Non-denominational evangelical beliefs: what the Non-denominational evangelical tradition teaches
Non-denominational evangelical churches gather around the Bible as "the only infallible, authoritative Word of God", the deity and saving death and resurrection of Jesus, and the need for new birth by the Holy Spirit. Each congregation is usually independent and keeps a short statement of faith. Because there's no single body, this comparison draws on the published beliefs of six large independent churches and on Calvary Chapel's statement of faith.
Worship: Contemporary worship band, practical Bible teaching, believer's baptism and regular communion, in a casual setting.
This row draws on the published beliefs of six large independent churches. One of them, Saddleback, cooperated with the Southern Baptist Convention until 2023, and we classify by a church's present independence, not its past affiliation. These churches vary widely on church government, women's ordination, assurance, the end times and worship, so those questions are left out of this row's score.
Branches in the quiz: Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches), Calvary Chapel.
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Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
What to look for when you visit: Look for Jesus preached, the Bible read and taught, a statement of faith you can read, and a pastor you can talk to.
Calvary Chapel
These are each tradition's own church directories. We don't review individual congregations.
Read more
- Statement of Faith — National Association of EvangelicalsFree online
Seven short articles that many non-denominational churches would sign without changing a word.
- The Lausanne Covenant — Lausanne MovementFree online
A 1974 statement from evangelicals around the world, drafted largely by John Stott.
- BibleProject — BibleProjectFree online
Free animated videos that walk through every book of the Bible, popular in many non-denominational churches.
Confessions and statements from Non-denominational evangelical churches
Figures and practice companions
Image credit Billy Graham
1918–2018 · Baptist (Southern Baptist)
Southern Baptist evangelist who preached to live audiences in more than 185 countries and helped found the Lausanne Movement.
Read: Peace with GodWorth knowing: Tapes released in 2002 recorded him making antisemitic remarks to President Nixon in 1972; he apologized.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
1899–1981 · Reformed evangelical (Wales/London)
Welsh physician turned preacher who led Westminster Chapel, London, for thirty years.
Read: Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure
Practices associated with Non-denominational evangelical churches
Scripture memory
Pick one verse that speaks to where you are, such as Psalm 23:1 or John 15:5. Say it aloud each morning, write it out, and review it during the week. When it comes to mind on its own, start another. Learned words of Scripture stay with you when you most need them.
Memorizing verses has a long history, but the Navigators, founded by Dawson Trotman among U.S. Navy sailors in 1933, made it a core habit of evangelical discipleship.
Source: The Navigators, "Our History"“They spent many hours together praying, studying the Bible, and memorizing Scripture.”
About Scripture MemoryCompare Non-denominational evangelical teaching by topic
Non-denominational evangelical coverage: 17 of 31 questions. Review status and scoring
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches) · Based on 8 topics
No official position scored: Which is closest to what you think about God's choosing and our choice? Which is closest to what you think: can a true believer fall away and be lost? Which is closest to what you think about knowing where you stand with God? Which is closest to how you think the church should be led? Which is closest to what you think about who may be ordained as a pastor or priest? Which is closest to what you think about ordination in an unbroken line from the apostles? Which is closest to what you think about how baptism should be done? When the church shares the bread and cup, which is closest to what you think? Which is closest to what you think about how often a church should share the Lord's Supper? Which is closest to what you think Christ gave His church to keep as lasting rites? Which is closest to what you think about gifts like prophecy, tongues and healing today? Which is closest to what you think about being baptized (or filled) with the Holy Spirit? When Christians pray for the sick, which is closest to what you think? Which is closest to what you think about Christ's return and the thousand years in Revelation 20? Which is closest to what you think happens to believers when they die, before the final resurrection? Which is closest to what you think about the saints in heaven? Which is closest to what you think about Mary, the mother of Jesus? Which kind of service feels most like worship to you? Which music helps you worship most? How much should the church year shape worship? In worship, what do you most hope for? Which is closest to what you think about how God makes believers holy? Which is closest to what you think about Christians, war and oaths?
Drawn from the published beliefs of six large independent churches: Elevation, Gateway, Life.Church, Saddleback, Christ Fellowship and Church of the Highlands. A topic is scored when at least four of them say the same thing.
Calvary Chapel · 16 topics available
Secondary sources: Which is closest to what you think about God's choosing and our choice?
