Wide spectrum from Calvinist election to Arminian free will; no consensus
Non-denominational evangelicalism encompasses one of the widest theological spectrums on predestination of any Christian movement. Some non-denominational megachurches are explicitly Reformed Calvinist, affirming unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints (e.g., churches in the Reformed stream). Others are strongly Arminian, emphasizing human free will, universal atonement, and the possibility of falling away. Many occupy an amicable middle ground that avoids hard commitments on either side.
Because there is no binding confessional document in the non-denominational evangelical movement, local churches define their own theological positions. This creates significant diversity. The 'seeker-sensitive' movement associated with figures like Rick Warren and Bill Hybels has generally downplayed the predestination debate in favor of practical, relational Christianity accessible to the unchurched. The Reformed resurgence associated with John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and the Gospel Coalition has produced a wave of Calvinist-leaning non-denominational churches.
The theological pluralism on predestination within non-denominational evangelicalism is often treated as a mark of maturity — an ability to fellowship across secondary theological differences while holding firm on primary doctrines. The movement's identity is defined more by shared evangelical convictions (personal conversion, biblical authority, the centrality of the cross) than by a unified position on election.
Key Distinctions
- Election model:
- varies — Calvinist and Arminian views coexist without denominational mandate
- Double predestination:
- varies
- Free will teaching:
- varies by congregation
Scripture References
Sources
- National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith (non-prescriptive on predestination); representative local church statements