Nondenominational Growth in the U.S.

Nondenominational Christianity is currently the strongest force in American religion. Ryan Burge, a religion professor at Washington University, notes that while less than 3% of Americans identified as nondenominational in 1972, that number has risen to 14% (nearly 40 million people) today. Burge predicts this group could overtake Roman Catholics as the largest religious tradition in the U.S. within the next 15 years.

The movement reflects a broader shift away from rigid authority structures toward a focus on a personal relationship with Jesus. While often holding conservative views on social issues, these churches prioritize connection over politics.

Members appreciate the approachable leadership and the ability to think critically about tradition, while leaders like Herndon maintain that their approach is scripturally deep rather than "Christianity light."

And I believe it. My journey with Christ started at an African Methodist Episcopal church in Florida in 1998 and lasted about six months because I was craving a deeper relationship with God and His Son, and I was not getting it there. I loved the Wednesday night Bible Study, but did not enjoy the Sunday morning service.

So, I asked God to put me in a church where His Word was taught, and he did. And it was a non-denominational church.

I can't speak on other denominations as I have only belonged to non-denominational churches, but I have always wondered if we were being taught the same. Why is it that people who walked with God for years had the same fundamental questions as people who accepted Christ six months previously?

But we will see how this shift towards non-denominational churches will unfold.