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Anabaptist / Mennonite vs. Non-denominational

A side-by-side comparison of Anabaptist / Mennonite and Non-denominational teaching on 16 questions, from Scripture and salvation to baptism, communion and church government.

Anabaptist / Mennonite

The Anabaptists began in Zurich in 1525 and spread to Germany and the Netherlands as the “radical” wing of the Reformation. Mennonites, the Amish and the Hutterites descend from them. They stress adult baptism, following the Sermon on the Mount, and separation of church and state.

Non-denominational

Non-denominational churches are independent congregations with no formal denominational parent. Most are evangelical, centered on the Bible and personal faith in Christ, but each sets its own doctrine and style, so practice varies more here than in any other group.

More about Non-denominational Christianity

At a glance

Where they differ: .

Varies within one or both: Can a saved person fall away?; Predestination and free will; Clergy and women in ministry; The Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.

Where they agree: Authority: Scripture and tradition; Books of the Bible; The Trinity; How a person is saved; Baptism; Communion (the Lord’s Supper); Sacraments or ordinances; Church government; Mary and the saints; Death, purgatory and hell; Style of worship; Day of worship.

Side by side

Question	Anabaptist / Mennonite	Non-denominational
Authority: Scripture and traditionAgree	Scripture is the authority, read together by the congregation with special weight on the teaching of Jesus in the Gospels, especially the Sermon on the Mount.	The Bible is the final authority, and each congregation interprets it for itself. Most hold to biblical inerrancy in some form.
Books of the BibleAgree	66 books.	66 books.
The TrinityAgree	One God in three persons. Early Anabaptists were not uniform, but the Mennonite confessions are Trinitarian.	Almost always Trinitarian, though statements of faith are set by each church.
How a person is savedAgree	Saved by grace through faith. Faith is expected to show itself in obedience and discipleship, and baptism marks a conscious commitment to follow Christ.	Usually teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, received by a personal decision to trust him. Details are set by each church.
Can a saved person fall away?Varies	Generally yes. Mennonite teaching holds that faith must be lived out and that a person can turn away, though God is patient with those who return.	Varies by church. Many teach eternal security, and others teach that salvation can be lost.
Predestination and free willVaries	Emphasizes free will and a personal decision to follow Christ. Anabaptists rejected Calvinist predestination from the start.	Varies by church. Some are Calvinist and many are Arminian or take no stand.
BaptismAgree	Baptism is given only to those who make a mature confession of faith. The mode varies (pouring or immersion), and infant baptism is rejected. The name “Anabaptist” means “rebaptizer.”	Usually believer’s baptism by immersion, as a public witness. A few churches baptize infants or allow other modes.
Communion (the Lord’s Supper)Agree	A memorial meal and a sign of the unity of the congregation. Some groups pair it with foot washing.	Usually a memorial ordinance, observed as often as each church chooses.
Sacraments or ordinancesAgree	Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Many groups also practice foot washing.	Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Church governmentAgree	Local congregations decide matters together and select their own ministers. Some groups have regional conferences and bishops with a limited role.	Each church governs itself, generally under a pastor or a board of elders.
Clergy and women in ministryVaries	Varies. Conservative groups reserve ministry for men, and more progressive Mennonite conferences ordain women.	Varies by church. Many limit pastors to men and others welcome women in leadership.
Mary and the saintsAgree	Mary is respected as Jesus’ mother, and the church emphasizes following Christ. There is no prayer to saints.	Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus. Non-denominational churches do not pray to saints.
Death, purgatory and hellAgree	Purgatory is rejected. Believers rest in Christ awaiting the resurrection, and the final judgment decides eternal destiny.	Believers go to be with Christ at death and unbelievers face judgment. There is no purgatory.
Style of worshipAgree	Simple worship centered on singing, Scripture and preaching. Many groups sing without instruments.	Free-form and often contemporary, with a band, a sermon and modern arrangements. Each church sets its own style.
The Holy Spirit and spiritual giftsVaries	The Spirit is understood to guide the congregation in discernment and daily life. Miraculous gifts are not emphasized.	Varies. Some non-denominational churches are charismatic and others hold that miraculous gifts have ceased.
Day of worshipAgree	Sunday.	Sunday, with some churches also offering Saturday evening services.
Best known for	Peace witness and refusal of violence, adult baptism, simple living, mutual aid and service through relief organizations.	Independence, contemporary worship, a focus on personal faith and the Bible, and rapid growth as a share of American churchgoers.

“Agree” means the two traditions take the same broad position, although the wording above may still note finer differences. “Varies” means at least one of the two is itself divided on the question, so no single position can be given. These summaries describe typical teaching, and individual churches may vary. For an authoritative statement, consult each denomination’s own confessions.

Anabaptist / Mennonite vs. Non-denominational