How Many Christian Denominations Are There?
Christianity Q&A
Audio By Carbonatix
By Peyton Garland, Crosswalk.com
In 2023, the Center for the Study of Global Christianity determined that there were over 45,000 worldwide Christian denominations and organizations. (However, it’s important to understand that this number includes Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who label themselves as “North American Independent” Christians, though they aren’t Christians because they deny the Trinity and don’t believe in salvation through Christ alone.)
Why Are There So Many Denominations in Christianity?
The sad reality is that these tens of thousands of denominations were most often birthed by continuous disagreements among believers (though some denominations were naturally created by means of localized culture and proximity [or lack thereof] to other churches).
Jesus never once asked the apostles or the early church to identify itself in a certain way, so far as manmade organizations were concerned. They were simply to identify themselves as believers in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as God, and that was the only requirement to be part of the church.
For some, an important aspect of their faith hinges on doctrine, such as how members are baptized, when believers take communion, and which translation of the Bible should be used. Worship music, sermon style, and outreach opportunities are other aspects of the corporate church that heavily divide and determine where families place membership.
Thus, when churchgoers can’t agree on how to implement certain practices, interpret Scripture, or provide ministries for niche groups within corporate worship, they split, separated by opinions and wants.
But as Bible Study Tools carefully warns, we shouldn’t be swayed or pulled by opinions, but by Holy Spirit-given convictions revealed through the truth of God’s Word. Truth will never need our opinions to survive arguments, misinterpreted doctrine, and man’s selfishness, and when the Bible seems to leave space for interpretation, perhaps we should seek corporate unity rather than a personal need to be “right.”
What Are the Major Branches of Christianity?
The major branches of Christianity are Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Meanwhile, in the United States, the top three denominations of Christianity are Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and the Church of God in Christ.
But what are the main differences between Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians? There are countless ways to separate these denominations. However, regarding church authority, Catholicism rests with the Pope, Orthodoxy leaves leadership to individual churches, and Protestantism focuses on an individual’s autonomy in how they interpret the authority of Scripture.
Catholic and Orthodox believers see salvation as an ongoing cycle, but Protestants view it as a faith-based decision that instantaneously seals the believer for all time. Meanwhile, Catholicism and Orthodoxy place great emphasis on church tradition, icons, saints, and statues, but Protestantism does not, solely leaning into the Word of God.
There are more divergences regarding church leadership, communion, and worship structure, but it’s important that all Christian denominations share core beliefs.
Should All Christian Denominations Share Core Beliefs?
Rather ironically, Christian Pure reports that many Christians even disagree on the definition of “denominationalism,” stating:
Denominationalism is the idea that many or even all Christian groups, even with their different names, beliefs, and ways of doing things, are all legitimate churches, all part of the same amazing family of faith.² This view sees diversity as something acceptable and even beautiful within Christianity.
But, as we mentioned, not every Christian group agrees with this. Some believe they are the one direct, authentic line from the church Jesus started in the 1st century AD. So, they don’t see other groups as equally valid expressions of the Church. This difference in understanding about whether it’s okay to have many denominations is a key point to keep in mind as we explore this topic.
Nonetheless, one thing all churches, regardless of denomination, should adhere to is salvation through Christ alone, and in that salvation, believers must submit themselves to the authority of God’s Word and the conviction of His Holy Spirit to grow in grace and truth.
Let’s consider a few Scriptures that affirm this:
- “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’” John 14:6-7 (NIV)
- “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5 (NIV)
- “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Should the Number of Denominations Concern Christians?
With so many denominations within the Christian faith, and so many not-so-nice disagreements that take center stage between church leaders across the denominational divide, it only makes sense that a Christian, or even someone considering Christianity, would be concerned about all the differences.
Most importantly, what of salvation? How can a Christian know they are truly saved if it seems different believers from different denominations are interpreting salvation in different ways?
For the longest time, I wondered why we could have the same Spirit but have different convictions about so many things, whether salvation as a once-and-done decision or a lifelong process, to take communion at the beginning or end of a service, or whether or not to consume alcohol. God-fearing people, with genuine, fruit-bearing faith, were always on both sides. But how was this possible?
It’s possible because God knows and sees us as individuals with different experiences, different interpretations of Scripture, and different passions. He knows that each of us struggles with different sins, different fears, and different worries. Thus, so long as Christ is our Lord, these differences are okay, and more often than not, the heart of our convictions isn’t as different as we might think.
Should Our Differences as Individuals Concern Us?
Concerning salvation, Protestants often see it as a one-time decision that is sealed for all eternity, while Catholicism and Orthodoxy view it as a process. At a glance, this seems like opposing viewpoints, but all three denominations affirm this Scripture:
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
It is already “your” salvation, affirming the Protestant belief that salvation is instantly 100 percent yours upon placing faith in Christ. However, we also recognize that our faith is a continual work, as the Spirit molds us into the image of Christ, just as Catholic and Orthodox traditions believe.
Often, we believe the same things with different interpretations—just consider all the interpretations of Scripture!
While someone (like me) who loves literature and poetry would find a natural draw to liturgical practices more common in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, someone with a mathematical brain, where things are less “fluffy” and more straightforward, might naturally prefer strictly sticking to Scripture in their Sunday worship.
God uses different people, with their different backgrounds and wiring, for His glory, and in those differences the Holy Spirit brings about truth, sharing it with individuals who need certain messages at certain times.
If we trust in salvation through Christ alone, the authority of God the Father, and the mysterious but marvelous work of the Holy Spirit in each of us as individuals, a difference in denominations shouldn’t divide us. It should unite us in the joy of salvation.
Related Resource: Ephesians 2:11-22 - Are Church Denominations Biblical?
In today's episode of The Bible Explained, Jenn Kokal discusses Paul's writing on the alienation between the Gentiles and Jews, why the Jews and Gentiles are now "one, the analogy of the Jews and Gentiles together making up the church buildings, and whether church denominations are biblical. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible more clearly, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/rodkosmos
Peyton Garland is an author, editor, and boy mama who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. Subscribe to her blog Uncured+Okay for more encouragement.
