Congregationalist (UCC)
Charismatic Movement
Affirms

Personal conversion essential; salvation by grace through faith in Christ

Non-denominational evangelical churches uniformly emphasize personal conversion — the need for each individual to consciously repent of sin and place personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This 'born again' experience is treated as the defining mark of Christian identity. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone — not by human merit, religious ritual, or church membership.

While there is no single creed, the evangelical commitment to personal conversion and the Reformation's solas (grace, faith, Christ, Scripture, and God's glory alone) is broadly shared. Evangelistic preaching is central to non-denominational evangelical culture, with altar calls, decision cards, and prayer for salvation being regular features of worship services. The concept of a personal 'relationship with God' rather than institutional religion is frequently emphasized.

Views on the extent of the atonement, the role of divine sovereignty and human free will, and the assurance of salvation vary widely within the non-denominational evangelical world — from strongly Calvinist megachurches to Arminian seeker-sensitive congregations. This theological diversity on secondary issues coexists with the firm shared commitment to personal, grace-based salvation through Christ.

Key Distinctions

Justification means:
faith alone (sola fide); personal decision for Christ essential
Election type:
varies — Calvinist and Arminian camps coexist
Baptismal regeneration:
baptism is symbolic ordinance; not salvific
Eternal security:
varies by congregation — 'once saved always saved' vs. conditional

Scripture References

Sources

  • National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith; representative evangelical local church statements