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Non-denominational Christianity (or nondenominational Christianity) consists of churches, and individual Christians,[1][2] which typically distance themselves from the confessionalism or creedalism of other Christian communities[3] by not formally aligning with a specific Christian denomination.[4]
 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (September 2023) |
In North America, nondenominational Christianity arose in the 18th century through the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, with followers organizing themselves simply as "Christians" and "Disciples of Christ".[note 1][4][5][6][7] The nondenominational movement saw expansion during the 20th century Jesus movement era, which popularized contemporary Christian music and Christian media within global pop culture.[8][9][10]
Many nondenominational churches adhere to congregationalist polity, while others are governed by elders. Some nondenominational churches are independent, while others cooperate in loose associations such as the Churches of Christ; in other cases, nondenominational churches are founded by individual pastors such Calvary Chapel Association established by Chuck Smith.[5] Some non-denominational churches have grown quite recently within networks like Acts 29.[11][12] Certain nondenominational churches are associated with various movements in Christendom, such as evangelicalism or Charismatic Christianity, but many adhere to a form of evangelical Christianity.[13][14][15][16][17]
Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone believed in a nondenominational Christianity, which they spread in what is known as the Restoration Movement.[6][7]
Nondenominational Christianity first arose in the 18th century through the Stone–Campbell Restoration Movement, with followers organizing themselves simply as "Christians" and "Disciples of Christ".[4][6][7] Congregations in this tradition of nondenominational Christianity often refer to themselves as Churches of Christ.[5]
Independent nondenominational churches continued to appear in the United States in the course of the 20th century.[18]
Nondenominational congregations experienced significant and continuous growth in the 21st century, particularly in the United States.[19][20] In 2010, there were 35,496 nondenominational churches in the US with over 12 million congregants.[21]
If combined into a single group, nondenominational churches collectively represented the third-largest Christian grouping in the United States in 2010, after the Roman Catholic Church and Southern Baptist Convention.[22]
In Asia, especially in Singapore and Malaysia, these churches are also more numerous, since the 1990s.[23]
Worship services at Christ's Commission Fellowship in the Philippines (top) and Lakewood Church in the U.S. (bottom)
Nondenominational churches are by definition not affiliated with any specific denominational stream of Christianity, whether by choice from their foundation or because they separated from their denomination of origin at some point in their history.[24] Like denominational congregations, nondenominational congregations vary in size, worship, and other characteristics.[25] Although independent, many nondenominational congregations choose to affiliate with a broader network of congregations.[25]
Many nondenominational churches can nevertheless be positioned in existing movements, such as Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism, even though they are autonomous and have no formal labels.[26][27][28]
Nondenominational churches are particularly visible in the megachurches.[29][30]
The neo-charismatic churches often use the term nondenominational to define themselves.[31]
Some non-denominational churches identify solely with Christianity.[32] Most "other Christians" in America belong to nondenominational churches.[33]
- The first nondenominational Christian churches which emerged through the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement are tied to associations such as the Churches of Christ or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).[4][5]
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