No official position scored: Which is closest to what you think about creeds and confessions (written summaries of what a church believes)? Which is closest to how you think the church should be led? Which is closest to what you think about ordination in an unbroken line from the apostles? When the church shares the bread and cup, which is closest to what you think? Which is closest to what you think about how often a church should share the Lord's Supper? When Christians pray for the sick, which is closest to what you think? Which is closest to what you think happens to believers when they die, before the final resurrection? Which is closest to what you think about the saints in heaven? Which is closest to what you think about Mary, the mother of Jesus? Which kind of service feels most like worship to you? Which music helps you worship most? How much should the church year shape worship? In worship, what do you most hope for? Which is closest to what you think about how God makes believers holy? Which is closest to what you think about Christians, war and oaths?
Read the positions and sources
Scripture and authority
When Christians disagree about what to believe, which is closest to what you think should settle it?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “The Bible alone has the final word. Creeds, councils and teachers are all tested by it.”
Some hold: “The Bible comes first, read together with the church's historic creeds and with reason and experience.”
Source: Church of the Highlands, beliefs page, beliefs“It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “The Bible alone has the final word. Creeds, councils and teachers are all tested by it.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“the Bible is the final authority in every area it addresses”
Which is closest to what you think about creeds and confessions (written summaries of what a church believes)?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “A short statement of faith keeps us united, and the Bible itself is what we really stand on.”
Some hold: “We need no creed but the Bible. We speak where the Bible speaks and stay silent where it is silent.”
Source: Life.Church, beliefs page, beliefs“In addition to Essential Beliefs, we have liberty in Non-Essential Beliefs.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “A short statement of faith keeps us united, and the Bible itself is what we really stand on.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which is closest to how you see the Bible's truthfulness?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “The Bible is without error in everything it affirms, including what it says about history and the world.”
Some hold: “The Bible is fully trustworthy in everything it teaches about God, salvation and how to live.”
Source: Saddleback Church, beliefs page, beliefs“Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “The Bible is without error in everything it affirms, including what it says about history and the world.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God.”
Salvation and grace
When God puts a sinner right with Himself, which is closest to what you think happens?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “God forgives us and counts us righteous for Christ's sake, crediting His righteousness to us. We receive this by faith alone.”
Some hold: “God brings us into a right relationship with Him, and that new life means following Jesus every day with His people.”
Source: Church of the Highlands, beliefs page, beliefs“Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “God forgives us and counts us righteous for Christ's sake, crediting His righteousness to us. We receive this by faith alone.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Him”
Which is closest to how you think God usually gives people His saving grace?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “When a person hears the gospel and personally trusts Christ. Baptism and the Lord's Supper then show it.”
Source: Christ Fellowship Church, beliefs page, beliefs“Baptism doesn't save you; only belief in Jesus and what He did on the Cross does that.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “When a person hears the gospel and personally trusts Christ. Baptism and the Lord's Supper then show it.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved eternally”
Which is closest to what you think about whom Christ died to save?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Christ died for every person, so that anyone who turns to Him can be saved.”
Source: Life.Church, beliefs page, beliefs“offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Christ died for every person, so that anyone who turns to Him can be saved.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“died a substitutionary death for all mankind”
Which is closest to what you think about God's choosing and our choice?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “God's choosing and our free choice are both true in Scripture, and I don't think we need a system to fit them together.”
Some hold: “Before creation God chose His people, not for anything He saw in them, and His grace surely brings them to faith.” or “God's grace goes before everyone and frees us to respond. God chooses in Christ those He knows will believe.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “God's choosing and our free choice are both true in Scripture, and I don't think we need a system to fit them together.”
Some hold: “Before creation God chose His people, not for anything He saw in them, and His grace surely brings them to faith.” or “God's grace goes before everyone and frees us to respond. God chooses in Christ those He knows will believe.”
Scored from secondary sources; an official position has not been verified.
Source: calvarychapel.com article: "Soteriology in the Middle Part 1" (Kellen Criswell), article“We are in the middle of these two systems of soteriology.”
Which is closest to what you think: can a true believer fall away and be lost?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “No. Everyone God truly saves, He keeps, and they will go on in faith to the end.”
Makes room for: “Yes. A believer can turn away from Christ and be lost, but while we live His grace keeps calling us back.” or “No. Anyone who has truly believed once is secure, even if they later stop believing.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “No. Everyone God truly saves, He keeps, and they will go on in faith to the end.”
