What is the meaning of interdenominational?

what does the bible say?

Interdenominational churches are independent congregations that welcome believers from multiple denominations. They seek unity, flexibility, and effective disciple-making while avoiding divisive disputes and denominational hierarchy. Biblical principles highlight the blessing of harmony among God’s people and the importance of wholehearted devotion over human labels; however, we need to be careful with interdenominational churches and ministries. Interdenominational churches often embrace freedom in leadership and ministry decisions, which can risk doctrinal drift, overreliance on a single leader, or weakened accountability. We must also remember that the universal Church, the body of Christ, is interdenominational in nature, consisting of believers from diverse backgrounds who follow Christ and uphold the core truths of the faith.

from the old testament

• The Old Testament doesn’t mention “interdenominational” churches, as denominational divisions are a much later development. However, passages like Psalm 133:1 highlight the blessing of harmony and fellowship among God’s people.
• Deuteronomy 6:4–5 stresses loving and serving God wholeheartedly. Obedience and devotion to Him matter more than human labels or affiliations, though the church is important, and denominations are helpful to make distinctions between churches’ beliefs and practices.

from the new testament

• Most interdenominational churches are independent and govern themselves internally, rather than through a denominational hierarchy of accountability. Founders and leaders determine, usually, to ascribe to foundational Christian doctrine, such as the Bible’s infallibility (2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 17:17) and that Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6).
• Leaders of interdenominational churches cite freedom to seek and follow the Holy Spirit apart from oversight of an organization. They embrace an ability to react and act in the interests of one congregation (theirs) and avoid issues that may cause arguments and division. Such churches have leadership which may believe they can better follow Jesus’s comm and to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20) with flexibility and focus.
• Jesus didn’t label one set of believers as the true followers. “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). Those in the Church are those “who calls upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21).
• The eternal residence for Christians, heaven, will be made up of those who ascribe to many different churches and denominations, from many backgrounds, and from all over the world (Revelation 5:9–10; 7:9–10).

implications for today

To be interdenominational, a church or organization subscribes to no particular Christian denomination but does incorporate expressions stemming from several denominations. This is similar to being nondenominational, and some use the terms interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Nondenominational churches are not affiliated with any Christian denomination, whereas interdenominational churches seek to include strengths of several denominations. In declaring themselves interdenominational, some churches, missions organizations, or parachurch ministries desire to embrace people from many branches of orthodox Christianity, while others want to avoid oversight by a denominational hierarchy. Some people have a negative perspective toward large, institutional religion and traditional denominations. Interdenominational churches want to welcome the people who may not attend a church with a well-known affiliation. Critics of interdenominational churches point out that such churches can be led astray from orthodox Christianity without external oversight and authority. A threat to interdenominational churches is a weakened or watered down gospel in an effort to attract a wide array of people or prevent offending anyone, regardless of their beliefs. These churches can also suffer during difficult times with no support from higher-ups nor financial backing. Denominational leadership provides separate checks and balances, big-picture direction, and backup local leadership if needed. Interdenominational churches can have a shallow pool of preachers and elders. Sometimes, an interdenominational church can rely upon a strong pastor so heavily that it will fold if the pastor leaves or dies. Other critics say interdenominational churches are usually led by one strong leader who can wander from what is best for the church to protect his position. The universal Church is, of course, interdenominational. Many denominations follow orthodox Christianity, hold to the central truths, and practice the tenets of the faith. None have a corner on the complete truth.

Recap

understand

• Interdenominational churches and ministries unite believers from multiple denominations around shared Christian truths.
• Interdenominational ministries operate independently, offering flexibility but potentially risking doctrinal drift or overreliance on one leader.
• The universal Church itself is interdenominational, though this does not mean our churches need to be.

reflect

• How do you personally evaluate whether a church or ministry is truly following Christ and the Bible?
• How are you open to fellowship with believers from different church backgrounds while staying rooted in biblical truth?
• How do you discern when a leader’s freedom in decision-making might risk straying from Scripture?

engage

• How can we balance unity among Christians with the need for accountability and doctrinal integrity in interdenominational settings?
• What strengths and potential weaknesses are there with churches and ministries that welcome multiple denominational perspectives?
• How can we encourage cooperation between different churches without compromising the core truths of the gospel?