What denomination/religious affiliation are you?

I read the Rules and don't think this one is disallowed. If it is, and I missed something, please remove the thread. Thank you.

I'm just curious what denomination/religous affiliation everyone is here on this site. I'm born, raised and bred Pentecostal. My parents, in their wisdom however, exposed us to other churches and preaching that were not Pentecostal but were very true and solid and edifying and this all laid a great foundation in me that I am drawing on today.

So what is everyone else's affiliation, if any?

Thanks.

Mia and Bailey, Dugan, Buddy & Agnes the beagles.

Affiliation? Denomination?-- I'm affiliated with Jesus. He wouldn't call it a denomination though, just a way of life :-)

Jordan

I suspect most of us here would agree with Jordan's post. We are all of Christ. As for me, I attend a Calvary Chapel because I believe it is where the Lord directed [i]me[/i] to go. But that is really neither here nor there. I am simply a child of God, adopted by the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

In His Love,

Doug

Darling Mia,

Who can be offended by such an interesting question?

I have no denomination. I call myself a Messianic Gentile, which might fit under the strictist Apostolic Denominations, if they are Literalists first, and Symbolismists second; orthodox, but not traditional, and a Zionist who want's what Israel wants for herself.

There are so many denominations that those who answer need to give the rest of us your spiritual delineations.

Blessings,

jordanamo wrote:
Affiliation? Denomination?-- I'm affiliated with Jesus. He wouldn't call it a denomination though, just a way of life :-)

Jordan

Hey, Bro - You are being a bit terse here - Mia asked a relevant question, and your answer seems to have quenched anyone who doesn't agree with you from replying.

I have no denomination either, but many do. Please don't stomp so hard on those who belong here that also have a specific Church affiliation. It lets us know where people are coming from.

Not to get more on your case, but gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit.

Respectfully,

John173 wrote:
I suspect most of us here would agree with Jordan's post. We are all of Christ. As for me, I attend a Calvary Chapel because I believe it is where the Lord directed [i]me[/i] to go. But that is really neither here nor there. I am simply a child of God, adopted by the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

In His Love,

Doug

Thanks for talking about your Church home, even if it is not your denomination. I like to get a bit of local color with the names that tell so very little.

And thank you for the kindness of your answer.

Blessings,

I agree with Jordan. and was going to write the same thing in a spirit of love. I thought I'd go through the thread first, and unfortunately this comment was posted...

UniqueWebRev wrote:

Hey, Bro - You are being a bit terse here - Mia asked a relevant question, and your answer seems to have quenched anyone who doesn't agree with you from replying.

I have no denomination either, but many do. Please don't stomp so hard on those who belong here that also have a specific Church affiliation. It lets us know where people are coming from.

Not to get more on your case, but gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit.

Respectfully,

Think you read something that's not there Forrest. Your post Forrest doesn't come across as respectful, so who are you to criticize when you do the same thing that you speak against.

Disappointed,

richie

Richie,

I wrote as gently as I could and still speak to the point.

Is everyone who looks at this site fiercely non-denonminational?

What of the poor soul in a formal Church Home who sees this thread, and turns away from participating in this forum, thinking there is no one to defend them, or even cheer them on? With no defense for those in denominations, many will think that there is nothing here for them because denominations are verboten.

I am a non-denominational evangelist, and I am strongly against denominations as a whole on my site, which is specifically for the unchurched, but that is my site, not an open forum.

I felt the question deserved at least one answer that was not opposed to denominations. I'm even interested in the answers because background lends a great deal of understanding of what the person speaking has been taught, and consequently, from what viewpoint they are speaking.

I'm troubled that speaking to the point is automatically considered to be critical. I disagreed with Jordan's point, and his manner of presenting it. I still do.

Jordan, however, is not under judgement anywhere that I know of, and certainly not with me.

