Father Tony Begonja describes this independent movement as “born of pain and ashes.” It is “a healing place… created by wounded healers in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Utilizing an “amazing variety of theological learning, forms of church structure, rules of internal discipline, and patterns of liturgical worship” the movements brings about “intimately small faith communities and house churches.”

Some of these organizations have been self starting, or spiritually entrepreneurial. Some were created by splits from other denominations, while others sprang from abandoned members stranded by political maneuverings of parent churches. Some groups started when people were dissatisfied with other locally available options, or those who never found a comfortable, traditional church home. Some groups have grown from powerful workshops or study groups whose members found such valuable support from each other that they expanded the traditional study format. There are even Internet-based, distance-worshipping opportunities.

Many people attracted to these new groups love the intimacy of smaller churches. A satisfying depth of community starts to emerge from within each group. People also love the fluidity of the less restricted organization, freed from dogma that can dominate more structured groups. The new organizational structures allow the groups to make decisions, change direction and adapt quickly. They may also immediately focus available energies upon a given task without starting a major strategy...or worse, establish a committee. While freed from complex leadership structures and committees, everyone who comprises the group is actually central in leadership. Everyone becomes an elder – and the worship team – and the prayer committee – and management. Such inclusion is a powerful dynamic for any group of people, particularly one with spiritual focus. As author Ralph Moore states, “start-up churches can reach more groups in need than regular churches. They're more flexible and can be more targeted.” One factor contributing to the growth of the independent movement is that so many new organizations add more primary leaders to the spiritual community. With the trend in spirituality, focusing on personal and independent relationships with Spirit, the movement allows more individuals to experience these roles and responsibilities. It also allows for more freedom of expression.

However, most leaders of these organizations recognize the fragility of the organization. Even small fluctuations in attendance or participation by even one member can alter the dynamics of the group.

One consequence of the independent movement is the manifestation of “Ordination Ministries.” These groups’ only declared purpose is to provide “legal” certification to ministers. One of the most well known is the Universal Life Church.

In 1974, the Universal Life Church sued the United States government regarding their right to have a tax-exempt status. When the judge ruled on this case, he also addressed the question of mail-order ordination, independent church charters, etc. The Universal Life Church performed a great service to all non-traditional ministries by fighting this case in court and eventually winning.

The following is excerpted from the court's decision in this case (the Universal Life Church is referred to as Plaintiff):

The court then addressed the issue of whether the ordination of ministers, granting of church charters, and the issuance of Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates are substantial activities which do not further any religious purpose. The following is excerpted from the court's decision:

The part of the court's decision that guarantees the legality of various, non-religious ordinations states:

Ordination Ministries are sometimes referred to as "mail-order ordination services." As such, they provide a service and fill a need. However, they are not churches. They don't have a church membership beyond their own records of ordination, or certain "associations" of clergy, membership to which they charge a fee. In all fairness, they don't claim to be churches. They are, in fact, exactly what they claim to be: "Ordination Ministries.”

Congregations should be aware of the motivations, credentials, and qualifications of individuals intending to become leaders. To be successful, individuals interested in starting an independent organization may benefit from the following guidelines.