Have you heard of some churches calling themselves “non-denominational”? What does that mean? Is that a good thing—i.e., does it mean that they are not a man-made organization? How should we respond to the terminology of a “non-denominational church”? Is it Scriptural?
First of all, we need to understand that some individuals (and some groups) are going to have different ideas and definitions of what “non-denominational” means. Most, in the denominational world, seem to define “non-denominational church” as a church which is not formally connected to a larger denomination (like Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.). This simply means that they have exercised some independence in forming a “new church” of their own. When men become dissatisfied with the beliefs and practices of their own denomination, they often will break away and start a “new church” (i.e., denomination, having divided from another) with an emphasis on beliefs and practices that are important to them. It is actually a new denomination.
From personal experience, “non-denominational” is a term that is often used to not express complete separation from denominational groups (with their beliefs and practices) but rather to emphasize a “multi-denominational” approach. Many of the so-called “non-denominational” groups are in reality a conglomeration of various denominational folks who have joined together to be more accepting of all peoples and less dogmatic about particular beliefs and practices.
Why does any of this matter? Sometimes the Lord’s church is referred to (even by members of the church) as a “non-denominational church.” As that term is used in today’s society, it cannot and must not be used to apply to the Lord’s church! The church of Christ is not a denomination! And, the church is not “non-denominational,” for all “non-denominational churches” today have been established by and ordered by man-made doctrines.
The church of Christ is the church that Christ established in the New Testament. There are no man-made doctrines or traditions to which it holds; there are no religious headquarters to which it answers! The Lord’s church has no connection at all to anything denominational, as it was established by Christ hundreds of years before any man-made denomination ever existed.
“The church” is from Christ. “Denominations” (even ones that call themselves “non-denominational”) are from man. Let us determine to call Bible things (like the church) by Bible names, and to do Bible things in Bible ways. If we will do that, then there should not be any confusion regarding man-derived terminology, beliefs, practices and organizations.