Christianity is most certainly not a single religion. Many different churches are described as part of the Christian faith but there are in fact vast differences between some of the churches. There are literally thousands of churches, each with a few or many congregations. Some are distrusted all over the world and some are very powerful organizations indeed. However, many people are not members of formal churches but rather opt for a non denominational church.
Most congregations form part of a specific religion. In this way the Church of England, for example, will have many congregations but they are all governed by a central management body. The policies of all the congregations are the same and the doctrine of the congregation is decided centrally. Independent congregations, like the many that can be found in Denver CO do not adhere to a central governing body. Each such congregation makes its own decisions regarding policy and the day to day management of the congregation.
Observers have noted the phenomenal growth of independent congregations. There are many reasons for this trend. One of the main reasons is that so many Christians are of the opinion that the traditional churches have failed to adapt to modern life. They feel that many policies and doctrines are outmoded and they find the formal denominations unable and even unwilling to change. They want to be an integral part of the congregation.
Many others move to independent churches because they feel that the formal denominations are condemning them, judging them and even persecuting them. Single mothers, gays, those in relationships without being married are just some examples of people that would rather worship at places where they are not judged. They do not shun the authority of God, but they shun the attitude of formal denominations.
Theologians warn that Christians are often blinded by the fact that the churches they choose to join do not preach or practice a balanced religion. They focus on those issues that people want to hear and conveniently ignore issues such as sin and Satan. They also argue that formal churches have spent many years and much study in developing their doctrines and policies according to the Word of God.
It is also an unfortunate fact that some congregations are founded simply to serve as a power base for the pastor. History has shown that sects can be dangerous and that people easily fall into the trap where they believe that the teachings of the pastor must be correct. Christians are well advised to avoid churches that preach practices and doctrines that utterly contradict everything they have ever believed.
Looking for a congregation to join can be difficult and time consuming. It may be wise to attend services at a variety of congregations. It is also advisable to ask the pastor or other leaders of the congregation to explain their policies and focus. It may even be beneficial to chat to some of the existing members and to ask about their experiences.
Christians do not necessarily want to abandon their religion. They want to worship and they want to practice their faith. However, they need a spiritual home that caters for modern people and modern pressures. Many Christians are tired of the formal religious structures.
Most congregations form part of a specific religion. In this way the Church of England, for example, will have many congregations but they are all governed by a central management body. The policies of all the congregations are the same and the doctrine of the congregation is decided centrally. Independent congregations, like the many that can be found in Denver CO do not adhere to a central governing body. Each such congregation makes its own decisions regarding policy and the day to day management of the congregation.
Observers have noted the phenomenal growth of independent congregations. There are many reasons for this trend. One of the main reasons is that so many Christians are of the opinion that the traditional churches have failed to adapt to modern life. They feel that many policies and doctrines are outmoded and they find the formal denominations unable and even unwilling to change. They want to be an integral part of the congregation.
Many others move to independent churches because they feel that the formal denominations are condemning them, judging them and even persecuting them. Single mothers, gays, those in relationships without being married are just some examples of people that would rather worship at places where they are not judged. They do not shun the authority of God, but they shun the attitude of formal denominations.
Theologians warn that Christians are often blinded by the fact that the churches they choose to join do not preach or practice a balanced religion. They focus on those issues that people want to hear and conveniently ignore issues such as sin and Satan. They also argue that formal churches have spent many years and much study in developing their doctrines and policies according to the Word of God.
It is also an unfortunate fact that some congregations are founded simply to serve as a power base for the pastor. History has shown that sects can be dangerous and that people easily fall into the trap where they believe that the teachings of the pastor must be correct. Christians are well advised to avoid churches that preach practices and doctrines that utterly contradict everything they have ever believed.
Looking for a congregation to join can be difficult and time consuming. It may be wise to attend services at a variety of congregations. It is also advisable to ask the pastor or other leaders of the congregation to explain their policies and focus. It may even be beneficial to chat to some of the existing members and to ask about their experiences.
Christians do not necessarily want to abandon their religion. They want to worship and they want to practice their faith. However, they need a spiritual home that caters for modern people and modern pressures. Many Christians are tired of the formal religious structures.
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Pay a visit to our non denominational church this Sunday and join our friendly community in Denver. Check out the Sunday worship times here at http://www.plattparkchurch.org.
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