Trending Faith: Is GCU Interdenominational?

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The words “interdenominational,” “nondenominational” and “interfaith” are often intertwined at Grand Canyon University. College of Theology Dean Jason Hiles, PhD, joined Pastor and Dean of Students Tim Griffin to explore the differences between interdenominational and nondenominational Christianity in this week’s Trending Faith.

Both Pastor Tim and Dr. Hiles subscribe to the positive connotation of interdenominational, and Dr. Hiles notes some nondenominational groups often become a denomination. Thus, finding common ground between the various Christian denominations is more important than creating boundaries between them.

“It’s always easy to find reasons not to, but takes real commitment to find ways and reasons to participate together,” Pastor Tim said. “The core teachings of Jesus were work together, get along together, serve each other, love each other.”

Hiles notes that denominations of Christianity often work and share with one another for the sake of mission trips. In addition, the GCU doctrinal statements reaffirm the school’s Christian philosophies and teachings. GCU is a welcoming place for people of all faiths willing to uphold those doctrinal principles.

Nondenominational can imply a cutoff or boundaries in relation to others, something GCU wants to avoid with all staff and students, regardless of faith.

“At the end of the day, interdenominational, nondenominational, a lot Christians are about the same things and purposes,” Dr. Hiles said. “It’s interesting we gravitate toward people of like-minded faith. It can be encouraging no matter what we call them.”

Learn more about GCU as an interdenominational Christian university.