Find an independent church near you
Use your location to see non-denominational and independent congregations in your area.
The independent church landscape in the UK
- Independent evangelical churches. Many belong to the FIEC, the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, which links around 600 congregations for support while leaving each self-governing. Expect careful Bible teaching and a conservative evangelical outlook.
- Community churches and new church networks. Congregations from the house church movement of the 1970s and 80s, often charismatic in worship and connected to families such as Newfrontiers, Pioneer or Vineyard. See our charismatic church guide.
- Historic independents. Gospel halls and Christian Brethren assemblies, independent chapels, and mission halls with roots in the nineteenth century. Worship is simple, with weekly breaking of bread in Brethren assemblies.
- International and migrant-led churches. Independent congregations worshipping in dozens of languages, alongside the African-led churches described in our Black majority churches guide.
- Free churches with loose affiliations. Many congregations hold membership of the Evangelical Alliance or a training network rather than a denomination proper.
What a typical service is like
Most independent churches meet on Sunday morning between 10 and 11am for around 90 minutes. The usual ingredients are sung worship led by a band or piano, open or led prayer, a sermon of 25 to 45 minutes, and communion either weekly or monthly. Style ranges from quiet and traditional in older chapels to full production in larger city churches. Dress is casual almost everywhere, children's groups run during the sermon, and coffee afterwards is near universal.
Weighing up an independent church
Without a denomination behind it, a church's own statements matter more. Sensible things to check:
- Statement of faith. Almost every healthy independent church publishes one; it tells you where the church stands.
- Affiliations. Membership of the FIEC, the Evangelical Alliance or a recognised network signals accountability beyond the congregation.
- Leadership. Look for a plurality of elders or trustees rather than a single unaccountable leader, and registration with the Charity Commission (or OSCR in Scotland).
- Safeguarding. A published safeguarding policy is a baseline expectation for any UK church today.
- Fruit. Does the church serve its neighbourhood? Food banks, debt advice, parent and toddler groups and youth work are good signs.
Our guide on how to choose a church works through these questions in more depth.
Frequently asked questions
Is non-denominational the same as evangelical?
Usually the two overlap in Britain: most independent churches are evangelical in belief. But the label itself only tells you the church has no denomination, so always read the statement of faith.
How is an independent church different from a Baptist church?
Many independents practise believer's baptism and look Baptist in all but name; the difference is simply that Baptist churches belong to historic Baptist unions and associations. Compare our Baptist guide.
How do I find one near me?
Use the finder above or browse non-denominational listings and your county. Names to look for include Community Church, Evangelical Church, Christian Fellowship, Gospel Hall and Life Church.