Are Independent Churches Operating in Rebellion?

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by Charnock

Should every pastor and church be connected to a denomination?

Can there be true oversight without denominational affiliation?

Are independent churches operating in rebellion?

Originally Posted by TRFrance

Charnock, since you asked those questions, tell us...

What do YOU think?

I believe there is some good in denominational affiliation. Foremost being benefits like fellowship, accountability, tradition and ministerial presbytery. Denominations also pare down doctrinal ambiguity in the local assembly. The general population needs only look at a local church's denominational affiliation in order to discern what to expect when attending.

However, I believe there is just as much good in nondenominational assemblies. Autonomy does not necessarily imply lack of oversight. Many nondenominational churches have very strong accountability systems. The lack of an external presbytery can be a blessing as well. This frees the nondenominational church to be individualistic, unique and completely homogenous.

Abuse is possible whether a church is tied to a denomination or not, and often the denomination itself is abusive. Further, denominations can tax the local assembly into oblivion. I have seen this happen on many occasions within the United Methodist Church. Invariably local churches end up serving the bureaucracy of the denomination instead of the denomination serving the local church.