Out in the suburbs one cannot get away from the large amount of nondenominational churches poping up ever so often. The evolution begins thusly.
- A group of Christians somehow feel disenchanted with current churches in their hometown. Whether it is doctrine, personalities or timing, is anyone’s guess. I have a tendency believe the reason is conflicting personalities among church members. Let’s face it, doctrine of these type of churches is similar if not identical.
- Next is picking a name for the infant church. The name must not be tied to any established denomination. Rather is needs to be neutral sounding. “The Bridge,” “Crosspoint,” “The Fellowship,” come to mind. Denominational names harken back to bad childhood memories. Tying “Baptist,” “Methodist,” “Catholic,” or any other well established has prejudices attached to it for potential converts.
- Picking a venue to hold worship services is a no-brainer, as they seem to pop up in local schools (if available), and sometimes even in established church buildings.
Where this church goes from here is anyone’s guess. Some stay for years meeting at a temporary venue. Some wither and fade. Some eventually purchase land to build, but it is rare, as it seems that a permanent structure is something which represents what the nondenominational church was setup to combat against.
It leaves me questioning these young pastors’ motives in starting a new church to begin with. What is wrong with established churches? Is a personality trait for someone to have a need to feel in charge of a flock and to call the shots? Aren’t there enough churches in this buckle of the Bible belt?
And it also makes me question the flock’s reason for attending these type of churches. Is it all about “me” ? For the most part I believe non-churchgoing people seek out churches for selfish motives initially. “What in it for me?” “I just didn’t get anything out of that sermon.” Instead I hope they eventually mature and find out church isn’t all about being a self help program. Instead worship is a humble offering to God.