Non-Protestant and Non-Denominational

While Protestantism gave birth to maaaaaany denominations, they certainly don’t have a monopoly on the concept.

So, today we’ll explore some rich denominations that sit outside Protestantism. 

Not only that, but we’ll also address churches that claim to be non-denominational and how, most of the time, this is really just a less prominent denomination in itself.

Let’s get into it!

Catholics, Orthodox (East), & Orthodox (Oriental)

Catholics - We all know this one, especially with the recent election of Pope Leo XIV - leader of this denomination. 

The Catholic Church is the world’s oldest international organization and holds to seven sacraments: Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Confirmation, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Ordination. Whereas most Protestants view the Bible as their singular authority, Catholics add their denomination’s tradition onto this.

Eastern Orthodox - In 1054, the Eastern Catholic Church split from the West and, as a result, the Orthodox Church was born. 

Unlike Catholics who place the Pope at the top of a hierarchy of bishops, the Orthodox practice equality in authority. The Patriarch of Constantinople, though sharing the same authority as other bishops, has an informal leadership role over the denomination. 

Mysticism (Theosis) plays an important role in this denomination. 

Oriental Orthodox - Not to be confused with the above Eastern Orthodox, the Oriental Orthodox split off even earlier (451). 

The split occurred because the Oriental Orthodox believed Jesus had one nature, human and divine - together. The larger church, however, believed in two natures, one human and one divine - separate. Nonetheless, much of their theology overlaps with their Eastern Orthodox and Catholic cousins. 

Oriental Orthodox churches include the Coptic (Egyptian), Ethiopian, Eritrean, Armenian Apostolic, and Syriac churches.

Again, not an exhaustive list, so remember there’s always more!

Is Anyone Truly Non-Denominational?

I came to faith in a Calvary Chapel church.

Calvary Chapel is a church movement that came out of the Pentecostal denomination. Not having a central authority, Calvary Chapel claims to be non-denominational, but remember the definition we’re working with here…

“Any set of congregations identifiable by similar traits, history, or name.”

Calvary Chapels meet this criteria, as do many other non-denominational churches with more than one location. 

The church I’m part of today, ICF Rotterdam Noord, is part of the Protestantse Kerk in Nederland (PKN) and a movement called Intercultural Church Plants (ICP). Though we have a large amount of autonomy, these things grant us something of a denominational identity.

And that’s not a bad thing.

When we understand that our church exists within a larger context we can better understand it and ourselves. If we use this understanding well, it can help us grow, mature, and better appreciate one another.

Yes, denominations can bring division and sometimes these divides seem pretty petty.

But I maintain that cross-denominational unity is not only possible, but necessary, for the health of the Church.

We’ll turn to that tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter