Christian Denominations Explained: What Are the Differences?

If Christians all follow Jesus, why are there so many different churches?

Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, Evangelical… the list can seem endless. Some churches have bishops, others have pastors. Some baptise babies, others only baptise people who personally profess faith. Some have elaborate liturgy, incense and ancient traditions, while others might have a worship band, a sermon and very little ceremony at all.

So what is actually going on?

The first thing to understand is that Christianity is not one completely uniform organisation. It is a worldwide faith made up of different traditions and denominations that share central beliefs about Jesus Christ, but differ in their understanding of certain teachings, church authority, worship, baptism, communion and how the church should be organised.

That doesn't mean every difference is insignificant. Some disagreements are theological and substantial. Others are differences in tradition, emphasis or style.

And importantly, the word denomination can sometimes make Christianity sound more divided than it really is. A Baptist and a Pentecostal may worship very differently, but both may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died and rose again, that salvation comes through Him, and that the Bible is the Word of God.

So let's break it down.

The three major historic branches

Christianity is often broadly divided into three major traditions:

Catholic Christianity
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Protestant Christianity

There are also other ancient Christian traditions, such as the Oriental Orthodox churches and the Assyrian Church of the East, which don't fit neatly into those three categories.

The biggest historical split within Christianity came through a series of developments over many centuries.

The Great Schism of 1054 is traditionally associated with the separation between Western Christianity, which developed into the Roman Catholic Church, and Eastern Christianity, which became the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Then, centuries later, the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century challenged aspects of Western Catholic teaching and authority. This resulted in the emergence of Protestant traditions including Lutheranism, Reformed Christianity and Anglicanism, followed eventually by many other Protestant denominations.

But history alone doesn't explain the differences. To understand those, we need to look at what each tradition believes.

Roman Catholic

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest individual Christian church in the world and traces its history through the early Christian church.

At the centre of Catholic Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the importance of the sacraments.

Catholics recognise seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.

The Catholic Church places a particularly strong emphasis on both Scripture and Sacred Tradition. It teaches that the Church has an authoritative teaching role and that the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, has a unique role in the worldwide Catholic Church.

Catholics also have a strong devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to the saints. Catholics do not understand this as worshipping Mary or the saints; worship belongs to God alone. Instead, they honour them and may ask the saints to pray for them.

Catholic worship is centred around the Mass, with the Eucharist at its heart.

One of the major differences between Catholicism and many Protestant churches is therefore not simply what they believe about Jesus, but how they understand authority, the Church, the sacraments and salvation.

Eastern Orthodox

Eastern Orthodoxy is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world.

The Orthodox Church is not organised around one worldwide leader equivalent to the Pope. Instead, it consists of a family of self-governing churches, such as the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox churches, which share the same essential faith and sacraments.

Orthodox Christianity places enormous importance on the early Church, the teachings of the Church Fathers, ancient councils and Holy Tradition, alongside Scripture.

Worship can be very different from what someone might encounter in a modern evangelical church. Orthodox services are highly liturgical and may include chanting, incense, icons and long-established prayers.

Icons are particularly important. They are not generally understood as gods or idols but as sacred images pointing believers towards Christ, Mary and the saints.

Orthodox Christians also have a distinctive understanding of salvation, often described through concepts such as theosis—the process of becoming united with God and being transformed by His grace.

For someone unfamiliar with Christianity, Orthodox worship can initially feel very different from a contemporary Protestant church, but underneath the differences is the same central focus: Jesus Christ and the Christian Gospel.

Protestant Christianity

The word Protestant covers a huge range of Christian traditions.

It began during the Reformation, when figures such as Martin Luther challenged aspects of Catholic teaching and church practice.

One of the major Reformation principles was Sola Scriptura, meaning Scripture as the supreme or ultimate authority for Christian doctrine.

Another important Reformation emphasis was justification by faith—the belief that people are justified before God through faith in Christ rather than earning salvation through human works.

But Protestantism did not remain one single movement.

Over the centuries it developed into many different traditions.

This is where things become interesting.

Anglican

Anglican Christianity emerged from the English Reformation and is associated with the Church of England, although Anglican churches now exist throughout the world.

Anglicanism is sometimes described as occupying a position between Catholic and Protestant traditions.

It retains bishops, liturgy, vestments, historic prayers and many ancient Christian practices, while also embracing important Protestant principles and placing a strong emphasis on Scripture.

There is considerable diversity within Anglicanism. Some Anglican churches are highly traditional and resemble Catholic worship in appearance, while others are much more evangelical and contemporary.

The Book of Common Prayer has historically played an important role in Anglican worship and spirituality.

For someone visiting an Anglican church, the experience can therefore range from very traditional and formal to modern and evangelical.

Lutheran

Lutheran Christianity grew directly out of the Reformation associated with Martin Luther.