Some hold: “No. Anyone who has truly believed once is secure, even if they later stop believing.”
Makes room for: “Yes. A believer can turn away from Christ and be lost, but while we live His grace keeps calling us back.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network), We are evangelical“We believe that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved eternally”
Which is closest to what you think about knowing where you stand with God?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Every true believer can be certain now of being saved in the end, because it rests on God's promise.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Every true believer can be certain now of being saved in the end, because it rests on God's promise.”
Some hold: “The Spirit gives an inner witness that I'm God's child, and I keep walking with Him so I don't drift away.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network), We are evangelical“We believe that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved eternally”
Which is closest to what you think about how God makes believers holy?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Holiness grows over a whole lifetime. Sin remains in us until we die, though it no longer rules us.”
Makes room for: “Holiness is following Jesus in daily obedience, with a church that encourages and corrects us.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Source: NAE Statement of Faith (composite with common evangelical practice), NAE Statement of Faith, 5“by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Holiness grows over a whole lifetime. Sin remains in us until we die, though it no longer rules us.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
The church
Which is closest to how you think the church should be led?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “By each local congregation under Christ, with leaders such as pastors, elders or clerks, free from outside control.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “By each local congregation under Christ, with leaders such as pastors, elders or clerks, free from outside control.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which is closest to what you think about who may be ordained as a pastor or priest?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Only men may serve as pastors or elders, and women serve in many other vital ministries.”
Makes room for: “Both men and women may be called by God and ordained as pastors.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Only men may serve as pastors or elders, and women serve in many other vital ministries.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“We are complementarian.”
Which is closest to what you think about ordination in an unbroken line from the apostles?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Each congregation recognizes and calls its own leaders by their gifts. No outside line of ordination is needed.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Each congregation recognizes and calls its own leaders by their gifts. No outside line of ordination is needed.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which is closest to what you think about Christians, war and oaths?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Christians may serve in the military for a just cause and may take an oath when the law asks for one.”
Makes room for: “Christians should work for peace, and each believer may follow conscience about serving in the military.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Christians may serve in the military for a just cause and may take an oath when the law asks for one.”
Makes room for: “Christians should work for peace, and each believer may follow conscience about serving in the military.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Which is closest to what you think about who should be baptized?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Only people old enough to understand the gospel and confess faith in Christ for themselves.”
Source: Church of the Highlands, beliefs page, beliefs“Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Only people old enough to understand the gospel and confess faith in Christ for themselves.”
Source: Calvary Chapel Association, Statement of Faith, Ordinances“the full-immersion water baptism of believers and the Lord’s Supper”
Which is closest to what you think happens in baptism?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “It's a public act of obedience that pictures what Christ has already done in the believer.”
Source: Christ Fellowship Church, beliefs page, beliefs“Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Christ, an outward symbol of an inward commitment that we've made in our hearts.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “It's a public act of obedience that pictures what Christ has already done in the believer.”
Source: Calvary Chapel Association, Statement of Faith, Ordinances“the Lord, Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances for the church”
Which is closest to what you think about how baptism should be done?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “By immersion only, going fully under the water, as a picture of burial and rising with Christ.”
Makes room for: “Pouring, sprinkling or immersion are all fine. The water and the name of the Trinity are what matter.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “By immersion only, going fully under the water, as a picture of burial and rising with Christ.”
Source: Calvary Chapel Association, Statement of Faith, Ordinances“the full-immersion water baptism of believers”
When the church shares the bread and cup, which is closest to what you think?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “We remember Christ's death, proclaim it and look for His return, with the bread and cup as signs.”
Some hold: “Christ is truly present by His Spirit, and believers feed on Him by faith, while the bread stays bread.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “We remember Christ's death, proclaim it and look for His return, with the bread and cup as signs.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which is closest to what you think about how often a church should share the Lord's Supper?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Regularly, perhaps monthly or quarterly. It's special, but it isn't part of every service.”
Makes room for: “A few times a year, with careful preparation and self-examination in the days before.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Regularly, perhaps monthly or quarterly. It's special, but it isn't part of every service.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which is closest to what you think Christ gave His church to keep as lasting rites?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper, kept in obedience as signs of the gospel.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper, kept in obedience as signs of the gospel.”
