Denominations in Churches...whats the difference?

Question

Im looking for a church to attend, yet I dont know much about all the denominations. I was thinking of attending a Baptist church.

So whats the difference (both physically and spiritually) of these:

Assembly of God, Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Church of God, Episcopal, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Missionary, Orthodox, Pentacostal, Presbyterian, 7th-Day Adventist.

By physically, I mean like how true Pentacostals have to wear long skirts, no makeup, and never cut their hair.
By spiritually, I mean like I heard how Catholics think the sins have been confessed in groups or to the priest.

Ive heard many things, and I went to a church when I was a child (but moving around so much) I never stayed in any but that one. (Ive visited a few with friends).

I just want a church that believes in both testaments and god is number one. Jesus is his holy son. Which church will offer that and please describe definitions of each or some of the denominations as well.

Answer 1

Hi Mandi,

You are pondering a question many people ask on a daily basis, an eternally important one. Upon my study of the Scriptures as well as other religious practices, I have found that there are many false teachings in virtually every "religious" organization/church. So, what I have done is found the church that most closely resembles the One church Christ purchased with His blood. And I will be honest with you, it has been a difficult journey, but I finally found it. As several people mentioned before, you must search the scriptures for yourself. Many false teachers have gone about confusing a message that was suppose to be so simple. Whatever you do, use wisdom in your search....it can be very confusing. I'll just share a few Biblical facts with you...
1. Matthew Jesus said he would build His church. Just ONE, not many denominations or branches. Denominations or branches contradict the Holy Scriptures. Jesus said in Matthew 12:25... that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. You don't have to look far to see that although many people claim to be a part of the one true church, that their doctrines(teachings) contradict the scriptures. And anytime a church(as a whole) teaches some doctrine other than what is written, it is founded not by Jesus, but by false teachers. Paul wrote in Galatians 1: 6-9, "we or an angel from heaven preach unto you another gospel other than that which you have already received, let him be accursed". Paul, under the directions of divine inspiration even included himself in that statement. If you look at many denominations' or other "religious" groups, many claim to have been visited by an angel, or heard a voice, or saw a vision which lead to the birth of "another gospel". I can't say what a person did or didn't see, but I do know, that according to the scriptures, that that "new revelation" should not have been taken seriously, in the sense that it created a new "church". That's Bible... Jesus prayed for unity, not denominations and sects in John 17:21. Based on scripture, God the Father, nor the Son, nor the Spirit could be pleased with all these "churches". The fact that there are so many churches proves that they can't all be right because Jesus said " I will build MY church (singular, not plural). And remember, God is not the author of confusion(1 Corinthians 14:33). And the truth of the matter is, you like myself have been confused by all these different teachings and churches. Therefore, they all could not be from Him. Many people believe that you should go to the church of your choice, but I encourage you to go to the church of God's choice.

In the church of God's choice you will find JUST Christians (not a hyphenated Christian). Any title associated with a believer other that " Christian" is too much (Acts 4:10-12; 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16). Matthew , " Call no man your Father, for one is your Father in heaven(Matthew 23:9) " Ye are all brethren" ( ). Beware of false teachers who love titles and to be worshipped.....that is not of God. Only God deserves worship.

When you find the church of God's choice, you will find Christians who are striving to promote the same unity Jesus prayed for. However, these Christians will be obedient to the scriptures and teach God's message in love and in truth. In John 17 when Jesus prayed for unity, He first prayed that God "sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth"(verse 17).They will not compromise God's word for the sake of unity, but will with God's word, the truth, search for godly ways to live a harmonious life of love and peace with those who choose not to obey God. (Romans 12:17-18).

Then Ephesians 4:4-6 says that "there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called into one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all, and in you all". Colossians 1: 18, 22, 24 state repeatedly that the body is the church. It is rational to see that since there is one body then there is one church. There are many more scriptures that prove this. According to the scriptures salvation in only in Christ Jesus and His church. Jesus said " I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me" That's ONE way, ONE truth and ONE life. Read 1 Peter 4: 17-18 and 2 Peter 3:9-14

In the church of God's choice you will find a body of believers who have obeyed Christ's teaching to believe on Him and be baptized for the remission of sins, according to Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16: 15-16; Acts 2: 37-38. Baptism will not be down played. Why on earth would Jesus command us to do something that is non-essential to salvation? As you study the scriptures, you will see for yourself that Jesus did not waste His time or His words. He served a greater purpose in everything He did. 1 Peter 3:21 says that baptism saves us, not the washing of filth from the flesh but an answer of a good conscience towards God. It is important.

I know I must seem to be rambling, but I get very excited to share what I have studied for myself. If you could get a glimpse of how confused I was, you would understand. I have studied various (most) major religions as well as some smaller ones. I will have to say that a lot of people had great intentions, but they often led to apostasy. Historically the first denomination(break away) from the original church in the New testament was the Catholic church. I'll let you study for yourself the "whys" but I will say, that from then on there has been a continual decline form THE truth. And on the other hand, many denominations have stemmed from persons who refused to repent of sinful ways and decided that they had to "interpret" the scriptures so that it condoned their lifestyle. It's sad, but true. God is holy and He wants us to be holy. He wants us to do our very best to be like Him. After all we are His children, generically, because He created us, but He desires for us to have a great relationship with Him, so He sent Jesus to model what how we could accomplish a REAL relationship with Him(Galatians 3: 26-29). There were many attempts to restore Christianity as it was intended, but to me, it seems that people are trying to restore something that was never dissolved. Christianity is so simple that it doesn't take a major overhaul to be what God intended. All we need to do is renounce all selfish ambitions, man-made creeds and manuals and just simply obey the word of God, like He wants it. It really is simple.

I hope and pray that God directs you to the ONE church that Jesus purchased with His blood. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me. Eternal life is real!! A peaceful, abundant life is possible here. God's word has all the answers to a fulfilled life. Enjoy your search. Beware of false prophets for they are very deceitful.......Check everything everybody says(even me) by the Word of God, not an uninspired manuals and creeds, etc. That will help you know who is truthful. There is a way that seemed right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs14:12) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat: But strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth to life and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:13-15).

P.S. any church that has a founder other than Jesus(for real, not just "claim" Him) is not His church. If it did not begin on the day of Pentecost, it's not THE church. If it does not worship like the first Christians (singing, praying, communion every Sunday, giving, teaching or preaching) it is not THE church Christ died for, it is a false religion who is deceiving many. "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me that day, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them " I never knew you: you that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23)

Peace to you in your journey! May God give you wisdom to identify truth when you read it!
Gena

Answer 2

I have been really uncomfortable with the liberal positions held by the Episcopalians, Lutheran's, Methodists and Presbyterians recently. I have never attended a Catholic Church, but disagree on some things that I view as 'extra-biblical'.

I don't know much about the Church of Christ or the Church of God. If I were new to an area, I'd probably start with an AG, Baptist, Evangelical and/or Pentecostal. These are all heavily influenced by the local leadership, so tough to generalize. All have been pretty focused on the OT and NT, in general, and from my experience, have the least tendency to do the 'extra-biblical' thing. There are exceptions of course.

If I were new to an area, I'd probably check out the Church's Statement of Faith. Talk to the leadership and members. I'd also look at;
1 - what is being taught
2- how is the worship service
3- does it support missions
4- how is the children's ministry
5- is it growing, with stable leadership

Answer 3

The Roman Catholic Church has existed for 2000 years since the time of Christ. It is the first and original Christian faith that Chirst established. It is built on sacred scripture (Bible), sacred tradition (not everything was written in the Bible that the apostles taught), and the Sacred Magesterium (THe teaching authority of the Church given by Christ, such as the Pope and the Bishops). It's teachings are consistant worldwide.

Protestant Denominations (Baptists, Methodists, etc.) split from the Catholic CHurch 500 years ago and can't agree on Bible interpretations, because they have no authority, therefore, have split into 30,000 sects. The constitution needs the court to interpret it, in the same way, Protestant Chrisitans need an authority figure to interpret scritpure.

God bless and I hope you find the Church that is right for you. (I hope that you choose Catholicism!)

Answer 4

Although folks from the denominations in question will likely disagree--and they always do--everything you've listed other than Catholicism and Orthodoxy are various branches of Protestantism. Catholics generally follow older rules and traditions than Protestants, and the Orthodox, even more-so. Orthodoxy is most common in former parts of the Byzantine Empire and people from those countries--primarily eastern Europe; Catholics are everywhere. Protestants are most prominent in western Europe and North America. Amongst the Protestant denominations you listed, and others that you didn't, it all really boils down to how they run their worship service and how traditional or non-traditional they are (Pentecostals being a prime example of "non-traditional", to say the least). Beyond that, the differences between them are really just which sections or verses in the Bible they specifically like to point out as defending what they believe in, and why the other denominations are wrong.

I'd recommend reading NON-biased backgrounds about each, perhaps attending one or two services for each (if you have time), and making your decision on how genuine each congregation really is. No doubt all of them will claim to meet those two things you asked for at the end of your question; but you ultimately want whichever one you feel most comfortable at. At least in having sat in on services in a variety of churches, you'll already be more well-informed about how all the different groups behave than most Christians generally are.

Answer 5

The Church of Christ wishes to be the church you can read about in the Bible in its name, teaching, method of worship and organization.

We want to speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent, do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names.

We want a "thus saith the Lord" for all we teach and practice. Jesus has "all authority" and the apostles were to teach the things He had commanded. (Matt. 28:18-20)

We want to follow that authority. If we follow the doctrine (commandments, instructions, authority) of men, then Christ no longer has ALL authority in our spiritual lives. "Teaching as doctrine the commandments of men" makes worship "vain", or useless, in God's sight. (Matthew 15:9)

We want to speak the truth in love. Neither truth nor love must be compromised. They go together.

I invite you to investigate the Church of Christ. Compare everything they teach to the Bible! (See Acts 17:11) Any church should not mind such a comparison. In fact, they should insist on it!

Attached are some links of websites with more information about the church. (The first is a free 6-lesson video Bible study.) If you have additional questions, feel free to e-mail me!

I wish you success in your efforts to serve the Lord!

Answer 6

You need to go to the church that God calls you to worship in. People can't just go to any church. You need tp pray and ask God what church to go to. If you don't believe that God will tell you then go to a church where you will be able to have the power of the Holy Spirit. Where people believe in praying and healing. God well let you know if you are doing the right thing. There is only one true church, it is the church the teachs directly from the Bible and nothing man made.

Answer 7

If you want the dry facts, there are some good websites that can give you details on beliefs and practices.

One is:
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/comparison_charts.htm

But I would suggest a different approach. Look at the Christians God has put in your life. Find those whose lifestyle and values you respect . Look at their life and walk with God. Look for the fruit of the Spirit in them - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

When you've identified those people, ask them about the church they attend. I think visiting their home church(es) is a great place to start.

Answer 8

The Southern Baptist Church, which is the largest protestant denomination was founded on the basis of slavery...they split from the Northern Baptists...because they thought slavery ordained by God...they just apologized for this in 1995! Up until the mid 70's, they thought that interracial dating was sinful, as well as dancing, and the playing of cards...I would steer clear of them, as they are a bit misdirected.

Catholics believe you have to go through an intercessory to pray to God...I don't think that's the way God works.

Pentecostals believe in speaking in tongues and holding your hands up in worship, etc... If God is going to speak to people...I don't think he would do it in a language people don't understand...also, I don't think holding your hands up, drawing attention to yourself and your Godliness is really the correct way to worship God.

If you are sincere in your search..I would suggest that you sit down and pray about it..read the scripture, visit a few different churches and let God guide you with your conscience, needs, etc... to the church that is right for you. Put away preconceived notions and ideas, open your heart and your mind to where God wants you to be...it may be that a non-denominational church is best...you have to find what is right for you...whatever brings you to the most worshipful place in your heart, is the place you should be.

Good luck in your search.

Answer 9

Look for a church that teaches the true word of God which comes from the KJV Bible. I have found the Baptist Church to to just that. Ask God to lead you to the home church He wants you to belong to , and He will.

Answer 10

Go with Sackurachan's answer.

Along with her recommended reading and KFUO radio I would also suggest www.lcms.org.

-------------------------
G.C.,
If you consider the Southern Baptists to be the largest Protestant Denomination, you must consider the Lutherans to be Catholic. May be not a bad thing.

Mark

Answer 11

There is one important difference between the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, based on the history of them dividing. It is whether the Pope is the final (earthly) authority on matters of faith, and whether RC tradition carries as much weight as the Bible. The RCs want certainty and uniformity, which results in floods of encyclicals, decrees and papal pronouncements. At one level, this is no more than an abuse of ecclesiastical authority (for the Bible should be the only authority), but it often leads to spiritual slavery. However, despite so many people desiring freedom, many actually want decisions taken for them, to avoid difficult issues, and to be told what to do, and when. Although Protestantism's basic instinct is to tolerate theological variety and to limit the number of items imposed as matters of faith, the abuse of spiritual authority can go on there too. You see shades of this in many groups. But Protestant denominations, in general, prioritise the Bible. They also believe in the priesthood of all believers and that only Jesus is the mediator between God and men.

Christ died in order to set us free. Paul implored 1st century Christians in Galatia to "stand fast in the freedom with which Christ made you free" rather than to be ensnared with man-made rules. So, know your Bible! Go for a group that encourages Bible study, and preaches long and lovingly on the Word of God. Go to a church that has a sense of holiness about it. Go to a church that has weekly congregational prayer meetings. "My house will be called a house of prayer" Jesus said, so identify praying Christians who also love to share the gospel with others. Pray for God to guide you.