Luther strongly emphasised salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Lutherans maintain a strong emphasis on Scripture while also retaining a structured form of worship and a sacramental understanding of Baptism and Communion.

Unlike some later Protestant traditions, Lutheran worship can retain quite a lot of historic Christian liturgy.

Lutheran churches are particularly common in parts of Germany, Scandinavia and northern Europe, although Lutheran communities exist around the world.

Reformed and Presbyterian

The Reformed tradition developed through the wider Protestant Reformation, particularly through figures such as John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli.

Reformed Christianity places a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture and the idea that salvation is entirely dependent upon God's grace.

Some Reformed traditions place significant emphasis on predestination, although exactly how this is understood varies between churches.

Presbyterian churches are closely associated with the Reformed tradition.

The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word presbyteros, meaning elder.

Rather than being governed by bishops, Presbyterian churches are traditionally governed through a system of elders and councils.

Baptist

Baptist Christianity is particularly known for its understanding of believer's baptism.

Rather than baptising infants, Baptists generally believe baptism should follow a person's own profession of faith in Jesus.

This is why Baptist baptism is usually performed by full immersion.

Baptists also strongly emphasise the authority of Scripture and the importance of personal faith and conversion.

Another important Baptist principle is the autonomy of the local church. Individual congregations generally have significant independence rather than being controlled by a central worldwide authority.

There are many different Baptist groups, and they don't all agree on every theological issue.

Methodist

Methodism developed from the ministry of John Wesley in 18th-century Britain.

Wesley was an Anglican priest who became increasingly concerned with personal conversion, holiness and practical Christian living.

Methodism therefore places a strong emphasis on God's grace, personal faith, discipleship and holy living.

Methodists have historically been particularly concerned with putting faith into action, helping the poor, supporting communities and addressing social injustice.

Methodist worship can range from traditional services to contemporary gatherings.

One distinctive feature is the Methodist emphasis on sanctification, the idea that God's grace doesn't simply forgive us but continues transforming us throughout our lives.

Pentecostal

Pentostal Christianity emerged in the early 20th century and places a particularly strong emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostal churches believe that the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament continue to operate today.

These may include:

• speaking in tongues

• prophecy

• healing

• words of knowledge

• spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit

Pentecostal worship is often expressive and contemporary, with extended singing, prayer and spontaneous participation.

Pentecostals place particular emphasis on the experience of being filled with or empowered by the Holy Spirit.

However, Pentecostalism is not one single denomination. There are many Pentecostal denominations and independent Pentecostal churches, and their beliefs and practices can differ considerably.

Charismatic Christianity

Charismatic Christianity overlaps significantly with Pentecostalism but is not exactly the same thing.

The Charismatic movement developed within existing denominations, including Anglican, Catholic and other Protestant churches.

Charismatic Christians generally believe that spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing and speaking in tongues continue today.

The major distinction is that you can be a charismatic Christian without belonging to a Pentecostal denomination.

A Catholic, Anglican or Baptist church, for example, can contain charismatic Christians.

Evangelical Christianity

This one can be confusing because Evangelical is not necessarily a denomination.

It is better understood as a broad movement within Protestant Christianity.

Evangelical Christians generally emphasise:

the authority of the Bible, the importance of personal conversion, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the death and resurrection of Christ, and sharing the Gospel with others.

You can therefore find evangelical Baptists, evangelical Anglicans, evangelical Methodists, evangelical Presbyterians and evangelical Pentecostals.

An evangelical church might look very different from another evangelical church.

The common thread is usually the strong emphasis on the Gospel and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Non-denominational Christianity

You may also come across churches described as non-denominational.

This generally means the church does not formally belong to a traditional denomination.

Many non-denominational churches are evangelical and may have contemporary worship, informal services and an emphasis on the Bible and personal faith.

However, "non-denominational" does not mean "without theology."

Every church has beliefs about baptism, communion, salvation, the Holy Spirit, church leadership and Scripture, even if it doesn't belong to an established denomination.

In some cases, a non-denominational church may actually share many beliefs with Baptist, Pentecostal or Reformed Christianity.

Seventh-day Adventist

Seventh-day Adventists are a Protestant Christian denomination that places particular emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ, biblical prophecy and keeping the Sabbath.

Unlike most mainstream Christian traditions, Adventists observe the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

They place a strong emphasis on healthy living and commonly encourage a health-conscious lifestyle.

Adventists also believe strongly in the authority of Scripture and the return of Jesus.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church, identifies itself as Christian and teaches faith in Jesus Christ.

However, its theology differs significantly from Catholic, Orthodox and mainstream Protestant Christianity.

Among other differences, Latter-day Saints accept additional scriptures alongside the Bible, including The Book of Mormon, and have distinctive teachings about God, humanity, salvation and the nature of the Godhead.

