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Post by goodtyme on Jul 13, 2010 16:20:26 GMT -5
How important is your denomination to you? Currently, my family and I are looking for a church home. I grew up Baptist and my husband didn't grow up Christian. When he converted (about 15 yrs ago) he began attending a Baptist church. Recently we attended an AMEZ church and both enjoyed it. My issue came during the reading the church doctrine, specifically the Apostle's Creed ("...we believe in the Holiness of the Catholic Church.") Honestly, I feel some kinda way about that. I'm not sure if I agree, but everything else in the service was on point. I enjoyed the service and the people. Also, I have two kids and any place of worship I choose they would grow up in.
So.....do I attend the church and just not read that part aloud and let the kids grow up there or continue searching....
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jul 13, 2010 16:40:48 GMT -5
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Post by goodtyme on Jul 13, 2010 17:08:49 GMT -5
I've attended a few non-denominational churches, but in my area they tend to be mega churches which aren't a good fit for me. Finding a church home is tough.  |
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dhype
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Post by dhype on Jul 13, 2010 20:54:32 GMT -5
I'm personally not into denominations. They are just one more barrier that separates ppl seeking the same God. A good place to look for smaller non-denominational churches are to look for ones who meet in community centers, colleges, and other public places. They tend to be non-denom
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Post by DamieQue™ on Jul 14, 2010 11:03:16 GMT -5
I'm going to ask what might appear to be a stupid question (really there are no stupid questions, just stupid people who don't understand that the question isn't stupid  ) but:
Isn't non-denominational - for all intents and purposes a denomination onto itself?
Help Damie out... what makes a non-denomination, a non-denomination?
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dhype
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Post by dhype on Jul 14, 2010 13:40:09 GMT -5
Damie, In concept you are right but I thinks its more to it than that. I think the Non-Denominational Church is the denomination to end denominations. We now live in a society where Denominations are no longer necessary and IMO this is highlighted in todays ND Church. I think eventually they will all combine again just as it was created.
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Post by Chal™ on Jul 14, 2010 16:00:40 GMT -5
there is no way all denominations can be combined. there are too many major differences to ever come to an agreement on what is what
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Post by frozenmenace on Jul 14, 2010 16:08:37 GMT -5
My issue came during the reading the church doctrine, specifically the Apostle's Creed ("...we believe in the Holiness of the Catholic Church.") The word catholic is derived from the Greek adjective katholikos which means "universal". When we say "we believe in the holiness of the CATHOLIC CHURCH", we are not speaking of the Catholic denomination...we are speaking of believing in the holiness of the WHOLE Christian Church. It is a broad reference to the entire Christian Church and all those who believe in Jesus Christ across the world and throughout time, regardless of what their specific denomination may be. I hope this helps! By the way, I am a Baptist and we say that in our church creed as well. |
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Post by frozenmenace on Jul 14, 2010 16:25:43 GMT -5
I'm going to ask what might appear to be a stupid question (really there are no stupid questions, just stupid people who don't understand that the question isn't stupid ) but:
Isn't non-denominational - for all intents and purposes a denomination onto itself?
Help Damie out... what makes a non-denomination, a non-denomination? Actually, there are a number of "non-denominational" churches that actually follow the doctrines of specific denominations, but they claim to be "non-denominational" in order to draw more members. A number of people are beginning to move away from denominations, so a number of churches are beginning to camouflage the fact that they are Baptist, Methodist, Holiness, etc. The way to find out what type of church it really is is to find out the background of the Pastor. There is a non-denominational church down the street from me that a number of people have joined, but the Pastor is from a Baptist background and it is basically a Baptist church. The same is true for the college I attended in undergrad. It's name since it was founded was the Baptist College at Charleston. In an effort to draw more students of more diverse backgrounds, the name was changed to Charleston Southern University. The enrollment rose due to the name change, but the school is still run by the Southern Baptist Convention. |
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Post by dhype on Jul 14, 2010 23:09:17 GMT -5
there is no way all denominations can be combined. there are too many major differences to ever come to an agreement on what is what With the separation between church and state and its implementation into everyday life, Its more possible than ever. Traditionally, the church presided over more aspects of life but now since people have transitioned into separating church life from life in general, the major issues that separated the denominations are no longer issues bc they are being handled outside of church, giving the church more freedom to take a neutral stance on most issues and attract more members by doing so. |
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Post by denounced on Jul 15, 2010 12:26:39 GMT -5
there is no way all denominations can be combined. there are too many major differences to ever come to an agreement on what is what With the separation between church and state and its implementation into everyday life, Its more possible than ever. Traditionally, the church presided over more aspects of life but now since people have transitioned into separating church life from life in general, the major issues that separated the denominations are no longer issues bc they are being handled outside of church, giving the church more freedom to take a neutral stance on most issues and attract more members by doing so. Actually since the church/Christians have been duped into this false sense of separation of church and state things have changed. And by the way, there is no such thing as a neutral stance. You may straddle the fence, or ignore doctrinal issues, but there is no neutrality. |
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Post by frozenmenace on Jul 15, 2010 12:37:02 GMT -5
With the separation between church and state and its implementation into everyday life, Its more possible than ever. Traditionally, the church presided over more aspects of life but now since people have transitioned into separating church life from life in general, the major issues that separated the denominations are no longer issues bc they are being handled outside of church, giving the church more freedom to take a neutral stance on most issues and attract more members by doing so. Actually since the church/Christians have been duped into this false sense of separation of church and state things have changed. And by the way, there is no such thing as a neutral stance. You may straddle the fence, or ignore doctrinal issues, but there is no neutrality. I agree with you on this one. It's basically impossible to separate church and state when the people making the laws and voting on them are doing so based on their religious beliefs. |
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Post by Chal™ on Jul 15, 2010 14:40:09 GMT -5
right, so again i say there is no way all denominations can be combined. there are too many major differences to ever come to an agreement on what is what
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Post by Cambist on Jul 16, 2010 6:55:13 GMT -5
I've found that non-denominaitonal churches are Baptist, COGIC, UMethodist, AME, etc...churches where the pastor didn't want to follow or be subject to a system.
