At Ask Me Help Desk you can ask questions in any topic and have them
answered for free by our experts. To ask questions or participate in
answering them you must register for a free account. By registering you
will be able to:
Get free answers from experts in any of our 300+
topics.
I, also, would not use the word "criticize", however I do have 1.5 cents worth.
I do not believe that there is any such thing as "non-denominational". Any group calling itself such is actually not unlike any number of other "protestant" churches/movements.
Show me the doctrines, mission, manual or creed of a group calling itself "non-denominational" and I'll show you a "denomination" with the same beliefs.
Non-denominational simply means that we are not subject to a governing body outside of our local church leadership. We have doctrine, mission statements etc. Our head pastor is the decision maker, not some outside entity. We are under the authority of the Holy Spirit.
Can't speak for any other church, just how ours works.
I want to know: What are the criticisms of non-denominational churches and/or movements?
Daily I study with a Chapel that is completely independent; therefore they are not affiliated with any other church, denomination or group. The statement of faith this Chapel provide meets with the Word of God.
Because they teach YHVH ("I Am That I Am" and Hebrew for the Sacred Name of God), Yahshua (Hebrew for God's Saviour Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. When you speak the Truth it is the Holy Spirit manifesting Himself through you. I personally believe God has directed my path to this Chapel in an answer to my prayers. For I did seek to find answers, and did find them one early morning after prayer devotion in my home. There on TV was the Chapel's boardcast 6:00 a.m..
This Chapel studys God's Word in a unique verse by verse, chapter by chapter and Book by Book methodology. They don't leave anything out. They hold Bible classes on a college level which are freely available to all.
These classes and study have made a huge difference in my life. I thank God for this messenger, The Shepherds Chapel. I know the reality of God and all His blessings.
I want to know: What are the criticisms of non-denominational churches and/or movements?
To be fair, I don't think that one can provide a response to such a braod question. Non-denominational churches come in all sorts of variety from the very good and very sound, to the completely heretical and indeed dangerous. Some denominations claim to be nondenominational also (Church of Christ for example) - do you include those denominations as non-denominational?
To get an answer which does not unfairly lump in sound churches with the unsound, I think that you would need to be more specific in the scope of your question.
I do not believe that there is any such thing as "non-denominational".
I disagree. None of the 1st century churches belonged to a denomination.
Quote:
Any group calling itself such is actually not unlike any number of other "protestant" churches/movements.
Just because a church believes similar things to a denomination does not mean that they are under the same structure or leadership as the denomination, nor would they be affected by subsequent changes that affect a denomination.
Not all non-denominational churches are protestant or affiliated with Catholic denominations.
Tj3 I would agree, just as it was true when asked how scripture alone could be enough when scripture says the Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth. That was difficult because which church is sound and unsound? Which church teaches Truth and which one does not? We know Christ is not a structure but Chirst is the Temple. He is not a day but Christ is the Sabbath. My heart would tell me Christ is the Master, He is the Rock, Christ is All.
So like many discussion to be fair, as Tj3 pointed out, which does not unfairly lump in sound churches with the unsound churches.
My opinion and heart says be wise like the 3 wisemen and follow the "Star" of David.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself. John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning "star."
Linear Mode