Source: Calvary Chapel Association, Statement of Faith, Ordinances“the Lord, Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances for the church”
The Holy Spirit’s gifts
Which is closest to what you think about gifts like prophecy, tongues and healing today?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “They can still happen, but the church should test them with care, and they aren't the focus of church life.”
Makes room for: “All the gifts in the New Testament are for today, and churches should seek them and make room for them.” or “The miraculous sign gifts were for the apostles' time and ended when Scripture was complete.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “All the gifts in the New Testament are for today, and churches should seek them and make room for them.”
Some hold: “They can still happen, but the church should test them with care, and they aren't the focus of church life.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Scripture are available to and active in His church today”
Which is closest to what you think about being baptized (or filled) with the Holy Spirit?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Every believer receives the Spirit on coming to faith, and we can be filled again and again.”
Some hold: “It's an empowering experience distinct from conversion, but tongues aren't its required sign.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Source: NAE Statement of Faith (composite with common evangelical practice), NAE Statement of Faith, 5“We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “It's an empowering experience distinct from conversion, but tongues aren't its required sign.”
Some hold: “Every believer receives the Spirit on coming to faith, and we can be filled again and again.”
Source: Calvary Chapel Association, Statement of Faith, God the Holy Spirit“We believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit as a distinct and separate experience to that of regeneration, occurring either subsequent to or simultaneous with salvation”
When Christians pray for the sick, which is closest to what you think?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “God heals, sometimes by miracle and often through medicine. We pray, use both and trust His will.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “God heals, sometimes by miracle and often through medicine. We pray, use both and trust His will.”
Makes room for: “Healing is provided for in Christ's death, and believers can pray in faith expecting God to heal.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Mary and the saints
Which is closest to what you think about the saints in heaven?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “We thank God for the saints and follow their example, but we pray to God alone.” or “Every believer, living or dead, is a saint. We remember faithful Christians without special honor for some.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “We thank God for the saints and follow their example, but we pray to God alone.” or “Every believer, living or dead, is a saint. We remember faithful Christians without special honor for some.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which is closest to what you think about Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “She was a godly woman God chose to bear Jesus, and an example of faith like other believers.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “She was a godly woman God chose to bear Jesus, and an example of faith like other believers.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Last things
Which is closest to what you think about Christ's return and the thousand years in Revelation 20?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, and I don't think we need a timeline.”
Some hold: “Christ will take His church to Himself before a time of great trouble, then return to reign on earth for a thousand years.”
Makes room for: “After a time of great trouble, Christ will return and reign on earth for a thousand years before the final judgment.” or “The thousand years is the present age of Christ's reign. He will return once, to raise the dead and judge.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Source: NAE Statement of Faith (composite with common evangelical practice), NAE Statement of Faith, 3“in His personal return in power and glory”
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Christ will take His church to Himself before a time of great trouble, then return to reign on earth for a thousand years.”
Makes room for: “After a time of great trouble, Christ will return and reign on earth for a thousand years before the final judgment.”
Source: Calvary Chapel, What We Believe (Calvary Global Network)“We are pre-tribulational.”
Which is closest to what you think happens to believers when they die, before the final resurrection?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “They go straight to be with Christ, fully forgiven, and wait for the resurrection of the body.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “They go straight to be with Christ, fully forgiven, and wait for the resurrection of the body.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Worship
Which kind of service feels most like worship to you?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “A long time of singing, then preaching, with freedom for spontaneous prayer and response.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “A long time of singing, then preaching, with freedom for spontaneous prayer and response.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Which music helps you worship most?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “A worship band leading contemporary songs.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “A worship band leading contemporary songs.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
How much should the church year shape worship?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “A little. We mark Christmas and Easter and plan the rest around preaching series.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “A little. We mark Christmas and Easter and plan the rest around preaching series.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
In worship, what do you most hope for?
Non-denominational evangelical (composite of six large US churches)
Teaches: “Clear preaching of God's Word that teaches and convicts, with heartfelt singing.”
Some hold: “Freedom in the Spirit, with raised hands, prayer for one another, and gifts like prophecy.” or “A close church family sharing life, singing together and caring for one another.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.
Calvary Chapel
Teaches: “Clear preaching of God's Word that teaches and convicts, with heartfelt singing.”
Some hold: “Freedom in the Spirit, with raised hands, prayer for one another, and gifts like prophecy.”
Not yet checked against the primary text, so the quiz doesn’t score this.