The Christian faith is by no means an organized religion governed and overseen by a central council, committee or board. It consists of numerous fractions with some of them different in significant ways with each other. Yet most congregations are part of a specific faith. However, not every believer is a member of a specific, formal faith. These believers often become members of a non denominational church.
I essence, most congregations are part of a specific faith, such as the Roman Catholic Church, for example. All the congregations of such a faith follow similar policies and they adhere to the same sacraments and doctrines. The latter is prescribed by the central leadership. Independent churches, like those in Denver CO report to no central governing body and they make their own decisions on all matters related to their faith.
Observers have noted the phenomenal growth of independent congregations. There are many reasons for this trend. One of the main reasons is that so many Christians are of the opinion that the traditional churches have failed to adapt to modern life. They feel that many policies and doctrines are outmoded and they find the formal denominations unable and even unwilling to change. They want to be an integral part of the congregation.
Many others move to independent churches because they feel that the formal denominations are condemning them, judging them and even persecuting them. Single mothers, gays, those in relationships without being married are just some examples of people that would rather worship at places where they are not judged. They do not shun the authority of God, but they shun the attitude of formal denominations.
Theologians warn that Christians are often blinded by the fact that the churches they choose to join do not preach or practice a balanced religion. They focus on those issues that people want to hear and conveniently ignore issues such as sin and Satan. They also argue that formal churches have spent many years and much study in developing their doctrines and policies according to the Word of God.
It is also an unfortunate fact that some congregations are founded simply to serve as a power base for the pastor. History has shown that sects can be dangerous and that people easily fall into the trap where they believe that the teachings of the pastor must be correct. Christians are well advised to avoid churches that preach practices and doctrines that utterly contradict everything they have ever believed.
When looking for a spiritual home is would be wise to be patient. Christians should not be scared to ask the leadership of specific congregations to explain their doctrines and points of departures. It may even be a good idea to attend services at several congregations. Issues such as special programs for the youth and young children may also be a consideration for some people.
One of the reasons why independent churches are growing so quickly is that there is an international movement towards increased spirituality. Christians want to be part of this movement but they want to do so within the context of their faith. They want to worship according to the Bible.
I essence, most congregations are part of a specific faith, such as the Roman Catholic Church, for example. All the congregations of such a faith follow similar policies and they adhere to the same sacraments and doctrines. The latter is prescribed by the central leadership. Independent churches, like those in Denver CO report to no central governing body and they make their own decisions on all matters related to their faith.
Observers have noted the phenomenal growth of independent congregations. There are many reasons for this trend. One of the main reasons is that so many Christians are of the opinion that the traditional churches have failed to adapt to modern life. They feel that many policies and doctrines are outmoded and they find the formal denominations unable and even unwilling to change. They want to be an integral part of the congregation.
Many others move to independent churches because they feel that the formal denominations are condemning them, judging them and even persecuting them. Single mothers, gays, those in relationships without being married are just some examples of people that would rather worship at places where they are not judged. They do not shun the authority of God, but they shun the attitude of formal denominations.
Theologians warn that Christians are often blinded by the fact that the churches they choose to join do not preach or practice a balanced religion. They focus on those issues that people want to hear and conveniently ignore issues such as sin and Satan. They also argue that formal churches have spent many years and much study in developing their doctrines and policies according to the Word of God.
It is also an unfortunate fact that some congregations are founded simply to serve as a power base for the pastor. History has shown that sects can be dangerous and that people easily fall into the trap where they believe that the teachings of the pastor must be correct. Christians are well advised to avoid churches that preach practices and doctrines that utterly contradict everything they have ever believed.
When looking for a spiritual home is would be wise to be patient. Christians should not be scared to ask the leadership of specific congregations to explain their doctrines and points of departures. It may even be a good idea to attend services at several congregations. Issues such as special programs for the youth and young children may also be a consideration for some people.
One of the reasons why independent churches are growing so quickly is that there is an international movement towards increased spirituality. Christians want to be part of this movement but they want to do so within the context of their faith. They want to worship according to the Bible.
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