Non-Denominational Church
Non-denominational church involves congregations that have no affiliation to any church organizations that are headed at the national level. There have been many divisions in Christianity on the basis of denominations for some centuries now. The departure from the main denominations like Presbyterians, Methodists and Episcopalians has been occurring since the 17th century since the 19th century and has been occurring constantly to date. This movement had not been noticed till the mid 20th century given that a general growth in population appeared to show that mainstay churches were growing while actually their percentage had been dropping[1]. The appearance of this trend seemed to be peaking pace as spiritual Christians starting discarding such kinds of divisions in favor of non-denominational churches that are not supervised at the national level.
After many years of divisions, these Christians deemed it necessary to drift away from denominational separations that had defined their faiths. Such a trend may not be surprising at all, considering a culture that has indicated an increase in tendency towards tolerance and acceptance. The doctrine of the non-denomination churches involves a policy where believers accept other followers from different religious backgrounds[2]. The denomination is majorly attractive to the young believers or parishioners due to the freedom from mainline denominational churches doctrines that are supposed to be strictly adhered to. In addition, with more intercultural and interracial marriages especially between people belong to different religious beliefs, the non-denominational church diversity becomes very attractive to the people who feel uncomfortable in the conventional Christian organizations[3] .Moreover, it is easier to find religious fulfillment in a place where all Christians feel that they are welcome regardless of their denominational affiliations.
In a non-denominational church, there is also freedom for members to focus their teachings and ministry at the local church without being controlled or interfered with by outside authorities. Various indications in the scripture show evidence pointing to every church as being self-governing and were answerable to God directly. The missionary work outlined in the book of Acts shows establishment of various churches and no indication of a hierarchical authority extending beyond the elders of the local church[4]. In the case of the gentiles, the gospel had been preached to them under Paul and Barnabas ministry who were given direct authority by the Holy Spirit. The churches they put up in their earliest journey were to be headed by local elders chosen from their ranks after receiving the teachings by the disciples. Even where a council was organized at Jerusalem, the arising matter was not about organizational structure or control but a discussion on contentious issues of in the gospel like salvation[5]. However, this does not mean that a non-denominational church acts without associating with other denominations or churches but when necessary they can come together for a common purpose.
The New Testament clarifies that there was regular communication among different churches as seen where Paul and other believes sent greetings through letters. These churches were independent and also self-governing but were actually connected in ministry work and fellowship which is an example that should be followed today. The measure of Christianity regardless of denominational affiliations or none is not the organization or name identification but how the Christ followers adhere to scriptural teachings in the word. This forms the doctrines of the non-denominational churches where all teachings or activities should not be checked through a hierarchical structural or authority but against the teachings of the Word. Where the church deviates from the line of true Christianity, the members should patiently and lovingly correct or instruct the local leaders using the Word of God as the basis but not instructions from human authority at the national level. The foundation of Christianity is to involve all the believers without creating divisions based on differences in race, culture or even backgrounds. The non-denominational attracts all humanity to a place where they have freedom to serve others and discard any ideological separations that are not based on true Christianity but on human traditions[6]. Human are bound to err, and a local church receiving instructions from a national and mainstream denomination may read to erring in faith if such directions are not based on truth. Local non-denominational creates an environment where all everyone is at ease to exercise their faith.
The nondenominational church is based on the belief that Christianity was not supposed to be divided into sects. Such divisions cannot be traced in the Bible since salvation belongs to everyone who believes. The church is always supposed to be united in one belief and God, so that different sects and organizational structures that are hierarchical do not appear and enforce strict procedures to be followed by local Christian gatherings across the country. The traditions and procedures introduced in mainstream denominations distract the moral principles and teachings advocated by Christianity thereby end up harming than benefiting the faith .Non-denomination prevent people from following decrees that were held by founders of national churches.
References
Johnstone, Patrick J. St. G. The Future of the Global Church: History, Trends and Possiblities. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2011.68-71
Cole, Allan Hugh. Theology in Service to the Church: Global and Ecumenical Perspectives. 2014. 74-76
Rodgers, Felecia. Is Christ Divided?: A Biblical View of the Local Church-Para Church Anomaly. Bloomington, IN: WestBow Press, 2011.98-101
[1] Johnstone, Patrick J. St. G. The Future of the Global Church: History, Trends and Possiblities. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2011.68-71
[2] Johnstone, Patrick J. St. G. The Future of the Global Church: History, Trends and Possiblities. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2011.68-71
[3] Cole, Allan Hugh. Theology in Service to the Church: Global and Ecumenical Perspectives. 2014. 74-76
[4] Rodgers, Felecia. Is Christ Divided?: A Biblical View of the Local Church-Para Church Anomaly. Bloomington, IN: WestBow Press, 2011.98-101
[5] Rodgers, Felecia. Is Christ Divided?: A Biblical View of the Local Church-Para Church Anomaly. Bloomington, IN: WestBow Press, 2011.98-101
[6] Cole, Allan Hugh. Theology in Service to the Church: Global and Ecumenical Perspectives. 2014. 74-76
