A CHRISTIAN TRADITION AT THE TABLE

Overlapping communities, many local expressions

Nondenominational & Evangelical

Scripture, personal faith in Christ, and the local congregation.

WHAT CHRISTIANS SHARE

Before the differences, there is a confession.

01

BELIEF

The gospel and a personal response to Christ

Evangelical faith emphasizes the authority of Scripture and the good news of Jesus Christ. The National Association of Evangelicals describes a people who take the Bible seriously and trust Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Its statement of faith affirms the Trinity, Christ’s incarnation and resurrection, the Spirit’s transforming work, and the spiritual unity of believers. These affirmations offer common ground without serving as a complete description of every local church.

02

LIFE TOGETHER

Learn the congregation, not just its label

A church’s name does not tell you everything about its worship, leadership, or expectations of members. Ask how Scripture is taught, how leaders are held accountable, and how people participate in decisions.

The label evangelical should not be treated as a substitute for hearing someone’s own faith and convictions. Begin with their understanding of Jesus, discipleship, and service.

03

DISCERNMENT

Ask what belonging means

Before joining, read the congregation’s own statement of faith. Ask about baptism, communion, spiritual gifts, ministry roles, and relationships with other churches. A national association’s statement does not answer every local question.

GIFTS TO DISCOVER

Three things worth knowing.

Shared faith across churches

The NAE statement affirms spiritual unity among believers in Christ, alongside faith in the Trinity and resurrection.

Denver Seminary · NAE Statement

HONEST DIFFERENCES

Questions that remain between Christians

  • Nondenominational and evangelical are not interchangeable labels.
  • Questions about church authority, sacraments, and ministry need answers from the particular congregation.

STAYING AT THE TABLE

Ways to speak and listen faithfully

  • What has helped you read Scripture faithfully?
  • How does your church make its leaders accountable?
  • What could our congregations learn from each other about sharing faith and serving neighbors?

READ THE TRADITION IN ITS OWN WORDS

Official and primary sources

No single institution speaks for all nondenominational or evangelical churches. Consult each congregation’s own beliefs and governance.

01

National Association of Evangelicals · What is an evangelical?

An evangelical association’s explanation of the term.

↗02

Denver Seminary · NAE Statement of Faith

A primary institutional presentation of shared evangelical beliefs.

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