Accountability
Denominational church systems have various “checks and balances” that are meant to hold people accountable.   Most have a book of rules to guide them.  Many have bishops, superintendents, or executives who supervise or watch over the pastors.  Most denominations require annual reports from that churches that tell of the growth or decline in membership, giving, etc…. In denominations, people hoping to become pastors are required to go to college and most require master’s degrees of the candidates for ordination.  All of these things are supposed to hold churches and leaders accountable.

Non-denominational churches don’t have such bureaucratic structures.  How are pastors and leaders held accountable? The answer is that every congregation does it differently.  Some have high accountability for their pastors and staff while others have none.  The key, then, is for the non-denominational congregation to develop meaningful accountability for leaders and members while fostering trust and freedom to carry out ministry.  At New Life Christian Ministries, the pastor and staff are held accountable by a 12-member board of elders.  The elders are selected for their spiritual maturity and for their gifts and skills in living as faithful followers of Jesus.  They also have practical experience in certain areas of ministry.  Each pastor and staff member is accountable to the board of elders.  They report their activities to the board of elders regularly, and the staff members themselves hold each other accountable for growing in their faith and obedience to Jesus Christ, as well as in the skills necessary to lead NLCM.  The arrangement involves a high degree of trust that the leaders are working to build up the Kingdom of God.  At the same time it insures that the leaders ARE working to build up the Kingdom of God.

Separatist/Isolationist Approach  (i.e.,  no “connectionalism”)
By definition, non-denominational churches are not officially affiliated with other congregations as is the case in denominational churches. However, the “connectionalism” in denominational churches is often in name only.  It occurs through required meetings of the various governing bodies, but churches don’t ordinarily cooperate with one another in day-to-day ministry.  True “connectionalism” implies cooperation in ministry and a willingness to share gifts and skills to foster the advancement of the Kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus, across congregations.

Many non-denominational churches have voluntarily affiliated themselves with other congregations locally, regionally and nationally.  One example of this is the Willow Creek Association, which was initiated by one of the largest non-denominational congregations in America, Willow Creek Community Church, in South Barrington (Chicago), Illinois. New Life Christian Ministries is affiliated with the WCA.

As we move into the 21st century, one reality of ministry in the United States is that congregations will need to help one another reach their communities rather than act as a collection of individual and unrelated congregations.  When we work together as churches, we demonstrate to the community around us that Christians do believe in loving one another as Jesus Christ first loved us.  It is also the only way to impact the whole community.   As New Life Christian Ministries grows and develops, we are already cooperating with five of the stronger congregations in northern Allegheny and southern Butler Counties:  Allison Park Assembly of God, Crossways Church, Northway Christian Community, Salem Heights Christian Life Center and Victory Christian Fellowship.  These vital connections will make an impact for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom in the coming years that demonstrates what God can do when His people work together!

Following a “Man” Rather Than God
Sometimes folks think that non-denominational congregations are just people following after a certain man (or woman) rather than following God.  Actually, the denominational churches originated from people following certain individuals.  The Lutherans developed as folks followed the teachings of Martin Luther.  The Presbyterians developed as folks followed the teachings of John Calvin.  The Methodists developed as folks followed the teachings of John Wesley.  In fact, any helpful movement in the history of the church of Jesus Christ has resulted from people following the leadership and teachings of a particular Christian who was seeking to follow Jesus Christ faithfully.

The Apostle Paul urged the Christians at the church in Corinth (which was a non-denominational church, by the way, as were all the churches of the first century!) to “imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)  Paul wanted the Christians in the churches he started to follow his teachings and example, to follow him—AS HE FOLLOWED JESUS CHRIST.  The best question to ask regarding a church is not whether the people are following a particular person but “Which person are they following?” and “Is that person following Jesus?”  Indeed, many American churches are ineffective because they lack effective leaders who can mentor and serve as role models for growing Christians to watch and follow.  Strong, healthy churches require strong, healthy leaders.

At New Life Christian Ministries, our pastor, Dr. Chris Marshall, is a gifted and dedicated leader, who loves Jesus Christ passionately.  He calls us to be a community of loving, committed, followers of Jesus.  He calls us to be passionate in worshiping the one true God.  He challenges us to lead others into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  He provides us opportunities to grow in our own understanding of God’s word and encourages us to be more and more faithful and obedient to Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.  As Chris often reminds us,  “There’s no ‘t’ at the end of his name.”  In other words he’s just Chris Marshall, not Christ Marshall.  His gifts and skills serve us well; but the center of New Life Christian Ministries is Jesus Christ, not any individual.