We're not a denomination! We all just look exactly alike...

Can someone explain to me how the first line below is not directly contradicted by nearly every line that follows?

Calvary Chapel is not a denomination, but a fellowship of churches. Each Calvary Chapel is governed by its own leadership, and financed by the contributions of its members. Our connection with each other is for the purpose of fellowship, encouragement, and accountability.

The most distinguishing mark of Calvary Chapel is a servant-pastor who faithfully teaches through the Bible verse by verse, covering the whole counsel of God.

CCOF, (Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowships), keeps a list of churches that are a part of our fellowship. This list allows folks who are interested in finding a Calvary Chapel in their community a means to locate one.

Three things are necessary to be a part of the Calvary Chapel fellowship of churches…

First, pastors and leaders need to embrace the characteristics of the Calvary Chapel movement as described in Calvary Chapel Distinctives. The process provides you and us an opportunity to discern whether you have a heart connection and commitment to Calvary Chapel.

Second, the list we keep is of churches, not home fellowships. Thus, part of the process is moving your group from a collection of believers meeting together for home Bible Study into the level of commitment, accountability, and the development of servant leaders, indicative of a church.

Third, since Calvary Chapel is a fellowship we do not extend this process to those not willing to take the time and make the effort to fellowship. Availing yourself to meet with like-minded men in regional conferences and our annual senior pastor conference is also an important part of the process.

For the fellowship to be meaningful we ask that everyone involved in the process avoid using the name “Calvary Chapel” until the process has been completed, and you have received a letter of approval from our office.

If you have further questions don’t hesitate to contact us and we will put you in touch with one of our regional pastors.

This seems like weasel-words to me... "We're not a denomination! We're a fellowship! A fellowship of churches who share a doctrinal statement, a philosophy, a style and a name... conferences and all... we get to tell you if you are a part of "us" ... but we're not a "denomination!"

Any Calvary Chapel people out there who want to take a run at explaning the difference between this and a "denomination"?