Churches: Contemp. Interdenominational vs. Main-line Protestants

Just wanting to know what contemporary interdenominational churches are all about. I live in an area that is fast-growing; new subdivisions and commercial shopping centers going up all around.

I am a lifelong member of a mainline protestant (Presbyterian) church, but I see the same effect on others like Baptist, Methodist, etc.

There is a church in the community that started a few years ago. They promote themselves as a contemporary interdenominational church. Anyway, they apparently are really drawing 100's or 1000's of people. I think they have 4 services on the weekends, Sat. & Sun. They report to have attendance of 1500-2000 peeople for those 4 services. Large youth groups, mens group, ladies groups, Bible studies, etc. etc.

Know many people that have moved from their smaller main-line Protestant churches to this large church. Some of these people are/were members at the smaller churches for many years, in some cases for their entire lives but have been drawn to move over to the large church.

Some of you that have similar experience in this type of movement, what is the appeal.....what draws the people from small to large churches? I think I've seen this type of church referred to as "mega-churches".

 

Get a copy of their statement of beliefs (doctrine) to see if it is compatible to your own thinking on baptism, & profession of faith.

I particularly enjoy being in a non-denominational church since there is little focus on denominational beliefs and church history. (you don't find denominations in scripture) , and the majority of the
business of the church is conducted by elders and deacons..rather than by congregational business meetings..these have a way of detracting from the focus of worship and can create conflict among members.

Bottom line, I like the one I have been in for 30+ years for those reasons.

 

I'm going to one of these for the first time for one of my friend's weddings. She's marrying a muslim in a church. Should be interesting to see how the service is carried out.

 

I am surprised that a Muslim would marry in a Christian church. I know a Muslim family but the wife had to convert to that faith.

 

Yep, that's what I was thinking also. That's why I'm interested in how this one plays out. Could be the guy isn't a "practicing" muslim and just happens to be from a muslim country. I've know muslims that eat pork and screw around like crazy. They're not all devout.

 

EXCELLENT ADVICE.