Non-Denominational Churches - Pink Hill,NC

I am from Michigan and I attend a Church of Christ. THe best way I can describe it is we are a New Testament church that goes "back to basics" and worships the way described in the bible. No bands or things to take away from the purpose of going to church, which is to praise and learn about God. It is considered Non-denominational because there is only supposed to be one "type" of church, that is the type that is outlined in the bible.

I would caution you that many churches use the term "non-denominational" as a license to make up their own "rules". Just, please, be sure that the church you chose really does follow the bible. I was once told that if a preacher goes through an entire sermon without multiple references to the bible then he is often stating his opinion on things, not preaching about what God intended for us to know and do.

I am sorry that you felt "burned" by your previous church, but I am glad that you have not allowed that to turn you away from God. Many people have a hard time seeing the difference :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to write back. I will do my best to answer them for you, or find someone who can!

I was in your boat and discovered the Evangelical Covenant Church.
That one can be tricky, since each church is really governed by the body of people that attend it. However I found a body of people that I really enjoy.

Your other option, for truly non-demoninational is the United Church of Christ. There are many, I think you just have to find one that you enjoy and you enjoy the pastor. Takes a little research, in my experience.

After many many years of not going to church and not wanting to go to church (I was raised Catholic), my friend invited me to come to his church which is a nondenominational Chirstian community church. To my surprize I loved it! For the first time in my life I felt like church actually meant something and was helping to bring me closer to God. Everyone there was warm and welcoming, but without any pressure and helped me at the point I was at with my faith without being judgemental or pushy. I reccomend checking out a couple churches until you find someplace you really feel at home. Good luck! I know you will find the right place for you and your family!

I've also heard that the Church of Christ is pretty non-denominational, meaning not tied up in denominational politics and differences of opinion. I have a friend that attends one and we have been considering going with her and her family for just this reason.

BTW, I was brought up Catholic but haven't been pleased with the "preaching politics from the pulpit" thing going on lately, and the same can be said for most other denominational churches these days sadly enough. Politicians shouldn't be interfering in religion (shame on you Nancy Pelosi!) and religious leaders shouldn't be abusing their spiritual leadership to support politicians (shame on you Catholic church!)

Hi Karrissa,

I attended a non-denominational church for a long time and I loved it until some things started happening that were a real turn off. I was a member and served with the choir and the communion committee.

Our pastor was a wonderful and gifted man as was the choir director. The choir had between 80 - 100 singers, many with a LOT of talent. We were considered good enough that we were invited to attend concerts and be backup singers for paid Christian vocalists. Some of the concerts made me feel like we were going TOO commercial and not really singing for the praise of God.

Additionally, last year we lost our pastor because he was having an affair and resigned...That was a real shock. I still miss him. We still keep in touch and his good wife has forgiven him and they stayed together.

Like you I have never lost my faith in God and have daily worship...actually worship and prayer throughout the day. On Sunday I tune in to some of the many TV services..There are a few pretty good ones...lots of pretty bad ones. One just needs to feel a connection with the pastor who is delivering the word.

So I don't have the answer, but I know how you feel.

Blessings.....

I am a Unitarian Universalist and really love and find peace at that church. It is Judeo-Christian in origin but welcomes all and has a common purpose to work toward spiritual peace for individuals and social justice in our world. I urge you to check it out. Google Unitarian Universalist and find a location near you. Our site is www.uuca.org. They have WONDERFUL children's programs and depending on what you still believe and how your celebrate important occasions,etc. there are Christmas celebrations, Easter celebrations, traditional Jewish celebrations and other religious traditions as well if the congregation is varied enough. I think it's truly what a church is supposed to be -non-exclusionary and non-judgmental.

The only answer I can give is that each group of people and "church" is a different group than any others... THey all have their own personalities...
I also have history with a group from the past... But have found that the title of a group says nothing... There are judgemental groups and accepting groups with the same titles... Visit places... See where you fit... We are not members and never will be of the church we go to locally, but they know that and accept us anyways because we do have some similar beliefs...
The only way to know is to visit a few times and see how you fit...

We have gone to some and there are plenty of benefits (there isn't a larger church forcing your church to do things they don't want to do), but that also means that your non-denom. can choose to do things as they see fit (meaning you have to agree with what they are doing). My suggestion is to look at a few non-denoms, but also look at some churches that may have similar points of view to the church that you grew up in. I.e. if you were Lutheran maybe look at Methodist, Presbyterian and even Baptist churches. In the end, as long as your church is truly preaching the Word and the people are Godly, that is all that matters. I feel your pain though, we are also in the process of trying to find a church that fits our needs! Good luck!

I have attended a variety of churches in my childhood and adult life.

Regardless of the denomination (or lack thereof) you need to find a church where you are comfortable and confident in what is being taught, and where the church is governed fairly in a way that is acceptable to you.

Many independent churches will have a top-down form of government - the pastor is the head of the church and makes the rules, or is a very strong member of the governing committee. Many Baptist churches are like this. In an independent church, what is taught as truth may vary widely from church to church, or from pastor to pastor within the same church.

Other denominations have layers of government that include regional and national bodies that set policy and determine what the church believes. Some of these are "confessional" meaning they adhere to a confession of faith that lays out what the body believes. I personally find this useful because I don't believe that God changes with public opinion. I also like that, to a degree, the teaching is going to be the same from one congregation to another. This does not mean, of course, that all churches within any denomination will hold fast to their governing principles. As for governance, it will still vary - some will have a strong pastor leadership component, where others will have elders and/or trustees and/or deacons elected from the congregation to govern the church and the pastor may just be an advisor.

Finally, keep in mind that the one thing all churches have in common is that they are filled with sinners! The leadership is going to make mistakes. And that is painful. But God is faithful and constant and good.

I pray that you find a church home that lets you grow and learn and share your faith with your daughter.

(the Church of Christ is a baptistic denomination. The United Church of Christ is not baptistic and has a larger government that oversees the individual church bodies, although there will still be variation from congregation to congregation.)

i am very similar to you. I believe in God, i have my own personal relationship, however i hate the cliques of religion and specific churches. The only church that i have ever felt truly comfortable and accepted in is Unity. I dont know if they have one near you, but it is worth a shot. I also attended youth group at Grace Fellowship and enjoyed it.

What is most important when looking for a church is one that preaches and believes the Bible. After that, look for one that meets your daughter's needs (especially if she's a teen). Get involved in a small group Bible study at the church and that will help you connect to the people. Ask God to lead you to the right place. It will be great!

Yes, I do go to a non-denominational church and my kids love it. I was raised catholic, but did not understand, so I decided to try a church down the street and I like it alot. I would go to a couple of them and that way you can determine if you like them or not.

Karrissa, I know what you mean! Honestly though, I think you are going to come accross this whether it's a denomination or not. Anytime you get a group of people together, whether it's a church or any type of group, you are going to have a handful of nasty people...sad to say. I have been to both types of churches and right now I go to a denomination church that is really large. I tend to prefer large churches, because not everybody knows you or your business! :)

Also, keep in mind that you will not find a church that is always going to be 100% agreeable with you. Good luck to you.