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Post by kingdelta on Jul 19, 2010 14:38:13 GMT -5
I changed denominations when I got married. Grew up Baptist and am now CME. As long as the gospel is being preached it's not that important to me. Most denominations are the same; somebody got mad and started their own church cause the ladies were wearing lipstick!
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Post by **Dea** on Jul 20, 2010 5:47:23 GMT -5
LMAO @ KD!
I profess to be non-denom. This is simply because I don't do well with separation...but that's a related topic that I just don't feel like talking about right now. When I'm home in StL I attend what I consider my "church-home" which is a baptist church. I was born again and baptised in the MS River and I will never turn my back on that. BUT, in the same breath, I don't consider attending other denominational churches turning my back on my personal process. I personally believe the reason for religion is to have some sort of life structure. For Christians, there is the striving to be more Christ-like. Jesus the Christ was indeed baptised. Thus my reasons for being baptised. Now, here in N.O. I attend a Catholic church. For the reasons Frozen said, I have no problem reciting that part of the creed. But in direct regards to Catholisism, I do not agree with some things they do. But being a person that uses her God given "free will" often...I don't agree with alot of things from alot of churches and/or denominations. But I would like to tell myself that God isn't offended at me picking thru this "man made religious salad" in front of me....
I believe I get this thinking from my church home.While the sign on the front of the building says MBC....we aren't your typical Baptist church. For instance, we do not believe in speaking in tongues, we do not have a praise dance team, and we aint got no Building Fund (LOL!!). But more seriously, we Baptise ONCE a year. The 3rd Sun in Aug...every year...we go to the river and everyone Born Again under that year (Aug-Aug) is a candidate for baptism. After that wonderous occasion we have an Afternoon Service bka "Right Hand of Fellowship".....where we all partake in our yearly communion (yes, this is the only time we do this) and greet the new members of our church. This day brings in more ppl than Christmas and Easter sometimes. lol We sing hymns...and we shout...but we DO NOT DANCE! Yall know what I'm talking about! Aint nobody "running laps for Jesus" up in my church! (yea, I actually witnessed this at a church I had to sing at a while back)
But yeah, I believe we hang too much on denomination.
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Post by sista on Aug 17, 2010 22:45:36 GMT -5
I'm non-denominational.... I would only change for marriage.. My God is still My God no matter what "house" I'm in. My mother changed for my father...not a big deal to her or my grandmother.
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Post by godfirstmelast on Aug 20, 2010 13:42:19 GMT -5
For me, it depends on what I'm changing to - I'm non-denominational as well, but I can stick to most denominations that profess Jesus as the Christ and Savior of sin, that profess God the Father, and profess the Holy Spirit. One exception: I don't get down with all the "saints" that fall in line with Catholicism...
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BLAC-A-MUS PRYME
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Post by BLAC-A-MUS PRYME on Jan 22, 2011 13:18:51 GMT -5
** BUMP **
Before my conversion to Islam, I went to an ND church. My mother was raised a Baptist and my father was raised an Episcopalian. Both in their rightful respects have different thoughts on matters of Christianity. My thoughts were if we are to be Christians, we have to be "Christ-like" as the definition states. Apparently the perspectives of such a description are general and broad. And the different divisions of Christianity try to make their on approach to the mission to be Christians. IMO, to be Christian is not to follow a doctrine or rites, but to strive to live in the example of God, through his messenger, Jesus!
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) but:
I will honor and defend..