Priesthood of all believers; ordained roles vary widely by congregation
Non-denominational evangelical churches universally affirm the priesthood of all believers — the principle that every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and is called to ministry. This affirmation is foundational to the non-denominational identity and is expressed in theologies of every-member ministry, spiritual gifts for all believers, and the rejection of clerical elitism.
Ordained roles exist in most non-denominational evangelical churches — typically pastors/elders and deacons — but the nature, requirements, and significance of ordination vary enormously. Some non-denominational churches have elaborate multi-tiered staff structures with associate pastors, teaching pastors, worship pastors, and executive pastors, all of whom may be recognized as ordained ministers. Others operate with minimal formal ordination structures.
The question of women's ordination is one of the most divisive issues within non-denominational evangelicalism. 'Complementarian' churches restrict senior pastoral and/or elder roles to men, citing Pauline texts. 'Egalitarian' churches ordain women to all roles, citing Galatians 3:28 and the broader witness of Scripture. Both views have substantial representation across non-denominational evangelical congregations, and both can be found in churches with strong evangelical identities.
Key Distinctions
- Ministry model:
- ordained ministers — preach and lead but are not priests in a sacerdotal sense
- Ordination theology:
- congregational or denominational call; no apostolic succession required
- Celibacy requirement:
- not required; married ministers standard
Scripture References
Sources
- National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith; representative local church governing documents