Articles
On Non-Denominational Churches
For years, preachers who have emphasized following the New Testament pattern for the church have spoken loudly against denominationalism. Rightly so, for denominations (as an organization model) are not found in the Bible. Christianity today, however, is witnessing a significant shift of which we must be aware. Church-goers are renouncing traditional denominational identities and flocking to community, non-denominational churches; in fact, 15 of the 25 largest mega-churches in the US are not identified with a specific denomination.
On the surface, this may appear to be a step in the right direction. To the extent that people are seeking to be more committed to Jesus instead of a religious institution, family tradition, or a mindless set of doctrines, this is a good thing. But, while correcting some problems, this shift perpetuates others. Many of the same doctrines, practices, and structures which have thrived under denominations since the Reformation have simply been carried over and revived under a new label.
To be specific, many non-denominational churches still promote Calvinism, utilize instrumental music in worship, sponsor numerous social ministries, and oversee affiliated campuses across cities or entire countries—all of which are foreign to God’s pattern. Dressing up the marketing of false doctrine and practice does not change its true nature; error is error, regardless of how it is packaged.
This shift is significant in that it ought to inform the way we teach and preach. The root problem is not denominationalism itself, but ignorance or rejection of God’s plan for the church revealed in the New Testament. This is how denominations began, after all. Anymore, speaking about the “denominational world” is insufficient to expose error; now, we must address the specific issues which mark a church as deviating from God’s pattern, whether they be related to its organization, doctrine, worship, or function.
I once was asked by a fellow Christian, “We say we’re not a denomination. A friend of mine worships with a non-denominational church. What’s the difference? Does it really matter?” My response, “The most important question is not, ‘Is this church a denomination?’ but ‘Is this church seeking God’s pattern?’” Indeed, this question applies not just to other churches in our area, but to our very own.
“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thess. 5:21-22, NASB)
