Interdenominational, Non-Denominational, Undenominational: What’s the Difference? 

by Lloyd Pelfrey

Perception. Interdenominational, non-denomina­tional, and undenominational-these are three words that are related, that are sometimes used interchange­ably, but they have im­portant distinctions. They should have special sig­nificance to those who have a commitment to the Restoration Movement, but both the commitment and the understanding have become blurred.

Interdenominational. The dictionary defines it as cooperation occurring between or among denominations. This is most frequently demonstrated when a community has an interdenominational revival. Several groups may participate in such an endeavor. Doctrinal differences are compro­mised until afterwards. At that time each group will compete to gain a larger share of the converts.

Nondenominational. This word means that a person or a group is not restricted to anyone denomination. Some revivalists in the past have billed themselves this way. They could jump from group to group, and they would adjust the messages to fit the circumstances.

Publishers sometimes try to produce literature that is "nondenominational." They try to print that which will offend no one. The attempt usually fails, for most such efforts assume doctrinal positions that many people do not hold.

Undenominational. This word describes the position that I hold and I hope that you do also. It defines one who does not belong to a denomination in the normal sense of that word. I may be denominated as a Christian in contrast to a Buddhist. Within Christendom, however, "I just want to be a Christian."

Precepts. The goal, therefore, is unity in Christ. This would be in accord to the prayer of our Lord: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou has sent me" (John 17:21).

Both Peter and Paul wrote to encourage unity among the followers of Christ. This as done in phrases like these: "Speak the same thing," "no di­vision" "be of one mind," "keep the unity of the Spirit," "stand fast in one spirit," "be ye all of  one mind," "in the unity of the faith:" and "one Lord, one faith, one bap­tism."

Practice. God's plan is not for the various groups to merge so as to create larger organizations with greater political clout. The apostles knew nothing­ of organizations. Their purpose was to pro­claim the message of redemption, and the people who became a part of this fellowship would be just Chris­tians. There would be no headquarters apart from heaven. Each local church would have its own officers. Only the apostles had any type of jurisdiction over the churches, and there were no plans for any succes­sors-just elders (bishops or pastors) over each con­gregation.

What's the difference? Much, in every way! One concept follows the plan of God, and the other goes against the prayer of Jesus and the preaching of the apostles. I just want to be a Christian-unde­nominational.

Pelfrey, L. (1991, November). Interdenominational; Non-Denominational; Undenominational: What's the Difference. Restoration Herald, 3.