One Family Under God: Embracing the Spirit of Unity in Our African Churches

Imagine a place of worship where the focus is clear: a deep love for God, a powerful encounter with His Word, and a welcoming embrace for everyone. Picture a community where the praises are vibrant, the teachings are rooted in the Bible, and the atmosphere feels like coming home. This is the heart of a non-denominational congregation – a gathering of believers united by faith, not divided by labels.

Just as the Psalmist declared, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations” (Psalm 90:1), we believe that the presence of God transcends the walls of any single denomination. We are a family built on the enduring foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, open to all who seek Him.

Our Shared Foundation: The Strength of Unity

To stand together as one, we recognize the importance of core beliefs that unite us. Like many non-denominational congregations, we often look to the Apostle’s Creed as a simple yet profound statement of our shared faith. This ancient declaration has echoed through the centuries, a testament to the unity of believers across time and traditions.

The Apostle’s Creed:

We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into ¹ Hades. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic apostolic Church (meaning the universal church of all believers), the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  

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We extend a hand of partnership and fellowship to any individual or organization that shares these fundamental beliefs. While respecting the diverse paths within the Christian faith, we believe that these core truths provide a powerful basis for unity.

Beyond Walls: What it Means to be Non-Denominational

Simply put, a non-denominational congregation is a church that is not governed by a larger denominational structure. Unlike denominations such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, or Pentecostal churches, which often have central headquarters (many historically based in Europe) and established hierarchies, we believe that each local congregation is directly accountable to God.

When we look to the Bible, particularly the book of Acts, we see a model of self-governing local churches, led by their own elders and directly answerable to God. While the early churches communicated and supported one another, there is no evidence of a top-down denominational control. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, often cited, was convened to address a crucial doctrinal issue regarding salvation, not to establish organizational hierarchy. The authority to resolve this came from the apostles who were directly commissioned by God.

Being non-denominational doesn’t mean we stand alone. Just as the early churches in the Bible communicated, shared resources, and offered mutual support, we believe in connecting with other believers and congregations in fellowship and cooperative ministry. We are independent, yet interconnected, following the powerful example set forth in Scripture.

Focusing on What Truly Matters: The Heart of God’s Word

The true measure of any church, regardless of its structure or name, lies in its faithfulness to the teachings of the Word of God. No human-led church is infallible, for we are all capable of error. Even the apostles, chosen by Jesus Himself, were not immune to mistakes, as the Apostle Paul openly addressed the Apostle Peter’s error in Galatians 2:11. Paul’s authority to do so stemmed not from a hierarchical position but from the revealed truth of God’s Word. He even commended the believers in Berea for diligently examining his teachings against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).

Like the Bereans, we believe that all believers should test what they hear against the unchanging truth of God’s Word. If any church deviates from this truth, we are called to lovingly offer correction. If that correction is not heeded, then seeking a congregation that faithfully obeys God’s Word becomes essential.

A New Generation Seeking Unity: Why Non-Denominational Churches Resonate

Across Africa and the world, we are seeing a growing number of people, particularly the younger generation, drawn to the welcoming spirit and clear biblical focus of non-denominational churches. In urban centers, where diverse cultures and backgrounds converge, these congregations often provide a sense of belonging and relevant teaching that may feel absent in more traditional denominational settings.

Many who have found their way to non-denominational churches express a desire for a faith that transcends historical divisions and emphasizes a personal relationship with God and a vibrant community of believers. They appreciate the freedom to explore their faith without the weight of rigid denominational traditions that may not always resonate with their contemporary experiences.

Even those who maintain ties to mainline denominations often find spiritual nourishment and fellowship in non-denominational settings, drawn by the dynamic worship, practical teaching, and strong sense of community. This highlights a growing desire for unity and a focus on the core message of the Gospel that transcends denominational lines.

Breaking Down Walls: The Call to Oneness

There is a powerful truth in the idea that the early church was inherently non-denominational. The Bible itself does not present the divisions we see today. The Apostle Paul’s letters to the Romans proclaim salvation for everyone who believes. The vision was always one of unity under God, not division into separate camps.

