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Lutheran vs. Non-denominational

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

Lutheran

Lutheranism grew from Martin Luther’s reforming work in Germany from 1517. It is built on justification by grace through faith and the authority of Scripture, while keeping a liturgical form of worship and a strong view of the sacraments.

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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: Baptism; Communion (the Lord’s Supper); Sacraments or ordinances; Style of worship.

Varies within one or both: Can a saved person fall away?; Predestination and free will; Church government; 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; Mary and the saints; Death, purgatory and hell; Day of worship.

Side by side

QuestionLutheranNon-denominational
Authority: Scripture and traditionAgreeScripture alone is the final norm for doctrine. The Book of Concord (the Lutheran confessions) is held as a faithful statement of what Scripture teaches.The Bible is the final authority, and each congregation interprets it for itself. Most hold to biblical inerrancy in some form.
Books of the BibleAgree66 books. The Apocrypha is not part of the canon, though Luther held that it is useful and good to read.66 books.
The TrinityAgreeHolds the Nicene, Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds. One God in three persons.Almost always Trinitarian, though statements of faith are set by each church.
How a person is savedAgreeJustification by grace alone through faith alone. God declares the sinner righteous for Christ’s sake, and good works follow as the fruit of faith rather than a condition of it.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?VariesYes. Lutherans teach that a believer can fall from faith by rejecting it, while holding that God is faithful and works to keep his people in the faith.Varies by church. Many teach eternal security, and others teach that salvation can be lost.
Predestination and free willVariesGod elects believers in Christ by grace alone, but Lutherans do not teach that he predestines anyone to damnation. Why some believe and others do not is left as a mystery.Varies by church. Some are Calvinist and many are Arminian or take no stand.
BaptismDifferA means of grace in which God gives forgiveness and faith. Infants are baptized, and the mode is usually pouring or sprinkling.Usually believer’s baptism by immersion, as a public witness. A few churches baptize infants or allow other modes.
Communion (the Lord’s Supper)DifferChrist’s body and blood are truly present “in, with and under” the bread and wine (sacramental union). The elements stay bread and wine.Usually a memorial ordinance, observed as often as each church chooses.
Sacraments or ordinancesDifferTwo sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Some Lutherans also count absolution (confession).Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Church governmentVariesVaries. Some Lutheran bodies have bishops, including the Church of Sweden and the ELCA, which has a presiding bishop and synod bishops. Others do not, and the LCMS is led by a president and district presidents.Each church governs itself, generally under a pastor or a board of elders.
Clergy and women in ministryVariesVaries. The ELCA ordains women and the LCMS does not. Pastors may marry.Varies by church. Many limit pastors to men and others welcome women in leadership.
Mary and the saintsAgreeMary is honored as the mother of the Lord and the saints as examples of faith. Lutherans do not pray to them, since Christ is the only mediator.Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus. Non-denominational churches do not pray to saints.
Death, purgatory and hellAgreePurgatory is rejected. Believers who die are with Christ and await the resurrection, and unbelievers face eternal separation from God.Believers go to be with Christ at death and unbelievers face judgment. There is no purgatory.
Style of worshipDifferUsually liturgical, using a set order with hymns, readings, a sermon and communion. Many congregations also use contemporary services.Free-form and often contemporary, with a band, a sermon and modern arrangements. Each church sets its own style.
The Holy Spirit and spiritual giftsVariesThe Spirit works through Word and sacrament. Gifts are honored, but ecstatic gifts are not emphasized, and a charismatic movement exists within Lutheranism.Varies. Some non-denominational churches are charismatic and others hold that miraculous gifts have ceased.
Day of worshipAgreeSunday.Sunday, with some churches also offering Saturday evening services.
Best known forJustification by faith, the Small Catechism, congregational hymn singing and Luther’s translation of the Bible into German.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.

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