Non-Denominational Christianity Origins: 6 Events That Led to Followers Standing Apart

The growth of non-denominational Christians has been phenomenal in recent history. According to Universal Life Church, the number of Americans identifying their religion as non-denominational skyrocketed from less than 200,000 in 1990 to more than 8 million by 2008.

Here are six reasons and events that led people to drift away from mainline churches in favor of non-denominational churches:

1. Ministers began noticing a shift away from spirituality in churches in the post-World War II era. Bureaucratic institutions became more interested in worldly affairs and political issues. According to The Wall Street Journal, congregations were following routine services instead of adhering to the word of God, so evangelicals and revivalists began to increase.

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2. In the decades following World War II, a more tolerant and accepting culture developed. Non-denominational churches began to rise to mirror this development because they were more likely to accept followers of various backgrounds, including people not normally accepted by traditional congregations.

3. Families became more intercultural because of couples from different backgrounds marrying. In the later part of the 20th century, there was a rise in interracial marriages and in marriages of people from different religious beliefs. They desired fulfillment through churches that welcomed individuals and families from Christians of any denomination.

4. Non-denominational Christians often have a tendency to follow the Bible itself rather than the rules of a particular church. As society moved away from traditions, many people preferred the Christian messages and principles of the Bible to the declarations or commands of committees in large churches.

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5. The rise of global communication and the global community broke up regional identity, according to the Rev. Canon Mary June Nestler, executive officer of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah. This contributed to the blending of denominational identity, replacing regional backgrounds that once determined a person's religion, reports Deseret News.

6. Independent churches offered more flexibility in a Christian's choice of worship. For example, some large churches became involved in national or international issues that leaned in one political direction, says Deseret News. So non-denominational Christians left for churches that avoided politics while maintaining concern for social issues.

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