Many believe that the traditions and specific doctrines of various denominations can sometimes obscure the central message and moral principles of Christianity. While many denominations were founded with sincere intentions to follow God’s Word, some of their tenets have roots in human tradition and the pronouncements of governing bodies rather than solely in the Bible itself.

This resonates with the spirit of reformers like Martin Luther, who recognized the possibility of a genuine Christian faith that wasn’t bound by the rituals and politics of denominations. The draw of non-denominationalism lies not just in its openness but in its commitment to grounding faith in the core truths of Scripture.

The Mistake of Division: A United Family in Christ

Why should believers in the same God, followers of the same Savior Jesus Christ, and seekers of the same Kingdom allow themselves to be divided by denominational lines? We are all striving for the same heavenly home. Does it make sense to take different paths when our destination is the same? Will we find separate “denominational heavens” awaiting us?

Consider the simple act of Holy Communion – the sharing of the body and blood of the same Jesus Christ who died for us all. Yet, in many denominational settings, believers are often restricted from sharing this sacred meal with those from other Christian traditions. Similarly, acts of baptism performed in one denomination may not be fully recognized in another.

How did these divisions begin and why do they persist, affecting those who are meant to be one in Christ? Historically, many of these divisions were introduced during the era of European missionary activity in Africa. While religion was present and Africans recognized the one true God in their own ways, the arrival of missionaries often came with the challenge to choose a specific denominational path, sometimes tied to access to education, healthcare, and political influence. These divisions, once planted, have continued to grow.

As Africans today, we must ask ourselves: is it necessary to perpetuate these divisions? Our brothers and sisters in Europe, where many of these denominations originated, are increasingly moving towards greater ecumenical understanding and cooperation. Should we, as Africans, continue to be defined by these historical divisions?

Often, it is not the believers at the grassroots level who cling to these divisions, but rather some of our leaders. We see examples of believers from various denominations worshipping together, attending each other’s prayer gatherings, and recognizing the work of Jesus in different communities. Yet, sometimes, these same believers face disapproval or discouragement from their leaders.

We must remember the powerful prayer of Jesus in John 17 – His fervent desire that His followers would be one. How can we claim to be one if we cannot fully serve each other and share in the most sacred sacraments? Are our communal national prayers and inter-denominational councils truly reflecting a deep unity if barriers and prejudices still exist at the local level?

These divisions have tangible negative consequences in our societies, leading to denominations focusing inward and sometimes hindering collaboration on vital community development projects, educational institutions, and healthcare initiatives. We see instances where access to good schools or employment in church-founded institutions is sometimes determined by denominational affiliation rather than merit or need.

By perpetuating these divisions, are we not ignoring God’s clear call to oneness? How must Jesus feel when His followers are separated by walls that He never intended?

The very word “denomination” speaks of division. As believers in a God who calls us to unity, should we not strive to break down these walls and embrace the spirit of the early church – a diverse yet unified body of believers focused on the core message of the Gospel?

Conclusion: A House of Prayer for All Nations

We believe that our churches, our houses of God, should be places that welcome all who seek Him, regardless of their denominational background. We are called to follow the heart of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and become truly one.

He Himself quoted the powerful words of Isaiah 56:7 and Mark 11:17: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” How can our churches truly be houses for all nations if we continue to divide ourselves along denominational lines? God’s house is meant to be a place of welcome for everyone, for He is the God of all nations. Revelation 7:9 paints a glorious picture of a multitude from “every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”

Let us, as African believers, embrace this vision of unity. Let our churches be beacons of love and acceptance, reflecting the heart of God who desires that we all be one in Him. Let us build a vibrant tapestry of faith, where our shared devotion to Christ transcends the lines that have historically divided us. Let our houses of prayer truly be houses for all nations, a testament to the unifying power of the Gospel in the heart of Africa.

“I play that they may be one” (John 17: 21-23)