Because of these substantial theological differences, many Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant theologians do not classify Latter-day Saint theology as part of historic Nicene Christianity, although Latter-day Saints themselves firmly identify as followers of Jesus Christ.

This is an example of why simply asking whether a group calls itself "Christian" does not always answer the theological question. You have to look at what it actually teaches.

Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses also identify themselves as Christian and place considerable emphasis on Jesus, the Bible and evangelism.

However, their beliefs about the nature of God and Jesus differ substantially from historic mainstream Christianity.

Jehovah's Witnesses reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity and do not believe that Jesus is Almighty God in the way Catholic, Orthodox and mainstream Protestant Christianity teach.

They also have distinctive teachings concerning the Holy Spirit, salvation and the end times.

For this reason, the major historic Christian traditions generally do not classify Jehovah's Witness theology as orthodox Trinitarian Christianity.

So what are the biggest differences?

When you strip away the names, many of the differences between Christian traditions come down to several major questions.

1. Who has ultimate authority?

Is authority found primarily in Scripture?

Is it Scripture together with Church Tradition?

Does the Church have an authoritative teaching office?

Different traditions answer these questions differently.

2. Who should be baptised?

Some churches baptise infants.

Others believe baptism should happen only after someone personally chooses to follow Christ.

Some baptise by sprinkling or pouring.

Others practise full immersion.

3. What happens in Communion?

Catholics and Orthodox Christians have a sacramental understanding of the Eucharist.

Many Protestants also regard Communion as deeply important but understand Christ's presence differently.

Some see Communion primarily as a memorial.

Others believe Christ is spiritually present.

These differences are much deeper than simply whether a church uses bread and wine or bread and grape juice.

4. How is the church governed?

Some churches have bishops.

Others have elders.

Some are governed by congregations.

Some have central authorities.

Others are largely independent.

5. What gifts of the Holy Spirit continue today?

Some Christians believe gifts such as prophecy, healing and tongues continue today.

Others believe some of the miraculous gifts were primarily associated with the early Church.

This is one of the major differences between cessationist and continuationist Christians.

6. How is salvation understood?

All historic Christian traditions centre salvation on Jesus Christ, but they explain the relationship between grace, faith, works, justification, sanctification and the Church in different ways.

This is one of the most important areas of theological disagreement.

What do Christians actually have in common?

With so many denominations, it can be easy to focus entirely on the differences.

But there is another side to the story.

Across Catholic, Orthodox and most Protestant Christianity, there is a shared belief in the central Christian story:

There is one God.
Jesus Christ is central to salvation.
Jesus was crucified.
Jesus rose from the dead.
The Bible is sacred Scripture.
Humanity is separated from God by sin.
Jesus offers reconciliation with God.
Christians are called to love God and love others.
Jesus will ultimately return and bring God's purposes to completion.

The precise way these truths are understood can differ, sometimes significantly.

But the existence of different Christian traditions does not mean there are thousands of completely unrelated religions.

Think of Christianity as a very large family.

There are disagreements within the family. There are different traditions, different histories, different ways of worshipping and sometimes serious theological disagreements.

But there is also a shared centre.

Jesus Christ.

Does the denomination matter?

This is perhaps one of the most important questions.

For someone exploring Christianity, the sheer number of denominations can be overwhelming. You might find yourself asking, "Which one is right?"

That is a question worth taking seriously.

But it is also worth remembering that Christianity is ultimately not a competition between church brands.

A denomination can teach you, support you, challenge you and give you a community of believers. But the heart of Christianity is not a denomination.

It is Christ.

The New Testament repeatedly points believers towards Jesus rather than towards a particular church label.

Paul even confronted divisions in the early Christian community when believers began identifying themselves by different leaders rather than by Christ.

The question for someone exploring Christianity therefore isn't simply:

"Which denomination should I join?"

It might first be:

"Who is Jesus?"

Then:

"What did He teach?"

"What does the Bible actually say?"

"What did the earliest Christians believe?"

And finally:

"Where can I find a community that will help me follow Christ faithfully?"

Those questions may lead different people to different Christian traditions.

And that is okay.

Christianity is bigger than the label

There is a temptation, particularly for people outside Christianity, to see the denomination first and Jesus second.

Catholic. Baptist. Pentecostal. Anglican. Orthodox. Methodist.

But these labels came from history, theology and human attempts to understand and organise the Christian faith.

Jesus came first.

The early Christians weren't walking around calling themselves Baptists, Methodists or Pentecostals. They were followers of The Way, centred on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

That doesn't make theological differences unimportant. They matter, and Christians should be willing to examine them honestly.

But perhaps the healthiest place to begin is not with the question:

"Which Christian denomination is the right one?"

but:

"What is true about Jesus Christ?"

Because if Jesus really is who Christians claim He is, then that question matters far more than the sign above the church door.

Different traditions. Different histories. Different interpretations.

One central figure.

Jesus Christ.