There are many non denominational church groups in the United States and other countries of the world. Anywhere that two or more believers gather together fits the biblical definition of a place of worship, and the actual 'church' is the body of believers, the body of Christ in the world. Non-denominational fellowships owe no deference to a central governing body. They set their time for gathering, the way they worship, and the rules the group will follow.
A denomination is a national or international entity that sets forth certain doctrines - belief systems - and procedural rules for the churches under its leadership. They are generally in an advisory capacity but many do have to power to appoint and remove ministers, decide on matters concerning physical property - land and buildings - and change the by-laws if they choose. They also might provide funds, literature, and other support for local groups.
As the times change, denominational fellowships have suffered from internal conflict. The Episcopal denomination is one which has seen splits over doctrine and disputes over physical property in recent years. Congregations which choose to break away from the parent entity sometimes find that their physical house of worship belongs to the governors rather than to the fellowship.
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.
A denomination is a national or international entity that sets forth certain doctrines - belief systems - and procedural rules for the churches under its leadership. They are generally in an advisory capacity but many do have to power to appoint and remove ministers, decide on matters concerning physical property - land and buildings - and change the by-laws if they choose. They also might provide funds, literature, and other support for local groups.
As the times change, denominational fellowships have suffered from internal conflict. The Episcopal denomination is one which has seen splits over doctrine and disputes over physical property in recent years. Congregations which choose to break away from the parent entity sometimes find that their physical house of worship belongs to the governors rather than to the fellowship.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment