Welcome to another exploration of living out a Christian life in our modern world. Today, we tackle a common and thoughtful question: What exactly is a denomination, and why are there so many different ones?
Defining a Denomination
A denomination is a distinct group or branch within Christianity that has its own organizational structure, leadership, and specific beliefs, practices, or traditions that set it apart from other Christian groups.
In today's world, you encounter Baptist churches, Anglican churches, Catholic churches, Orthodox churches, Lutheran churches, Assemblies of God churches, non-denominational churches, and many more. These differences can feel confusing, especially when searching for a church community.
Importantly, this discussion isn't about pushing one denomination over another or criticizing any. The goal is to bring truth and clarity, helping you make informed decisions about where to worship and grow in faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Denominations?
The word "denomination" appears zero times in Scripture. The Bible never instructs that there should be different denominations.
In the early church, followers of Jesus were simply known as "the Way," drawing from Jesus' own words:
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
The term "Christian" first emerged in Antioch as a description-initially derogatory-of those following Christ (Acts 11:26).
Before Jesus, Judaism had groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots-all following Yahweh but differing on practices and interpretations. Similarly, Christianity has seen divisions over time as humans, with their differences, naturally gather around shared convictions.
Denominations often arise from groups of like-minded believers who emphasize certain practices, beliefs, or interpretations of Scripture. Sometimes it's a matter of focus: one group prioritizes a particular doctrine or mission. Other times, it's from disagreements where people feel they can no longer worship together in unity.
Why Do Denominations Exist Today?
Broadly, denominations form due to differences in focus, interpretation of Scripture, doctrinal emphases, or missional priorities. These aren't always malicious-many begin with well-meaning people who love Jesus but reach different conclusions on less clear-cut passages.
For example, some denominations emphasize the ongoing gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues and healing, while others believe certain gifts ceased after the apostolic era. Differences often trace back to how Scripture is interpreted, along with views on baptism, the role of tradition, church governance, and more.
Core Christian beliefs unite true Christians: faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who came to earth, lived sinlessly, died for our sins, rose again, and is coming back. Heaven won't have denominational sections-it's faith in Christ that matters.
Important differences exist, and human flaws can appear in any group, so discernment is key: Does what a church teaches and practices align with Scripture?
Does the Denomination You Choose Matter?
Yes and no.
If a group affirms Jesus as He described Himself and trusts in Him alone for salvation, that person is a Christian and will spend eternity with God. In that ultimate sense, the label doesn't determine salvation.
However, because we want to follow Jesus as faithfully as possible, it does matter. We should examine a denomination's beliefs and practices against Scripture, asking: Does this align with what the Bible teaches? We don't want to be misled or waste time in ineffective or unfaithful settings. We desire to live an effective, faithful life in community with others pursuing the same.
Non-essentials-like music style, Bible translation preferences (e.g., King James only), or minor traditions-often reflect personal taste rather than biblical mandates.
Focus on the non-negotiables:
- The person and work of Christ
- Salvation by grace through faith
- Living out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Being witnesses from our local area to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
A Brief History of How We Got Here
Christianity began with Jesus and His disciples around AD 33. The early church spread organically, facing persecution until around AD 300, when the Roman Empire legalized and later adopted Christianity. For centuries, most Christians were part of what became known as the Catholic (meaning "universal") Church.
Around AD 1054 came the Great Schism, dividing into the Roman Catholic Church (centered in the West, with the Pope as head) and the Eastern Orthodox Church (governed by councils of bishops).
In the 1500s, Martin Luther, a Catholic monk, challenged certain practices and traditions he saw as unbiblical, sparking the Protestant Reformation. This led to Lutheranism and other groups seeking to return to Scripture alone. From there, denominations proliferated: Reformed/Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist (from John Wesley's emphasis on personal spiritual experiences and holiness), and others.
The Holiness movement stressed faithful living and sequential spiritual experiences. Pentecostalism emerged in the early 1900s, emphasizing the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence like speaking in tongues, highlighted by the Azusa Street Revival (1906 onward).
In 1914, some formed the Assemblies of God in Hot Springs, Arkansas-not as a rigid denomination but a voluntary cooperative fellowship for accountability, resource-sharing, and massive evangelism. Other Pentecostal groups like the Church of God and Foursquare also arose.
Denominations continue branching today, as seen in recent splits within Methodism.
Non-Denominational Churches: A Modern Option
Non-denominational churches appeal to many because they avoid traditional labels and structures. Some start from a genuine heart to reach an area or emphasize mission where others haven't. They can be flexible and community-focused.
However, key questions arise:
- Why did it start-was it from vision or division/disgruntlement?
- Is there accountability?
Without oversight from a broader structure, authority can concentrate in one leader, risking spiritual abuse or lack of checks if things go off track. Healthy accountability-whether through governance, councils, or trusted mentors-protects both leaders and congregations.
Guidance for Choosing Where to Belong
- Prioritize alignment with Scripture, especially who Jesus is and what He taught about Himself.
- Avoid groups denying His deity, Sonship, or core claims (e.g., portraying Jesus and Satan as brothers, which contradicts John 1).
- Seek life-giving churches: encouraging, missional, focused on the Gospel and Great Commission.
- Consider governance: Does it provide healthy structure and accountability without excessive top-down control?
- Read the Bible yourself-start with the Gospels. Pray for guidance. The Holy Spirit will direct toward a faithful, evangelistic community.
- Look for fruit: grace alone for salvation, but transformed lives bearing evidence of faith.
Denominations exist because of human differences, but the church is one body, one bride of Christ. Focus on the true Jesus of Scripture.