An interdenominational church is a church that welcomes worshippers of multiple denominations under the same roof. A nondenominational church is a church that eschews any denominational parentage. Although there are some similarities in the ways interdenominational and nondenominational churches in Jacksonville operate, the differences between them are actually quite significant when it comes to liturgy, practice, and church leadership.
Both interdenominational and nondenominational churches are welcoming, and both remain dedicated to Biblical teachings. The principle of inclusivity is embedded in the Bible: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all,” (Colossians 3:11). However, nondenominational churches are congregational churches that do not revert to the formal teachings of any denomination, instead preferring to develop its own schedule, liturgy, practice, and worship. The South Point Community Church is an example of a nondenominational church. Leadership in a nondenominational church is communitarian, based on fundamental biblical principles about what the true meaning of church is: to be “God’s building,” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Nondenominational churches do not shun denominational churches or their approach to Christian worship and leadership. On the contrary, nondenominational churches recognize the value of all Christian worship just as interdenominational churches do. The human community is diverse, and Christian denominations have value in presenting the teachings of the bible to people in meaningful ways. The difference is that a nondenominational church ascribes more to the “one flock, one shepherd” principle of the bible (John 10:16). Denominations create fragmentation, leading to potential disagreements based on misunderstanding and even misinterpretation of core biblical truths. Nondenominational churches encourage each person to seek and find God by worshipping in a supportive community. The essence of Church is about community, unity, and love: which is how a nondenominational church serves its people.
