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 organizations that set the doctrine, or system of belief, for their member congregations. They issue by-laws, support training schools for ministers, approve the order of worship, and may own the physical property of their member congregations - buildings and land. They usually sponsor hymnals and even translations of Scripture, and may have periodicals and newsletters to keep members informed of events and decisions that affect them all.
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.
Sometimes groups are sorted simply as either Catholic or protestant, referring to the original reformation started by Martin Luther. All Christian gatherings stem from 'two or more' believers gathering together, starting with the Jerusalem believers who met with Peter and the other Apostles after Jesus ascended into Heaven. Roman Catholic monks preserved and copied ancient scriptures and texts with devotion and accuracy for centuries.
Many believers choose to rely only on the Bible for rules and guidance. These people might find the freedom they want in a fellowship with no denominational structure and doctrine. Such believers must find a gathering that they feel is worshiping 'in Spirit and in truth'. Such congregations usually have a pastor and elders who decide matters for the group, often with input and prayers from all.
These more independent churches have their own structure, often in the charismatic mode. They have enthusiastic worship, with praise singers and musicians and the words of the songs shown on screens in front of the congregation. They often advertise Bible-based, spirit-filled worship and teaching, and the ministers rely on divine inspiration as well as scriptural teaching for their messages 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 organizations that set the doctrine, or system of belief, for their member congregations. They issue by-laws, support training schools for ministers, approve the order of worship, and may own the physical property of their member congregations - buildings and land. They usually sponsor hymnals and even translations of Scripture, and may have periodicals and newsletters to keep members informed of events and decisions that affect them all.
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.
Sometimes groups are sorted simply as either Catholic or protestant, referring to the original reformation started by Martin Luther. All Christian gatherings stem from 'two or more' believers gathering together, starting with the Jerusalem believers who met with Peter and the other Apostles after Jesus ascended into Heaven. Roman Catholic monks preserved and copied ancient scriptures and texts with devotion and accuracy for centuries.
Many believers choose to rely only on the Bible for rules and guidance. These people might find the freedom they want in a fellowship with no denominational structure and doctrine. Such believers must find a gathering that they feel is worshiping 'in Spirit and in truth'. Such congregations usually have a pastor and elders who decide matters for the group, often with input and prayers from all.
These more independent churches have their own structure, often in the charismatic mode. They have enthusiastic worship, with praise singers and musicians and the words of the songs shown on screens in front of the congregation. They often advertise Bible-based, spirit-filled worship and teaching, and the ministers rely on divine inspiration as well as scriptural teaching for their messages 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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