Blessings,

i used to be a part of a pentecostal church, but since i discovered there where nothing "pentecostal" about it and since only half the bible was preached and the other half called legalism... i decided to go look for a new...still looking... but i always have my "prayer group" of saints for fellowship, and of course SI

Marching to Zion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei_Hu1hcsa4

Did the Holocaust Really Happen?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlBA2zp992c

Christian

Mia had a simple question.... Jordan had a simple answer.
Because you didn't like his answer you have to bash him (for whatever your motive was) with presumptuous statements like.....

You are being a bit terse here

Your answer seems to have quenched anyone who doesn't agree with you from replying

Please don't stomp so hard on those who belong here that also have a specific church affiliation

Not to get on your case, but gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit

Respectfully

I firmly believe that when the Lord looks down He see's His Church - not denominations. I am Pentecostal - but do not belong to a large organisation. Thanks for your post.

Blessings

I have always been in non-denominational churches which I love. We have former Baptist, Presbyterian, Holiness, etc, etc, etc, I think a mixed bouquet is wonderful.

Church of God (Clevland Tennesee)

Suffering...it was the way of the master: should not the servent tread it still (Leonard Ravenhill)

Greetings,

My Mom was Catholic and my Dad was nominal Presbyterian. They were both converted two weeks before their wedding by the witness of my uncle, who was saved out of the rock-n-roll culture of the 80's. His testimony of a radically changed life showed them that there was far more to God than dead church-going.

We went to lots of different churches and gradually settled into a mid-sized megachurch in a big town nearby, where we remained for about 8-10 years. As that church slid downhill into a rowdy contemporary service replete with dancers and 'tongues', we bailed out and looked for something else that was more Biblical.

Through a series of twists and turns, we joined a small non-denominational home fellowship. This grew into a small-town church where my Dad was eventually ordained as one of the ministers.

I am now a member of the same Glory Christian Fellowship of Griswold, IA. We are loosely affiliated with some of the so-called Remnant fellowships that can be found in several states in the US. If you'd like to know more, www.charityministries.org is a good resource.

We strive to follow the Bible (specifically the New Testament) in a literal way as far as is possible, while at the same time doing these things out of loving obedience, and not a spirit of Law. A 'faith that works', as it were. Some may tag us as conservative legalists, but there is great freedom being 'without law, yet under the law of Christ.'

Really, though, faith is the most important thing... without faith in the Lord Jesus, I couldn't make it! "For without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him!" I praise the Lord for putting my family and me in a church where the Word of God is preached faithfully and there is a strong brotherhood of believers who strive to walk with God in daily life.

Praise the Lord that he takes so many of us from so many different backgrounds and knits us together in one Body in Christ! Hallelujah for the Blood!

Wow - this has really opened my eyes, interesting posts! We are all sinners saved by grace, bottom line. I was just wondering what everyone's background was, that's all.

You see, right now I am seeing a prayer counsellor, he is an Anglican Bishop. Quite frankly I was at the end of my rope so it wasn't a difficult decision to accept his help. And lo and behold, I found, he and his ministry are Spirit-filled, Christ-centered and God-seeking. Plus, prayer is the number one priority in the sessions. Imagine, a Pentecostal girl putting her trust in and seeking help from an Anglican Bishop! That's what I would have thought several years ago. Now, I am learning different, and I am so pleased that God has revealed to me that it doesn't matter what label we wear, as long as we belong to Jesus and are striving for the Kingdom, that's what matters.

I am also seeking a church to attend in my local area, havn't been terribly active in doing that but, recently, I believe through prayer and reading the Word that the Holy Spirit has revealed to me that I need to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25) in whatever form that may take. The preaching of the Word with boldness, in spirit and in truth, is what I am seeking. And serious, fervent, unceasing prayer is even more important. I pray the Lord will lead me in that direction.

Blessings to you all, and thanks for your responses!

Mia and Bailey, Dugan, Buddy and Agnes the beagles.

Fair question.

I'm adaptable. I fit in wherever the Spirit leads. Right now I happily serve as music minister in a Presbyterian Church. I've been in other denominations. I thank God for them all, because all of them had something valuable to offer me.

My spiritual identity is not any denomination. I am a child of the Kingdom.

