What is a Non-Denominational Church?

Non-denominational churches have REDFINED the modern worship experience by breaking away from traditional practices and rigid structures!

These churches emphasize the importance of community involvement and unity and are committed to returning to the teachings of the New Testament. They help individuals understand that their relationship with Jesus is what’s most important and the foundation of their faith.

The vision was for Christianity to return to the basics. It’s about living out the powerful teachings of the Bible, free from formal structures and distinct from traditional denominations. 

How Did Non-Denominational Churches Start?

In North America, these churches started with the Stone-Campbell Restoration movement in the early 19th century, around the 1800s. 

Thomas Campbell and Barton Stone led the movement and encouraged individuals to establish independent churches to avoid denominational disputes. This shift granted local congregations and their leadership a greater role in making decisions specific to their church, which was traditionally overseen by the denomination.

This movement emphasized the importance of local church independence and sought to unite Christians by putting an emphasis on essential biblical teachings rather than denominational differences.

Core Beliefs

1. The Bible is the Word of God and has ultimate authority
2. Salvation is in Christ alone
3. Jesus as the son of God, his resurrection, and second coming
4. The Trinity (Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)
5. Personal Relationship with God is more important than religious traditions
6. The Church is a fellowship of believers

How many non-denominational churches are there in Connecticut?

The latest 2020 Connecticut State Membership report indicates 171,418 individuals and 487 congregations across Connecticut.

Non-denominational churches in CT

• Southern Connecticut Church of Christ (Fairfield, CT)
• City Wide Church (Bridgeport, CT)
• Greater Bridgeport Christian Fellowship (Bridgeport, CT)
• Calvary Life Family Worship Center (Cheshire, CT)
• Black Rock Church (Fairfield, CT) 
• City Coast Church (Fairfield, CT)
• Grace Family Church (Newtown, CT)
• Broad River Church (Norwalk, CT)
• Vox Church (Norwalk, CT)
• Kingdom Life Christian Church (Milford, CT)
• Mercy Tabernacle (Stratford, CT)
• Elevate Life Church (Wallingford, CT)
• Gateway Christian Fellowship (West Haven, CT)
• Vertical Church (West Haven, CT)

Influence in Today’s World

Today, this movement influences these three denominations

1. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

In the early 19th century, Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell, and his son Alexander Campbell founded the Restoration Movement to restore the New Testament Church and promote Christian unity by returning to the practices of the early 1st-century Church.

Core Beliefs

1. Jesus is the Christ – Son of God
2. Holds the Bible as the sole authority in all matters of doctrine and practice
3. Christians should celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first day of each week
4. Baptism by immersion is considered essential for salvation

2. Church of Christ

The Churches of Christ are considered a branch of the Restoration Movement and had a part in restoring the New Testament Church and breaking away from denominations. It is considered to be “the conservative wing” that separated from the Church Church (Disciples of Christ) after the American Civil War.

Core Belief Difference: Worship Practices

1. Do not allow musical instruments in worship

3. Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ

The Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ are a network of theologically conservative congregations that separated from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the late 1960s. This is because of theological and organizational differences.

Core Belief Difference

1. Allow instrumental music in worship services which can include guitars, pianos, and even full bands – similar to evangelical churches.
2. Each church operates independently without a centralized governing body

Conclusion

In conclusion, the non-denominational church movement reflects a profound desire for unity and to live out the New Testament and its teachings, emphasizing a personal relationship with Jesus. These churches foster a sense of community over hierarchy, creating a flexible, welcoming environment for all.

Who We Are

Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, the Southern Connecticut Church of Christ is a vibrant, welcoming community with the mission of knowing Jesus and sharing the Gospel message. Join us for inspiring worship, tight-knit community groups, and engaging events for all ages. Discover more or get connected!