Churches of Christ and non-denominational churches may appear very similar. Both are usually independent of a larger denominational organization, and both commonly say that the Bible, not a denominational creed, should guide the church.
The term non-denominational, however, covers a wide variety of congregations. It tells you that a church is not formally governed by a denomination, but it does not tell you exactly what that church believes. Two non-denominational churches may teach very different things about salvation, baptism, worship, and church leadership.
Churches of Christ are also locally independent, but they share a historical commitment to restoring the teaching and practice found in the New Testament. The important question is therefore not which church uses the fewest labels. It is whether a congregation’s teaching and practice can be supported by God’s Word.
What Does “Non-Denominational” Mean?
A non-denominational church does not belong to a larger denomination such as the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, or Lutheran church. It normally governs its own affairs, selects its own leaders, and makes its own decisions about doctrine, worship, and ministry.
Many non-denominational churches were established by sincere believers who wanted to leave behind denominational divisions and return to the Bible. Churches of Christ share that desire.
Independence alone, however, does not establish what a congregation believes. Because the label represents no common body of doctrine, one non-denominational church may teach that baptism is necessary for salvation while another views it only as a public symbol. One may use a worship band, while another sings without instruments. One may be led by elders, while another is governed primarily by a pastor.
For this reason, the name non-denominational cannot tell you whether a church follows Scripture faithfully. Its teaching must be examined.
What Are Churches of Christ Seeking?
Churches of Christ have no central earthly headquarters or denominational hierarchy. Each mature congregation is overseen by its own qualified elders, who are instructed to:
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you” ().
Local independence, however, is not our ultimate goal. Our desire is to follow the teaching and practice of the New Testament church without adding human requirements or setting aside what God has revealed.
A familiar expression describes that aim: “Speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where the Bible is silent.” That saying is not itself Scripture, but it expresses a desire to remain within Scripture’s authority.
Paul wrote:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” ().
Because Scripture is able to equip God’s people for every good work, we seek to use it as the complete standard for the church’s faith and practice.
Where Do the Differences Become Visible?
The differences become clearer when specific teachings and practices are compared. Non-denominational churches vary greatly in these areas, so no description will fit all of them.
At Memorial Church of Christ, we sing without instrumental accompaniment because singing is the musical worship the New Testament directs Christians to offer (). We observe the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week, following the example in . We teach that a repentant believer is baptized for the forgiveness of sins, as Peter instructed in .
Many non-denominational churches use instrumental music and worship bands. Many observe the Lord’s Supper monthly or occasionally. Many also teach that a person is saved through faith alone and should be baptized afterward as a public expression of salvation already received.
These practices do not differ merely because one group prefers old customs and another prefers modern ones. They grow from different conclusions about how the New Testament guides the church. Each conclusion deserves to be examined carefully from Scripture.
Churches of Christ must be examined by the same standard. Claiming to follow the New Testament does not prove that a congregation actually does. Our teaching and practice should remain open to correction wherever they do not agree with God’s Word.
Are Churches of Christ Non-Denominational?
In the ordinary sense of the term, churches of Christ are non-denominational: they have no governing organization above the local congregation. However, most congregations use the name “Church of Christ” rather than the more general non-denominational label because it expresses a desire simply to belong to Christ.
The phrase is found in Paul’s words:
“All the churches of Christ greet you” ().
We do not understand “Church of Christ” to be a denominational brand or the name of a human founder. It describes a congregation that belongs to Christ.
A name alone, however, settles nothing. A church may display “Church of Christ” on its sign and still fail to follow Christ faithfully. It may develop traditions that are treated as though they were Scripture or defend familiar practices without examining them honestly.
Churches of Christ have no central headquarters, so Memorial cannot speak officially for every congregation using the name. We can explain only what we understand Scripture to teach and what we practice here.
How Should You Choose a Church?
Do not choose a church simply because it calls itself non-denominational. Do not choose one simply because its sign says Church of Christ, either.
Ask what it teaches about Jesus, salvation, baptism, worship, and the church. More importantly, ask where those teachings are found in Scripture. Read the passages in context rather than accepting a claim because it is confidently presented.
The people of Berea were commended for receiving the message eagerly while still:
“Examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” ().
That is the right approach to every congregation, including ours. Labels may help you know what questions to ask, but only God’s Word can provide the standard by which the answers should be judged.
Examine God’s Word With Us
At Memorial Church of Christ, we would be glad to explain what we believe and show you why from Scripture. We do not ask you to accept our teaching merely because of the name on our building. Bring your questions and examine every answer in light of God’s Word.
Plan your visit. Come as you are, and ask us anything.
If you would like to examine what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9:00 am, Worship 10:00 am, Worship 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:00 pm