Diane

I was baptised in a Calvary church which practices the Pentacostal faith and I do agree with most of their teachings,so I guess I would call myself first a believer in Christ and secondly a Pentacostal.

Raised Catholic, heard the Gospel at a Evangelical Free Church in middle/high school, accepted Christ at a Southern Baptist church in college where I still attend and serve.

Trace my genealogy back and you'll see that my family has been solid Mennonite for the last 400yrs! :-)

The fellowship i attend is mostly people from the German-Mennonite background. We no longer consider ourselves Mennonite (as most of us are not practicing Mennonites) but you can still see a few of the traditions hanging around on some (tho not for long ;-) ).

So yeah, we are considered non-denominational.

As for me personally, I don't agree with "church" as it is practiced today (please don't comment on this, if you want to start a discussion about it, please start another thread). I try to not lump myself in with any one group, except with those who love the Lord in sincerity of heart...

... like a lot of you guys :-D

“As for me... my mother is Catholic (non-practicing), my father is Protestant (non-practicing) and after following neither of those headings over 25 years, I was baptized in a all 'black' baptist church about 4 years ago (I was the only 'white' guy... color does not matter, but it is funny to see...as my brother from that church and I say of one another, "we are brothers of a different mother, but the same father."

BrianMira –

I have always been fascinated with ‘black’ Southern Baptist churches. Their enthusiasm and zeal in their preaching and praise has appealed to this ‘midwestern white gal’. I always wanted to be a fly on the wall in one of their churches so that I might be able to observe and take in without distracting. Alas, that isn’t possible. So my husband and I, in our search for a new church home, decided to visit one such congregation. Much to my dismay, we were a distraction. They tolerated us for about three weeks, and then asked outright what we were doing there and what did we want. I think they wanted to be able to have an environment where they could speak freely about the oppression that they still experience from the white community and we made that difficult for them. More’s the pity, but our goal was not to be a distraction. I love what that brother said to you, BrianMira, “we are brothers of a different mother, but the same father.” Amen to that!

I was raised Catholic, but once I left home, I visited as many different denominations as I could find in the yellow pages. :-) When dating a Jewish man in my early twenties, I even considered converting to Judiasm. I was definitely searching … but the church that I was saved in was a non-denominational “hippy church” that over the years became more widely known as “inter-denominational”. That is what I would consider the kind souls on this site. We come from many walks and many experiences, but have the same goal to grow in a deeper understanding of our faith.

Blessings upon ALL who love and serve the One True God! :-) :-) :-) :-)

Carol

Brian,

In response to your questions to Carol...

Carol is my wife so that makes it the two of us going to this 'black' church. We went the first time because we were new to the area and were searching for a local body in which we could grow. This was not a Baptist church but an independent charismatic/pentacostal style church. There was no sign on the door or in the yellow pages identifying this as being a predominately black congregation. The first time we went we were so blessed by the their obvious love for the Lord that we went back a second time, then a third and fourth. Somewhere along the line it became apparent that many of the congregants still felt some degree of pain and bitterness toward the "white man", and the oppression and prejudice they still feel exists. For some strange reason these comments made us feel a little uncomfortable. In addition to this, we began noticing some doctrinal issues that we couldn't put our whole heart behind. Many pentacostal style churches are just a little too focused on manifesting the gifts and not enough focused on solid bible teaching. This is just my opinion. The combination of these two factors played into our moving on in our quest.

When we lived in California we went to a church that was racially mixed. Blacks, Latinos, Philipino, white and whatever else. If I could find a church here in Omaha like this I would love to attend. Unfortunately the only one we did find was peaching the word of faith trash. We only went there once. It grieves me that churches in middle America are so racially segregated, but they are.

Last comment. Trust that we are not bigots. If we were, we would have turned on our heels before the first service began.

Regards,

Doug

I grew up in southern baptist churches and received some good foundations. Teenage years spent in an inter-denominational/baptist church with many pentecostals/charismatics and former Catholics. On the side: ministered with an inner city ministry that was profoundly pentecostal. Had assemblies and church of God youth ministers at our church along with many southern baptists. All of this was in New Orleans. Now I'm at a smaller more rural assembly of God church. I love the people there and the focus on the word.

