Denomination Guide
Explore different Christian denominations to find a church home that aligns with your beliefs and worship style. All denominations share the core belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Key Beliefs
- Papal authority and tradition alongside Scripture
- Seven sacraments including Mass/Eucharist
- Mary as Mother of God and saints intercession
- Purgatory as purification before heaven
Worship Style
Formal liturgical Mass with prescribed prayers and rituals
Governance
Hierarchical structure led by the Pope
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Bible alone as ultimate authority (Sola Scriptura)
- Salvation by faith alone in Christ alone
- Believer's baptism by full immersion
- Congregational church governance
Worship Style
Bible-centered preaching with hymns and contemporary music
Governance
Independent congregations, democratic decision-making
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Grace through faith and good works
- Free will and ability to reject salvation
- Social holiness and justice emphasis
- Infant baptism and adult confirmation
Worship Style
Balance of formal liturgy and contemporary elements
Governance
Connectional system with bishops and conferences
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Reformed theology and predestination
- Scripture and Westminster Confession
- Infant baptism and adult confirmation
- God's sovereignty in salvation
Worship Style
Word-centered with formal prayers and psalms
Governance
Representative government through elected presbyteries
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit with spiritual gifts
- Divine healing and miracles today
- Speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism
- Jesus as Savior, Healer, and Coming King
Worship Style
Energetic with contemporary music, prayer, and manifestations
Governance
Varies from episcopal to congregational
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Saved by Grace through faith alone (sola fide)
- Scripture alone (sola scriptura)
- Infant baptism and real presence in communion
Worship Style
Liturgical with traditional hymns and formal prayers
Governance
Varies from episcopal to congregational structures
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Via media between Catholicism and Protestantism
- Scripture, tradition, and reason as authorities
- Infant baptism and episcopal succession
- Broad theological diversity
Worship Style
Book of Common Prayer liturgy with formal ceremonies
Governance
Episcopal hierarchy with bishops and democratic synods
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Holy Tradition equal to Scripture
- Theosis (becoming like God) as salvation goal
- Veneration of icons and saints
- Seven sacraments and mystical theology
Worship Style
Elaborate liturgical ceremonies with icons and incense
Governance
Autonomous churches led by patriarchs and bishops
Distinctives
Key Beliefs
- Bible and Book of Mormon (golden plates with heiroglyphs found in 1823 in a hole, later disappeared) as scripture
- God once was a man and lived on another planet called Kolob, and became God
- Humans can also become gods and create their own worlds
- Saved by Grace through faith but good deeds are also required to be fully saved
- Baptism for the dead
- Heaven is broken into Three degrees of glory (celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms)
Worship Style
Sacrament meetings with lay leadership and simple ceremonies
Governance
Hierarchical structure led by First Presidency and Twelve Apostles
Distinctives
Remember What Unites Us
While denominations may differ in practices and interpretations, all Bible-believing Christian churches share the fundamental truth that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, that salvation comes through faith in Him, and that the Bible is God's word. The most important thing is finding a church community where you can grow in faith, serve others, and worship God authentically.