Nondenominational

The idea of nondenominationalism appeals to rugged individualism, the “I can do anything by myself” mentality that pushes settlers, explorers and entrepreneurs. Indeed, nondenominationalism in its purest form seems to appeal to the entrepreneur and the independent person who do not appreciate the confines of seemingly less-than-dynamic denominational bureaucracy, thinking and control.

The Meaning of Nondenominational

Nondenominational is a label that can be attached to both churches and parachurch organizations. Both these types of ecclesiastical organizations can be unaffiliated with any larger formal expression of their particular organization’s purpose, values and mission. Thus, such well-known parachurch organizations as Young Life, Youth for Christ, Youth with a Mission, Campus Crusade for Christ, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and others are not attached to any denomination. They serve interdenominationally and cross-denominationally. There are a number of Christian elementary and secondary schools, colleges, Bible colleges and theological seminaries that have the same unaffiliated character. Schools like Wheaton College, Gordon College, Westmont College, Moody Bible Institute and seminaries such as Yale Divinity School, Harvard Divinity School, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary all are intentionally nondenominational. The usual preference in many of these organizations is to call themselves multidenominational or interdenominational. Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, has adopted the term transdenominational. One must note that many so-called denominational colleges and seminaries owe their financial existence to the fact that a great number of their students come from outside of the sponsoring denomination.

Many presidents of schools and seminaries like to downplay their independence. They will cite the number of denominations represented in their school and the number of graduates serving in denominational settings. The truth, however, is that no matter how many of their students come from denominational backgrounds, the schools themselves do not answer to any of those external ecclesiastical authorities. They are quite independent of any denominational hierarchy. To be sure, each school has its own internal hierarchy, but that is the extent of such a hierarchy. Except as required by law and accrediting agencies, they answer to no one outside of the school’s formal structures.

Local churches are also found in the nondenominational camp. This means that they are unaffiliated with any sort of denomination. They are often called independent or unaligned or unaffiliated. Whatever the adjective, the fact remains that these churches, like their nondenominational schools, are unattached to any other ecclesiastical authority. They are independent of all external ecclesiastical law and regulations, and, more importantly, they are laws and regulations to themselves alone. Each church is its own hierarchy: pastor and/or official board and church congregation. These churches report to no one outside of their own local structure, although some churches do belong to more or less loosely organized fellowships of like-minded churches and parachurch organizations.

Some Valued Characteristics

Nondenominationalists have several shared characteristics. First, they are independent and unaffiliated with external, controlling, governing bodies. They value the independence that such an unaligned relationship provides. They like the idea that their own official board sets policies, governs and administers without interference from some office at central headquarters. They also like the idea that whatever funds they raise will all go to the individual organization; no assessment is paid to the central office. They value highly their independence.

Second, their independence can allow for faster decision-making and changes when these are called for. Reports do not have to be sent to headquarters to be studied, analyzed and questioned by people who are far removed from the nitty-gritty of the local situation. Thus, there is freedom to move and act as Spirit-directed people and not be hedged in by the countless committees, chairpeople, books of order, rules and regulations that a denomination often imposes upon its members. This freedom to act quickly is relished by nondenominational people.

Third, nondenominational pastors and leaders can move from one church or parachurch organization and even, on certain occasions, into and out of denominational organizations without the hassle of bureaucratic hurdles. Nondenominational leaders are free to be led by the Spirit rather than depend on the machinations of organizational leadership and the entangled webs of their bureaucracies.

Therefore, the major characteristic of nondenominationalism is freedom: freedom from external organizational restraints and perceived impediments to desired goals and program developments.

Some Common Difficulties

There are also some major difficulties with nondenominationalism. One is that the very independence that is so welcomed can lead to isolation from fellowship. Leaders, including pastors, churches and parachurch organizations, can exist in a state of more or less isolation, separated from many of their Christian brothers and sisters outside of their particular organization. Before one decides to become a committed nondenominationalist, one must count the cost of being more or less alone through much of one’s life of ministry.

Second, nondenominationalism can produce a mentality that is closed to further input that differs from one’s own preconceived ideas. Nondenominationalists can fall into the trap that they alone have truth and know how best to minister. This mentality cuts off fellowship and critical interaction with those who differ even a little from them and makes nondenominationalists interact only with themselves. The richness of the body of Christ is neglected because of the isolation from the broader contacts that a denomination can provide. Nondenominationalists need to be aware of and take steps to avoid being closed-minded and isolated.

Third, paid leaders—for example, pastors, presidents of organizations and other staff—are often neglected when it comes to salary, health benefits, vacation time, study leave, outside speaking engagements, retirement and other such financial matters. Denominations usually have at least minimum criteria regarding these business items. Nondenominational organizations do what is right in their own eyes. All the problems, and the blessings, of the book of Judges come to the forefront here. Some nondenominational organizations take very good care of their employed staff. Other organizations seek to maximize the work and minimize the remuneration. Sometimes difficult questions have to be asked to ascertain how a nondenominational organization views its paid leaders and staff.

Fourth, nondenominational organizations usually are lax in defining how to terminate a person from the paid staff (see Firing). Sometimes a pastor will find that he or she has been fired with just a few weeks’ or sometimes just a few minutes’ notice! Protection from the vicissitudes of the assembled corporation is necessary before a person becomes a member of such an organization.

With these four caveats in mind, the independent, entrepreneurial, freedom-loving person can join a nondenominational organization and make a major impact for Christ and his kingdom.

» See also: Denominations

» See also: Networking

» See also: Organization

» See also: Structures, Church

—John M. Dettoni