I understand why different groups of people create labels and statements of faith and ministry pools. These are denominations, and it is not in itself a bad thing. Yet when it comes to me, I cannot label myself anything. I cannot in good conscience label myself pentecostal, apostolic, charismatic or one of those labels because of some organizations in those labels that have flawed focuses. I cannot even label myself protestant (who do I have to protest?). The term evangelical seems somewhat distorted today as well. Today people of extraordinarily word-literal theologies all the way to extremely experiential-based theology seem to call themselves evangelical. For me I can only call myself Christian. I love liturgical churches as well... as long as the attention is squarely on Christ. I guess the closest 'movement' or denomination that would adequately represent my beliefs would be holiness, particularly the christian & missionary alliance... though there is a strong bit of fire in me from the powerful southern African emphasis on the word and prayer and holiness. I also love to read about the house church movements in the persecuted world.

Needless to say, I value experiencing multiple churches from different backgrounds and denominational beliefs/practices. Why? So that we can "search the scriptures" and see what is true. Some seem to move away from a church because of error or "being burned" and this is all they have ever known and they end up completely dropping out of church. That is sad to me. One thing that grieves me is this intense, I believe, man-made divide between the "spirit-filled" and the "religious." Yes I believe that Jesus will "baptize us in the Holy Spirit and in fire" but I also believe that every true believer already has all of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is a person and you cannot have just a part of him. I encourage people to seek the overwhelming filling and overflowing of the Holy Spirit and expect it to come. Not just once, but over a lifetime. We are also called to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit (which means repeatedly over a lifetime... to the point where we spill out into others). The greatest evidence of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit.
All of this is to say: if you've been burned by one branch and you are certain that God is moving you in another place, you may need to drop your engrained criticisms and with the Spirit of Truth to guide you: go to a church with a different focus. Praise God for the testimony of the pentecostal woman joined in prayer with an Anglican bishop!

But there will be no perfect 'doctrinal statement' or application of a statement on this side of heaven... so please seek the Lord so that he will lead you to a place to join and commit to. I am not sure that I agree with everything at the church I am going to: but I do know that the most essential core beliefs I have been given in my heart are being fulfilled: so this church is where I will be committed to.

love you all

Dear brother Brian,

Thank you for your obvious concern, and I apologize if I’ve offended anybody by my comments.

When I said, “Alas, that is not possible”, I was referring to the absurd notion that I could literally be a fly on a wall. How silly is that? Have you never heard that expression? Do you understand the intent of it?

I am far from prejudice. I (like you) am friends of people of many backgrounds and persuasions. I believe that one’s character speaks louder than their outward appearance. My husband and I are host to international students who come to the United States to participate in intensive English language studies at our local university and desire to live with a family during their stay. We recently hosted a gathering of 30+ students from countries all over the world. We delight in their diversity.

[b][color=000099]“I believe your heart is good, but I went there on my own, with my own good intentions. You and your husband went together. Are you sure that both of you were on the same 'yellow pages'. He may have been following your fascination, which led to a sense of inner misunderstanding and unintentional discrimination.”[/color][/b]

You’re actually very close to the mark on that statement. Years before, on a trip to San Diego, the motel that we stayed at shared a parking lot with a church that was in full swing when we stepped outside one Sunday morning. It was clearly a black congregation and the sounds that came from that building called to my heart. It was that day that I turned to my husband and said, “Oh, that I could be a fly on the wall!” It was MY yearning, not particularly his at the time. But we were on our way to his sister’s church, so we didn’t follow through by going in.

So, when we found this particular congregation in Omaha, I wanted to go back again and again, in hopes that we could become a part of the body there. I was energized by the services. Truth be told, each week they spoke against the oppression they were feeling in the community. It became a theme. And yet, there would be a barely discernable pause and a glance at us before they continued with their commentary. What we felt was a reverse prejudice and rejection. We were making them uncomfortable simply by being there. THAT is not what we were looking for. We were clearly disrupting their ability to speak freely.

