The interdenominational church, also known as the non-denominational church or institution, are organizations that do not formally align themselves with established religious denominations. There is, however, a difference between non-denominational churches or organizations and interdenominational groups. The difference is explained below.
Churches that are non-denominational usually remain autonomous, but this autonomy does not exclude identifiable standards among those congregations. A non-denominational church may lean toward a belief system by name, for instance. Or they may define themselves by mutual recognition or accountability to other congregations and leaders through policy, doctrine and worship.
With that said, established denominations differ from non-denominational organizations either through policy or theology. As a congregation differs over religious or political beliefs, in many cases, a non-denominational church may be established from a break with that established church. However, non-denominational church congregations consider their beliefs as “Christian” for the most part.
The non-denominational church or organization is basically the same as the interdenominational church or organization. One common belief among interdenominational organizations, however, is the idea that, by being open to all denominations, the church or organization transcends the non-denominational church or organization. Founded on the belief that it is possible to transcend the denominational affiliation by bringing together Christians with differing belief systems and allegiances is one reason why interdenominational churches often are known as “transdenominational.”
The transdenominational belief system is founded upon “primary” and “secondary” issues in the subject of faith.
1. Primary Issues: Issues about which there can be no argument, such as the primary belief of Jesus as the son of God, the Trinity, the Bible as the Word of God, and so forth. 2. Secondary Issues: These issues are not central to Christian belief and are subject to compromise.
Interdenominational churches often are Protestant or evangelical in nature. Some interdenominational churches refer to themselves as “united” or “uniting” churches and this term may also apply to a parachurch organization. The parachurch organization is Christian, faith-based, and works outside of and across denominations to engage in social welfare programs and evangelism.
The interdenominational church or organization relies on ecumenism in most cases, which mainly refers to initiatives aimed at greater religious unity or cooperation. Boundaries that separate denominations created by differences in doctrine, history and practice often use these terms to cross over those boundaries. Hope might lie in a single Christian Church, but most practitioners within an interdenominational organization may realize that the differences at times may be too difficult to manage without some form of compromise among involved parties.
There are no ‘official’ Web sites for an interdenominational organization, as it becomes apparent that many interdenominational churches have taken on a place name, a religious belief system or other polity that defines a leaning within that church with a Web search for “interdenominational church.” Some churches are Pentecostal (belief in speaking in tongues, foot washing, etc.), and some lean toward more conservative practices. Many interdependent churches, however, are Bible churches, taking the Word of God literally with a belief in the Trinity, in the deity of Jesus Christ, the fall and redemption of mankind, the Resurrection, baptism by immersion, the Resurrection and evangelism.
In conclusion, interdenominational churches believe that minor issues of difference among denominations are of no importance and that such issues are not a good reason to be divisive or to leave a church. On the other hand, issues that are considered imperative for spiritual health and well being are primary issues that call for a stand to uphold the Bible and to believe in its tenets. This latter belief is reason to leave a congregation and to form an organization that differs in theology but, perhaps, not in politics.
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