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A Brief Overview Of Churches This article is an attempt to briefly explain what various churches are like for someone who is either a new Christian and is looking for a church to attend or for someone who is just curious about why there are so many different kinds of Christian churches. This paper does not attempt to name every so-called Christian church or denomination, but rather to give you an overview of some of the more common churches. Under the category of "Christian" churches you have:
Of all of the above "Christian" churches, most of them are extremely unbiblical except perhaps for some of the Reformed/Calvinistic churches. By "reformed" I mean, they teach the Doctrines of Grace (also known as the 5 points of Calvinism). However, even the majority of these churches hold onto an unbiblical clergy/laity system that gives preeminence to certain members of the congregation (i.e. the clergy) whose status should be equal to all other members of the congregation, even if their roles are different. See our articles on "doing church" for more information. The "reformed" churches vary in their levels of strictness and conformance to scripture, primarily with respect to the regulative principle of worship. Among the reformed churches, the Reformed Baptists and the Orthodox Presbyterians tend to be the least strict with respect to Bible versions and style of worship and with respect to associating with Christians who are not reformed (i.e. not Calvinistic in theology). The Sovereign Grace churches are inclined to not associate/fellowship with non-Calvinists and more inclined to consider people as unsaved if they do not adhere to the doctrines of grace (i.e. Calvinism). Also, Sovereign Grace churches do not like to be called or considered "reformed". The group of reformed Presbyterians, known as "covenanters" (such as the Presbyterian Reformed Church Of Edmonton) are the strictest of all reformed churches, and do no believe in the use of instruments in worship/singing, do not believe in associating with those outside their own sect, and do not believe in sharing communion with people outside their sect either. Needless to say, they are as rare as hen's teeth, though they do claim to be most faithful to the beliefs and practices of the Puritans. So which church has cornered the market on truth? Well, I would say that all the reformed churches mentioned in the preceding paragraph have their strengths. I would also say that in some areas their strictness borders on legalism, though it depends on the attitude of the heart... are they of this mind regarding their doctrine: Luke 18:11 - "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." or of this mind: Luke 18:13 - "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." WATCH OUT FOR THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT! Many churches today are ecumenical, meaning they are unequally yoked with unbelievers in various interdenominational ministries. This unequal yoke causes biblical truth to be sacrificed on the altar of "unity". See the article: "Warnings About Ecumenicalism" for more information on this issue. OUR RECOMMENDATION: We recommend getting involved in a house church according to the biblical patterns laid out in the New Testament if you can find such a church. Also, pray about starting your own house church if you know enough like-minded believers (including folks with a gift of hospitality - to host the church). If you think you must go to a conventional church, check out Sovereign Grace churches if any are nearby or Reformed Baptist churches, Orthodox Presbyterian churches, or "reformed" Brethren churches. RELATED LINKS:
For more articles related to the subject
of "Doing Church", click HERE |
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