestant churches often do this celebration once a month. The central group may function mostly in an advisory and dispute-settling capacity, or they may actually appoint ministers, regulate the size of fellowships, and even issue dietary guides. They often supply local groups with literature, provide funds, and host conferences for ministers and elders.
In the news in recent years have been inter-denominational disputes about doctrine and property issues. Such things as the ordination of women or homosexuals have caused church groups to split from their parent organization. A divergent congregation may find itself without a home, if their property actually belongs to the parent group.
Many people like the structure of a denomination, either because they were raised in that system or because they find spiritual satisfaction there. America has many large groups of this nature; Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Southern Baptist, Assembly of God, Presbyterian, and more. Others are casually known as Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Christian Scientist, Amish, Mennonite, and Adventist. Each has its own rules, order of service, hymnals, and perhaps its own translation of Holy Scripture.
There are other classifications, also. Catholic or protestant are the most comprehensive umbrella terms. All Christian faith groups derive from the first gathering of believers in Jerusalem after Christ ascended into heaven. Catholic monasteries are credited with preserving ancient texts with great care and accuracy.
Believers who want only the authority of the Bible will often seek out a non-denominational congregation. They expect the minister to teach Scriptural principles and the fellowship to give those precepts their obedience. People gather for 'house churches' in private homes or come together in huge auditoriums for praise, worship, prayer, and instruction.
Many of the independent congregations follow a charismatic way of enthusiastic group worship with music and songs based on the Psalms of the Bible. Their teachings are based on the Bible, with little humanistic input apart from personal testimonies. They call the worship 'Spirit-filled' and expect divine presence and guidance at every service.
The body of Christ, which includes all redeemed believers, has no Biblical description. While many believers gather for the kind of service that sustains them, they should seek the unity of the Spirit that God looks for in His children. This can be found in both denominational and non denominational church groups.
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