Non-Denominational & Inter-Denominational

Overview

The history of non-denominational churches may go back to as early as the 200’s AD, however the term was coined and gained traction in the 19th century in the United States. In the early 1800’s, several ministry leaders, including Barton Stone, Thomas Campbell, and later his son, Alexander Campbell, established many “non-denominational” churches in the United States with a focus on moving away from denominational conflicts surrounding doctrine, among other things. The churches were taught to function independently and members referred to themselves typically as disciples of Christ or Christians to avoid any denominational affiliation. Non-denominational Churches have steadily grown over the years, and, as of 2020, there are reportedly over 21 million adherents and around 44,314 congregations in the United States alone. Currently, there are over a dozen colleges and universities that hold non-denominational affiliations.