# Why We Are Non-Denominational > [!summary] Our stance We are non-denominational, but we are not anti-denominational. We are grateful for the many faithful denominations that preach the gospel. We simply choose to keep our focus on Jesus and the essentials of the faith while serving as an independent local church. ## What "Non-Denominational" Means A denomination is a family of churches that share a name, a statement of beliefs, and a structure of oversight, such as Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, or Pentecostals. A non-denominational church is not formally part of one of those families. It is governed locally while still holding to the historic Christian faith. It does **not** mean we: - Think we are the only true church - Look down on denominational churches - Invented a new version of Christianity - Lack beliefs or accountability ## Grateful for Denominations Much of the good in the church today came through denominations: missionary movements, Bible translations, seminaries, hospitals, hymns, and centuries of faithful preaching. Many of the believers and teachers who shaped us came from denominational churches. We stand on their shoulders. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (John 17:20-23). We believe that unity is found in Christ and the gospel, not in a shared label. A believer across town in another denomination is our brother or sister. ## Why We Choose This Path ### 1. To keep the main thing the main thing Paul warned against dividing over leaders and labels: "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos" (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:4-7). We want people to know us first as followers of Jesus. ### 2. Unity in the essentials We hold firmly to the core truths of the faith: the Trinity, the deity and resurrection of Jesus, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture (Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). On secondary questions, we give room for conviction and charity (Romans 14:1-5). An old saying captures it well: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." ### 3. A New Testament pattern of local leadership In the New Testament, local churches were led by elders who shepherded the people in their care (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1-3). We want to follow that pattern. ### 4. Freedom to reach our community Being independent allows us to make decisions with our own community in mind, while staying anchored to Scripture. ## Accountability Matters The honest weakness of independent churches is accountability. No church should answer to no one. We address that by: - Submitting to Scripture as our final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17) - Leadership by qualified elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) - A clear statement of what we believe - Healthy partnerships and relationships with other churches and ministries ## Other Views Many Christians believe denominations offer important benefits, including theological clarity, shared resources, and outside oversight for pastors and churches. We agree those are real strengths. We seek the same benefits through elder leadership, clear doctrine, and partnership, rather than through formal denominational membership. ## What This Means for Us Whatever church background you come from, you're welcome here. We're not asking you to reject where you've been. We're inviting you to follow Jesus with us.