Christianity is a global faith with over two billion adherents, yet it is not a monolithic body. Instead, it is made up of countless smaller groups, often referred to as “denominations.” But what exactly is a denomination, and why do they exist? To answer these questions, let’s explore the nature and purpose of denominations within the Christian faith.
The word “denomination” comes from the Latin root nomen, meaning “name.” A denomination is essentially a group of Christians who are identified by a common name, which reflects shared beliefs, practices, history and culture, or organizational structures. Just as names help us distinguish between persons, denominational names help identify distinct groups of Christians who, while often united in their core beliefs, differ in some specific doctrinal or practical matters.
For example, Baptists derive their name from their distinctive belief in “believer’s baptism” — the conviction that baptism is reserved for those who profess faith in Christ and should be performed by full immersion. Presbyterians, on the other hand, take their name from the Greek word presbyteros (elder) because they are governed by elders and hold distinctive beliefs about covenant theology and the sacraments. These differences, though significant, do not negate the shared faith that unites all believers in Jesus Christ and cuts across denominational lines, as Paul reminds us: “There is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4-5).
Some churches identify as “non-denominational,” operating independently without formal denominational ties. Many non-denominational churches hold to broadly Baptist doctrines and practices, such as believer’s baptism and congregational governance. Some affiliate with networks that function similarly to denominations, providing resources and fostering cooperation among like-minded churches.
Christians are called to live according to their understanding of God’s Word. However, faithful Christians sometimes arrive at different interpretations of Scripture. Scripture teaches that we should be “fully convinced in our own minds” (Romans 14:5) regarding matters of faith and practice. For instance, while all Christians affirm the importance of baptism, they may disagree on the proper mode (immersion, sprinkling, or pouring) or the appropriate recipients (infants or professing believers). These differing convictions have led to the formation of denominations that allow believers to practice their faith in accordance with their understanding of the Bible.
Denominations provide a framework for cooperation among churches with shared beliefs and goals. This reflects the New Testament pattern of churches meeting together to decide doctrinal matters (e.g., the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15) and supporting one another in practical ways, as seen in the early Church’s collection for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9).
Today, this organizational structure allows churches to:
Some denominations have arisen due to shared language, culture, or historical experiences. This diversity fulfills the vision of Revelation 7:9, describing “a great multitude… from every nation, tribe, people and language” worshiping before God’s throne. For example, the Lutheran Church traces its roots to Martin Luther and the Reformation in Germany, and many Lutheran denominations today reflect the traditions and liturgies of their German, Scandinavian, or other ethnic origins. Similarly, the Orthodox Church is often organized along national lines, such as the Greek Orthodox or Ukrainian Orthodox churches.
Historically, Reformed theologians have identified three marks of a true church: the faithful preaching of God’s Word, the proper administration of the sacraments, and the exercise of church discipline. These marks help distinguish true churches from false ones, guiding believers in their search for faithful congregations.
Among Reformed denominations, we would consider some to be faithful and true to these marks, while others may fall short. For example, some Reformed denominations remain committed to the ordinary means of grace—preaching, sacraments, and prayer—while others may adopt practices or doctrines that diverge from biblical standards. The same is true for Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Anglicans, and other types of Christians.
While the existence of denominations can sometimes seem divisive, they actually serve several important purposes within the larger Christian community:
Denominations help clarify what a particular group of Christians believes and practices. This clarity allows individuals to find a church community that aligns with their understanding of Scripture and Christian tradition.
By organizing into denominations, Christians can honor their convictions without forcing uniformity on others. This follows the biblical principle of maintaining purity in important doctrinal and practical matters while also dealing graciously with differences in non-essential matters (Romans 14:1-12).
Denominations enable churches to work together effectively in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This cooperative spirit strengthens our witness and extends our reach in spreading the gospel.
Denominations acknowledge the diversity within the body of Christ. They allow believers who speak a common language and share a common heritage to worship, enjoy fellowship, and work closely together, while affirming the shared faith that unites all born-again Christians.
As a Reformed church in Braga, Portugal, Pilgrim International Church occupies a unique position. While we currently maintain ties with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) through our pastor, our location presents both challenges and opportunities:
We are prayerfully exploring denominational affiliations that would:
We welcome those from various religious and denominational backgrounds and seek to:
Christian denominations are not a sign of failure or division in the global church but a reflection of real and important differences in interpretation, language, and history, as well as the diversity of God’s people. Denominations exist because faithful Christians seek to live according to their convictions, support one another in ministry, and honor the cultural and historical contexts in which God has placed them. By understanding and appreciating denominations, we can better celebrate the unity we share in Christ and work together for the glory of God.
