"Non" is not "none" and none is not "no."
What does that mean!?
The other day my son came home from school and said that he'd mentioned to a classmate (at his Lutheran run Christian Middle-School), that his mother the Pastor was not a Lutheran, but non-denominational. She had no idea what that meant and he seemed to not have a clear idea as to how to explain it.
And of course, I got to thinking - maybe there are others (many, many others) who don't know what "non-denominational" means either.
Let me first say, that there does seem to be a generally dismissive regard for any congregation that is non-denominational. It's as if some Christians who belong to denominations feel as though the definition of the phrase "non-denominational" is equal to meaning: despicable, deceptive, deficient of Truth or just plain Democratic.
You see, I have been disregarded as even being a legitimate pastor when I say our congregation is "non-denominational." I know first hand why Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church in Singapore, tells his people not to even answer the question with any thing other than "Bible Believing" or "Jesus loving!"
But let's look at the reason people ask in the first place... if they can identify which denomination your church belongs to, they can easily assume what you believe - beyond simply "the Bible" or that "Jesus is Lord."
This gives us a clue as to the definition of "denomination" and thereby, leads us in the direction of finding a definition of "non-denominational." Technically, the definition of a "Denomination" is an organization of Christians and churches who ascribe to the same belief system or structure.
In other words, Lutherans are Lutherans because they believe in the structure and teachings outlined and designated by the Lutheran church founders and it's governing board.
- It's the same with Protestants,
- and Catholics,
- and Pentecostals,
- and Baptists (Southern and Missionary),
- and Mormons,
- and Methodists,
- the Foursquare Church,
- the Church of God in Christ,
- and so many, many more!
But what one person gravitates to out of like-mindedness, is the same thing another person will reject because they disagree with it or don't understand it.
Therefore, those who are a part of one denomination, generally reject, exclude and do not believe that which another denomination does. So as much as there is sameness and inclusion in a denomination, there is, by that same token, an almost equal amount of exclusion and disbelief. And sometimes, that exclusion and disbelief will breed disdain and even discrimination. It has even been the cause of deaths: just ask the Catholics and the Protestants.
Now I have to say, Universalists have created a denomination that includes everything. Their congregational structure and beliefs are based upon picking and choosing what they want to believe from many different denominations and religions, while promoting themselves as being all-inclusive, and rejecting, eliminating and excluding truths (generally only from Christianity) that they do not believe in or accept.
Therefore, a church that is non-denominational is one that does not function under a system of belief that fits a pre-described "religious" mold or belief structure of any one denomination in order to govern it's teachings or day to day organizational structure.
- That does not mean that there is no structure.
- That does not mean there is no organization.
- That does not mean there are no biblical systems of truth.
- And that certainly does not mean there is no governing body.
Like I said, "non" is not none, and none is not no.
But what non-denominational is - and should always be - is a church organization that is inclusive of the whole word of God, governed by uncompromised biblical truths and lead by the Spirit of the Most High God, with a board or hierarchy of leadership that provides accountability and assures adherence to those practices.
That's The House of His Glory!
- We believe what some denominations believe,
- and some of what they don't.
- We believe what some denominations believe,
- but don't believe some of what they do.
- Simply put, if it's in the Word of God,
- then we believe it's true!
Non isn't none - it's ALL... of the Word of God
And none isn't no - it's ALL... of the promises of God and they are "yes."
(2 Corinthians 1:20)
- We say: yes to healing; yes to deliverance; yes to the gifts of the Spirit; yes to biblical prosperity; yes to speaking in tongues; yes to Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers and, yes to women in any of those offices.
- We say yes to Salvation; yes to Righteousness; yes to Faith; yes to Grace; yes to Glory; yes to Power; yes to Jesus, yes to the Fruit of the Spirit and yes to the Kingdom of God.
Non-Denominational isn't none or no - it's yes to Truth!
Wishing you power, love & peace in Jesus Christ,
~Pastor D
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