Evangelical and Non-denominational churches have much in common. Most Non-denominational churches belong to the Evangelicalism movement. In the Non- denominational vs. Evangelical debate, scholars try to establish the theological comparison between the two.
Evangelicalism is a Christian movement that is part of the Protestant movement whose main focus is spreading the good news. Non-denominationalism is a church body that does not associate itself with any Christian denomination. Most Non-denominational churches are Evangelical.
What is the difference between Evangelicals and Non- denominational? What are the similarities between Evangelical and Non- denominational? What is the theological comparison between Evangelical and Non- denominational? Which came first between Evangelical and Non- denominational? What do Non- denominational think of Evangelicals? Are Non- denominational and Evangelicals both Christians? Can Non- denominational attend Evangelical churches? Keep reading to learn more!
What is the difference between Evangelicals and Non- denominational?
There are many differences between Evangelicalism and Non-denominationalism. The table below outlines the significant differences between Evangelicalism and Non-denominationalism.
| Belief, value, or practice | Evangelical | Non-denominational |
| Name | The term Evangelical comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means good news. | The term non-denominational refers to churches that do not associate themselves with any denomination. |
| Origin | This belief system’s origin can be traced back to 1738. It was established by merging beliefs, values, and practices from different theological streams; Quakerism, Moravianism, Radical Pietism, and Pietism and Presbyterianism. | Non-denominational Christianity can be traced back to the 18th century. The first Non-denominational movement was the Stone Campbell Movement, whose adherents identified themselves simply as Disciples of Christ or Christians. |
| Early influencers | Early influencers in the Evangelicalism Christian movement include; George Fox, Nicolaus Zinzendorf, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Billy Graham, Harold Ockenga, Bill Bright, Gudina Tumsa, Francisco Olazábal, John Stott, William J. Seymour, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones. | Early influencers in the Non-denominational movement include; Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone. |
| Organization | Evangelicalism is not a denomination but a belief system that many Protestant churches follow. | Non-denominational churches are congregational. The decision-making power in these churches lies in the congregation because a higher church authority does not exist. |
| View about Baptism | Evangelical churches practice both infant and adult baptism. | Most Non-denominational churches baptize adults only. |
What are the similarities between Evangelical and Non- denominational?
There are many similarities between Evangelicalism and Non-denominationalism. The table below outlines the major similarities between Evangelicalism and Non-denominationalism.
| Belief, value, or practice | Evangelical | Non-denominational |
| Branch of Christianity | Evangelicalism is part of Protestantism. | Non-denominational churches are part of Protestantism. |
| Theology | Evangelical churches can be Baptist, Calvinist, Arminian, or something else. | Non-denominational churches can also be Baptist, Calvinist, Arminian, or other. |
| Nature of God | Evangelicals believe in the triune nature of God. This is the belief that God is a Superior Being and exists in three forms; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. | Non-denominational churches are also Trinitarian. They believe God exists in three forms; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. |
| Jesus | Evangelicals believe that Jesus is the Son of God (the second Deity in God’s triune nature); He was conceived through the power of Holy Ghost and was born of a virgin; He lived a sinless life; He suffered and died for the atonement of sin. | Non-denominational churches also teach that Jesus is the Son of God. He was conceived through the power of the Holy Ghost and was born of a virgin; He lived a sinless life; He suffered and died for the atonement of the sins of the human race. |
| Holy Spirit | Evangelicals believe the Holy Ghost is the 3rd Deity in God’s triune nature. | Non-denominational church adherents believe that the Holy Ghost is the 3rd Deity in God’s triune nature. |
| Speaking in Tongues | Some Evangelical churches, such as the Pentecostal churches, practice speaking in tongues, while others do not affirm the practice. | Some Non-denominational congregations practice speaking in tongues, while others reject the practice. |
| Bible | Evangelicals view the Bible as the sole source of divine authority in Church practice and matters of faith. | Non-denominational churches also see the Holy Scriptures as the only sources of divine authority in Church practice and matters of faith. |
