Denomination
A named branch of Christianity with its own structure, beliefs, and churches (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian). A non-denominational church is one that declines to belong to any of them.
What they actually mean
“"The brand of church. 'Non-denominational' means 'no brand — just Christian.' Usually."”
Heard in the wild
“We're non-denominational — we just love Jesus.”
“What denomination are you?”
The Lighter Side
"Non-denominational" usually means "Baptist with a drum kit." Not always. But usually.
The longer version
What it means
A denomination is a family of churches with a shared name, shared beliefs (usually written in a confession), and some shared structure — a headquarters, a way of training and ordaining pastors, a process for deciding things. Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Pentecostals (Assemblies of God), Anglicans/Episcopalians, and dozens more are denominations, and most subdivide further (Southern Baptist, American Baptist; Missouri Synod Lutheran, ELCA). Each has a distinctive emphasis: Lutherans on grace, Presbyterians on God's sovereignty, Methodists on holiness, Baptists on believer's baptism and local church independence, Pentecostals on the Spirit's gifts.
A non-denominational church belongs to no denomination. It's self-governing, writes its own statement of faith, hires its own pastor, and answers to its own board. Most are evangelical in theology and contemporary in style.
Why people say it
Denominations exist because Christians have disagreed about real things — baptism, church government, the Lord's Supper, the Spirit's gifts — and organized around their answers. They also provide accountability, training, and a sense of belonging beyond the local church. Non-denominational churches arose because many Christians found denominational labels divisive, historic disputes irrelevant, and the structures slow; "we're just Christians" is their pitch.
How to respond
If someone asks your denomination and you don't have one, "I'm not really a churchgoer" or "I'm still figuring that out" both work. If a church says it's non-denominational, expect evangelical theology, modern music, and independence; ask what they believe, because the label doesn't say. If you're choosing a church and the denominations confuse you, the real differences to ask about are baptism, communion, who leads, and what they think of the Bible — those sort most of it.
If you hear it in different churches
Catholics and Orthodox reject the word for themselves — each claims to be the one church, not a branch — though outsiders often use it anyway. Mainline Protestants (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal, UCC) are strongly denominational with national structures. Baptists are denominational but fiercely local. Pentecostals are split between denominations (Assemblies of God) and independents. The non-denominational sector has grown enormously since the 1970s and is now among the largest "groups" in American Christianity.
Where does “Denomination” come from?
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for dividing into factions — "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos" — in 1 Corinthians 1. The great historic splits came in 1054 (East and West) and the 1500s (Reformation), producing Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and Anabaptist streams, then Baptists (1600s), Methodists (1700s), and Pentecostals (1900s). "Denomination" as a neutral word for these bodies is a product of the 1600s English scene and American religious pluralism, where no church was established and all were "denominated" alongside each other. Non-denominational churches grew from the Restorationist movement of the 1800s and exploded with the Jesus Movement and megachurch era of the 1970s–90s.
Good to know
Catholics and Orthodox don't consider themselves denominations — they'd say they're the Church — and the word is mostly Protestant. There are thousands of Protestant denominations by any count. "Non-denominational" churches are independent, but in practice nearly all are evangelical, most are Baptist-like in theology and practice, and many belong to informal networks. The label tells you what they aren't more than what they are.
You might also hear
Doctrine
Bible & TheologyA church's official teaching on a topic — what it holds to be true about God, Jesus, salvation, the Bible, and the rest — organized, stated, and passed on.
“"Beliefs, organized into an outline with Roman numerals."”
Creed
Bible & TheologyA short, formal summary of Christian belief, recited in worship — the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are the oldest and are shared by nearly all Christians.
“"The official 'here's what we believe,' in a paragraph you can say out loud."”
Church Shopping
Church Life & ServicesVisiting different churches to find one that fits (shopping); or, moving from church to church without ever settling (hopping) — the second said with a slight frown.
“"Looking for a church. 'Hopping' is when the looking never stops."”
Catholic (lowercase c)
Bible & Theology"Universal" — as in the creeds' "holy catholic church," meaning the whole church of all times and places. Not the same as the Roman Catholic Church.
“"Worldwide, all-of-us. Not Rome, necessarily."”
Go deeper on the network
Common questions
How many denominations are there?+
Thousands, by any count — the exact number depends on how you count. The major families number a dozen or so.
Is Catholic a denomination?+
Catholics would say no — the Catholic Church understands itself as the Church, not a branch. Sociologists and outsiders often use the word anyway.
What do non-denominational churches believe?+
Usually evangelical Protestant basics — the Bible as authority, salvation by faith in Jesus, believer's baptism — with contemporary worship. But each writes its own statement, so ask.
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Written by Rev. Christopher D.F. Warrington, Ordained Minister, M.Div. · Updated September 2026
This entry was compiled with AI assistance and has not yet been reviewed by an ordained pastor.