Non-denominational or not? (Earth, Messiah, churches, bible, worship)

[Ringer]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

I gotta ask, what's so wrong with a pluralistic system of worship if it's teaching peace, and not to hate another denomination?

First off, I'd just say sorry for the bad experiences. Seems crazy that such churches like that exist but apparently they do. Anyway, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a pluralistic system that advocates world peace, educations, etc..

But I just don't see how Buddhist, Muslims, Christians, Athiests, Pagans, and other religions, can worship God in a unified manner. They are all doctrinally different and even though you may have many different denominations within Christianity, at least the core content should be the same (ie. saved by grace through faith). Jesus' teachings about the way to eternal life were exclusivistic.

Jesus might say: You don't get to the Father (eternal life) through Buddha, Mohammed, the many Hindu gods, fertility goddesses, or your own merit. You get it through me.

So I believe that mankind regardless of your belief system can fight for peace, world hunger, AIDS prevention, and other world issues, but I think that's where the line stops and once you step into the realm of religion is when serious questions need to start being asked. Hopefully I touched on the what you were looking for. If not, sorry

[I Panicked! At the Disco]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

Nope...

I don't see it like that at all.

Some non-denominational churches are trying to become JUST like the first church. Rather than re-invent, we are trying hard to simply restore.

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Yep...non-denominational means non-denominational. We're just plain old Christians, no additives included.

[Snow_Owl]

I guess by technical interpetation non-denominational is a denomination in the sense of a category (i.e. "other") you know?

Well anyways I'm personally non-denominational, that is, I don't belong to a former church anymore. I'm looking for a new one on occasion but I havn't found one that I really enjoy, but my search is a long way from done.

Sometimes if you ask me a church being "nondenominational" could be a weasel term used to attract more members but a lot of the churches I attended didn't even have a membership which I was much more comfortable with.

[Charity]

Most non-denominational churches that I have ever visited believe basic bible doctrine except they do not wish to answer to a denominational headquarters. All doctrine and rules are made within the church according to their bible belief. Any money they get in offering or tithes stays in the local church and they vote on how the money is to be used. They pay for their own building and utilites, their own maintenance and etc....Where some churches that are in a denomination receive money from their headquarters to help. Also the headquarters in return gets money from the church for missions and etc..... I am not speaking for all of these churches of course, but the local churches that I do know about.....I think some people don't want their church run by someone who doesn't even know the names of the church members....I think it has it's pros and cons...........Also in a denominational church headquarters usually appoint district supervisors, or overseers, who in return appoint a pastor for the churches in their district. In a non-denominational church they would choose a pastor themselves...

[Bishop CT]

As a Non-Denominational ordained minister/bishop, I can tell you why I became such. Having been raised in a particular denomination and, having fellowship with other denominations. There are similarities in most of them and, any religion has man made morays, customs that are incorporated in their worship practices. These practices then became part of the religion and then later perceived as the "gospel truth" of the religion itself.

As a non-denominational minister/bishop, I seek to follow Christ. I seek to do what I feel that God has called me to do (vocation) and, practice that via the ministry. I am not caught up in the morays and or customs of organized, denominational religion. The bottomline is I have no Heaven or Hell to put anyone in. I can not judge lest I be judged. Therefore I am seeking, searching more light, as I walk in light so that I can live in enternal light.

Peace.. family-of-faith