Is the Non-Denominational Church Even A Church?  What do you think?

If you love Jesus and hunger for something older, deeper, and steadier than the non-denominational scene, this conversation is for you.

Cloud of Witnesses hosts Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and first time, special guest host Michael, weigh the spectacle of modern worship against the historic shape of the church and ask a hard question with charity: are non-denominational congregations churches, and are they the church Jesus founded. Personal stories, doctrine, and authority guide a candid look at formation, sacraments, and accountability.

We look gratefully at what many non-denom churches do well—zeal for the gospel, real hospitality to seekers—while asking a harder question: what actually makes a church the Church Jesus founded? From there we explore how that answer shapes worship, formation, and accountability over a lifetime.

What we unpack (high level):

Experience vs. endurance: how production-heavy services can spark decisions but fail to grow deep roots.

Doctrine & discipleship: why “results” metrics quietly displaced catechesis, repentance, and the classical pattern of spiritual growth.

Sacraments at the center: communion, baptism, confession—not as add-ons, but as Christ’s appointed means of grace.

Authority that can correct: the difference between a movement built on personalities and an institutional church with bishops, priests, and deacons in apostolic succession.

Oversight & ordination: what happens when there’s no higher court to address error—or to restore a fallen leader.

Belonging vs. floating: why “me and Jesus” Christianity leaves people spiritually unparented and communities fragile.

This isn’t a hit piece—it’s an appeal to fullness. If your faith feels powerful but thin, if leadership turnover keeps resetting the vision, or if you’re curious about ancient paths that have held through centuries, we point toward a visible, sacramental, and accountable church life that forms believers for the long haul.

Listen, share, and discuss with a friend who’s asking the same questions. If this helped you think more clearly about church and discipleship, subscribe, rate, and leave a review so others can find the show.

Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdh

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