| The doctrine of the Original Sin | Evangelical churches believe that the original sin is inherited from parents to their children. | Non-denominational churches also believe that the original sin is inherited from parents to their children. |
| Penal-substitutionary Atonement | Evangelical Churches believe that Jesus died on the cross to redeem human beings from their sinful nature and bring them closer to His Father. | Non-denominational churches also teach that Jesus died on the cross to save humans from their sinful nature and bring them closer to His Father. |
| Salvation | Evangelicals believe that salvation is through faith and in Christ alone. | Non-denomination churches also teach that salvation is through Christ alone because Christ chose to carry the weight of the sins of those that believe in Him. |
| Ordinances | Evangelicals observe two ordinances (sacraments); baptism and the Lord’s Supper. | Non-denominational churches observe two ordinances (sacraments); baptism and the Lord’s Supper. |
| Views about the Lord’s Supper. | Evangelicals have different views about the Lord’s Supper. Some believe that the real blood and body of Christ are present in the bread and wine used during the Holy Communion. Others believe that the Holy Communion is taken for memorial purposes and that the body and blood of Jesus are not present in the elements used during the ritual. | Non-denominational churches believe that the Holy Communion is taken for memorial purposes, and the body and blood of Jesus are not present in the elements used during the ritual. |
| View of the End of Times | Evangelical churches can be postmillennial, pre-millennial, or amillennial. They believe that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. | Non-denominational churches can be postmillennial, pre-millennial, or amillennial. They teach that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. |
What is the theological comparison between Evangelical and Non- denominational?
Evangelicals and Non-denominationalism have common theological perspectives. For instance, both believe in the doctrine of sola scriptura. This is the belief that the Bible is the only source of divine authority in church practice and all matters of faith. Both place much emphasis on personal conversion and accountability. This means that all churchgoers are responsible for deciding to give their life to Christ. They are also accountable for everything they do here on earth. They also teach that God exists in three forms; the Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Lastly, Evangelicalism and Non-denominationalism emphasize mission work/spreading the gospel of Christ.
Which came first between Evangelical and Non- denominational?
Evangelicalism came before Non-denominationalism. Evangelicalism’s origin can be traced back to 1738. It was established by merging beliefs, values, and practices from different theological streams; Quakerism, Moravianism, Radical Pietism, and Pietism and Presbyterianism. On the other hand, Non-denominationalism can be traced back to the 18th century. However, the first Non-denominational Church was established between 1790 and 1840 (during the Great Awakening).
What do Non- denominational think of Evangelicals?
Non-denominational church adherents think of Evangelicals as family. Although Non-denominational churches do not identify with any denomination, most adhere to the Evangelical movement. For this reason, Non-denominational churches share much in common with the Evangelical ones and consider each other as family.
Are Non- denominational and Evangelicals both Christians?
Non- denominational and Evangelicals are both Christians. They are both Protestant. Protestant churches were established after the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. They were formed by reformists who broke away from the Catholic Church, citing abuses and malpractices. Apostles of Christ, such as Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, established the Catholic Church. Therefore, Non- denominationalism and Evangelicalism are sects of Christianity.
Can Non- denominational attend Evangelical churches?
Non-denominational church adherents can attend Evangelical churches. Non-denominationalism and Evangelicalism share much in common. Therefore, if a member of a Non-denominational Church decides to attend an Evangelical Church, they will not feel left out. However, it is right for a Non-denominational adherent to participate in the Lord’s Supper in Evangelical churches until they are baptized.
References
GotQuestions.org. (2005). What is an Evangelical Christian? Retrieved January 11, 2023
GotQuestions.org. (2010). What is a non-denominational church? Retrieved January 11, 2023
GotQuestions.org. (2016). What is evangelical theology? Retrieved January 11, 2023
thegospelcoalition.org. (n.d.). Evangelical theology. Retrieved January 11, 2023
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