But the day I was asked what we were doing there and what we wanted, it was presented as a challenge. I honestly can’t tell you what my response was. I was taken aback and offended, as I would be at ANY church if I had that experience. We were new to the community, our intentions were pure, and as visitors to their church, I believe it was part their responsibility to make us feel welcome. You were welcomed with open, loving arms. We were not. You stayed, but we continued with our search for a church home. That was the end of that.

One clearly must be very careful when sharing our experiences, whether it be via email or, in this case, a public forum. Meanings can be so easily twisted by flat words on a screen. You can’t see the expression on my face or the inflection of my voice. Again, I humbly apologize if I’ve hurt anybody’s feelings. I was, quite frankly, envious of your experience, Brian.

In His love,

Carol

hi,
Just in regard to denominations,in this life I guess we will have different churches and different people will feel one church is right for them and another isnt.
After saying that their are certain fundamentals in teaching that each different denomination would have to adhere to.

However I think their is one example in the bible worth noticing;John The Baptist came preaching in the wilderness and all Judea came out to hear him.That meant pharasee's and Saducees and all sections of the Jewish community came out of their different denominations sort to speak to get fed in the wilderness because they were'nt getting fed where they should have been.It will be the same again I believe where christians will come out into the wilderness to get fed,oddly enough they will come from denominational and non denominational churches to get fed because they aren't getting fed where they should.
Also I would question where their could be any splits during the millenium period where Christ himself will reign and for sure their will be no denominations in the New Jerusalem.
Rgds Staff

Thanks for the encouragement, brother.

I just pray we can keep Jesus first and not get stuck in denominationalism... that is a great hindrance to the Kingdom in many cases. It's great to see that the Lord Jesus has servants throughout the world in various church groups, no matter what their title. Oh, that we (that I!) could lay down our petty theological guns and love the brethren! Too easily we conservatives, in trying to be zealous for holiness, will crush the life out of those that are seeking.

More love, Lord! More love!

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, by your love one for another."

Wow! I finally got back to the original question. What a variety of folks we can meet here! Pentecostal stil seems to be a big word and, I suppose that is my doctrinal persuasion. As for denomination (although it was never intended to be) I attend the Assemblies of God here in Australia.

I remember speaking to a couple from [a Baptist background I think]Cornerstone in Cowra. I was telling them I had read a discussion on what a fundamental was. Basically someone who believes the Bible, they responded.

Well, I told them I am often accused of being fundamental (because I always ask, what does the Bible say?) but I didn't think pentecostalism was considered fundamental. They informed me I was a Fundamentalist Pentecostal. I wonder what that is? Something like a Bapticostal?

Anyway, I was saved in the Assembly of God church in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia at the time) as a very young child after I discovered God had healed me and I enjoy owning Jesus as my Lord.

Hope you found that interesting

Kerry.

Hmm...in very interesting ways, it kind of came to my realization that my leanings are what i would describe as 'Evangelical Anabaptist'. I go to Sacramento Bible Fellowship which is an independent group but also in some ways affiliated to Charity Ministries. I have relations with ALCF in Mt View and some Calvary Chapels. ALCF has a saying, 'Once a member, always a member'. So, i guess i'm still a member. hehe :) I appreciate the systematic teaching approach of CC and the people i have met have blessed me.

I grew up in a pentecostal church (assembly of God) then I went to a charismatic church then I changed to a baptist church where I attend right now. All these denominations have different doctrines, and having passed thru all of them helped me to see (thru comparing experience with the Word) what doctrines are real and true and which are not.

Like our anonimous friend said "Bapticostal ;)"

sermonindex said:

I really wish more brethren from the "charity gospel ministries" would participate in the forums on sermonindex.net its such a wonderful move of God that you are a part of.

Amen. there is a Charity type Church in my area, we fellowship together quite a bit. i appreciate the like-minded brothers, steadfast in the faith, grounded in the word. In fact is was through one of those brothers that i found this site. :-)

Praise God.

He is Good.