Ecumenism or Non-denominationalism

[OtherCheek]

A new PEW study on religion (I love these studies), indicates a rise in non-denomination churches, and a drop in denominational ones.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/...end?source=rss

Which do you think is better for Christianity's future as a whole: Trending toward Ecumenism or Non-denominationalism? Or does it even matter to you.

[Jedidiah]

I don't see that it has any bearing on Christianity's future.

[Cow Poke]

A new PEW study on religion (I love these studies), indicates a rise in non-denomination churches, and a drop in denominational ones.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/...end?source=rss

Which do you think is better for Christianity's future as a whole: Trending toward Ecumenism or Non-denominationalism? Or does it even matter to you.

Jesus.

[RBerman]

Depends on what kind of ecumenism you mean. If you mean Christians working with each other across denominational bounds, I'm all for it. If you mean Christians thinking that JWs and Mormons belong to Christian denominations, not so much. As for non-denominationalism, that's just a way of saying "independent baptist churches." Not my personal cup of tea, but certainly better than unbelief. I rejoice whenever the gospel is preached.

[Cow Poke]

Depends on what kind of ecumenism you mean. If you mean Christians working with each other across denominational bounds, I'm all for it. If you mean Christians thinking that JWs and Mormons belong to Christian denominations, not so much.

Amen.

As for non-denominationalism, that's just a way of saying "independent baptist churches." Not my personal cup of tea, but certainly better than unbelief. I rejoice whenever the gospel is preached.

Now hold on, there, RB! I CAME from Independent Baptist Churches many years ago -- in MY neck of the woods, "non-denominational" means "charismatic" or "borderline-charismatic". Independent Baptist Churches are, in my experience, downright fundamentalist.

[KingsGambit]

If I'm looking for just a new church in an unfamiliar area, I freely admit I'll probably look to a denominationally affiliated one first because you more or less know what you're getting.

[Phat8594]

As for non-denominationalism, that's just a way of saying "independent baptist churches." Not my personal cup of tea, but certainly better than unbelief.

Now hold on RB... some "non-denominational" churches, and at least the ones I have been involved in, really hold more to "in the essentials, unity; in the non-essentials, liberty; and in everything, charity" mind set. Meaning, they hold firm to the belief that we shouldn't let the small stuff divide us. Of course, we could argue all day what actually IS a "division".

I just wanted to let you know, that at least out here in CA, non-denominational has more to do with allowing freedom of belief about non-essential doctrine than with being an independent baptist church....granted different non-denoms will often have different flavors...

[Phat8594]

If I'm looking for just a new church in an unfamiliar area, I freely admit I'll probably look to a denominationally affiliated one first because you more or less know what you're getting.

Well, ironically enough, there are actually groups of "non-denominational" churches who actually stick together as a fellowship of churches. One example might be the Calvary Chapel group of churches: http://calvarychapel.com/

[Cow Poke]

Well, ironically enough, there are actually groups of "non-denominational" churches who actually stick together as a fellowship of churches. One example might be the Calvary Chapel group of churches: http://calvarychapel.com/

And, ironically enough, the "Independent Baptist Churches" are also often in "associations" or "fellowships", and are not so "Independent" after all.

[Jedidiah]

"Independent Baptist Churches" are not the same as independent baptist churches. In Alaska many nondenominational churches are essentially baptist in their theology. They are just not part or any denomination. I suspect that this would vary in different places.

[Cow Poke]

"Independent Baptist Churches" are not the same as independent baptist churches. In Alaska many nondenominational churches are essentially baptist in their theology. They are just not part or any denomination. I suspect that this would vary in different places.

Same is true with a lot of "Bible Churches" here in Texas. When the Southern Baptist Convention was going through a schism of liberal vs. conservative in the early 80's, many churches split off and became "Bible Churches". I know a number of these Churches who have come back to the Conservative group of Southern Baptist Churches. (Texas has two state conventions - the "Southern Baptists of Texas" (of which I have been part since the early 80's) and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which is, in essence, the "liberal" group. But, through this all, I don't know of ANY of these Churches that were not preaching Jesus, and Him crucified, buried and risen again.)

[RBerman]

Now hold on RB... some "non-denominational" churches, and at least the ones I have been involved in, really hold more to "in the essentials, unity; in the non-essentials, liberty; and in everything, charity" mind set. Meaning, they hold firm to the belief that we shouldn't let the small stuff divide us. Of course, we could argue all day what actually IS a "division". I just wanted to let you know, that at least out here in CA, non-denominational has more to do with allowing freedom of belief about non-essential doctrine than with being an independent baptist church....granted different non-denoms will often have different flavors...

So if I went to one of those "non-denominational" churches and asked the pastor to provide my infant with covenant baptism, what would he say?

[RBerman]

Well, ironically enough, there are actually groups of "non-denominational" churches who actually stick together as a fellowship of churches. One example might be the Calvary Chapel group of churches: http://calvarychapel.com/

Calvary Chapel is a denomination, and from what I hear a very top-down (episcopal) one at that, but I haven't looked into that latter detail much.

[Catholicity]

In Alaska many nondenominational churches are essentially baptist in their theology. They are just not part or any denomination. I suspect that this would vary in different places.

It doesn't vary much in North Carolina either

Same is true with a lot of "Bible Churches" here in Texas.

Ditto with the Bible church thing we've gottem too TRANSPLANTS

So if I went to one of those "non-denominational" churches and asked the pastor to provide my infant with covenant baptism, what would he say?

You have to be rebaptized by immersion otherwise its invalid

To the OP...I vote catholic.....

[Phat8594]

So if I went to one of those "non-denominational" churches and asked the pastor to provide my infant with covenant baptism, what would he say?

Depends on what particular church you went to I guess. But the ones I have been to, the pastor would probably oblige but explain to you that baptism is not what saves someone....lest we be saved by works.

Calvary Chapel is a denomination, and from what I hear a very top-down (episcopal) one at that, but I haven't looked into that latter detail much.

Well the one I sent you doesn't consider themselves a denomination, but rather a fellowship of churches (although we could argue that all day). Although they follow a head-pastor model, from what I know, they would hardly say they believe its the right way to do things. Now obviously, the way particular non-denom churches are run and particular doctrines they might emphasize will end of "lining up" with some denominations...but I think the point is accept the fact that these areas are areas of diversity...and thats OK. Does that make sense?

Calvary Chapel (and I think a lot of non-denoms) might hold a view such that they are not opposed to denominations as such, only their over emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ.

Now to be fair, when I was at school in Indiana, I went to a "Calvary Chapel" thinking it was part of the fellowship I sent you in the link.....and boooooy was I wrong! To be honest, my spirit felt VERY uncomfortable there, so I never went back.