What is the difference between a non-denominational church and a inter-denominational church?

Non-denominational churches tend to have their own individual doctrines in place, based on their understandings of Scripture.



Inter-denominational churches tend to have members from several denominational backgrounds (i.e., Calvinists and Arminians together in one body), yet manage a cohesiveness, because they focus on the bedrock foundations of the faith, as opposed to charting secondary issues that identify their "brand" of Christianity.



I have attended both types, and am currently in a non-denominational church.What is the difference between a non-denominational church and a inter-denominational church?The reason there are different denominations within Christianity is because the Bible allows for us to have differences of opinions. Within Christianity there are very few essential doctrines that define what it means to be a Christian. These essential doctrines are,



1. Jesus is both God and man (John 1:1,14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).

2. Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).

3. Salvation is by grace through faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).

4. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).

5. There is only one God (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8).

6. God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See Trinity).

7. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation)



As long as a church believes in these essential doctrines, then it is Christian. However, there are many things in the scriptures that have been interpreted in different ways. For example, what day of the week should be worship on, Saturday or Sunday? Should we baptize by sprinkling or baptize by immersion? Do we take communion every Sunday, once a month, or once a year? The answers to these questions do not affect whether or not someone is a Christian. It is in these issues, and others like them, that denominations are formed. It does not mean that one denomination contradicts another. It means that though they agree in the essentials, they differ in some nonessentials. This is permitted in Scripture:



"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind," (Rom. 14:1-5).



Sadly, there is another reason for denominational differences and that is the failure of Christians to live according to the will of God. The truth is that we are all sinners and we do not see things eye to eye. It is an unfortunate truth that denominational differences are due to our shortsightedness and lack of love. But, the good thing is that God loves us so much that He puts up with our failures. There waits for us, in spite of our differences, a great reward in heaven. Neither salvation nor damnation is dependent upon our differences. Our salvation is based on our relationship with Christ.What is the difference between a non-denominational church and a inter-denominational church?I belong to a non denominational church. We don't really have

a dogma. I can accept or reject any creeds or ism that make sense to me and leave out all the myths from the dark ages when they still

thought the world was flat.

I personally believe in reincarnation, but not everyone in my church

does. We most all believe in the teachings of Jesus but we

may try to have them make sense, and try to figure what his teaching was and is today. When He said "greater things than these

you shall do, we will try to figure it out and do it.