Church History - Denominations

Question 1

Methodism

Answer 1

• Origins: Began in Oxford University as a movement within the Church of England and expanded under the leadership of Charles and John Wesley
• Distinctives: Typically has been concerned with ministry to the poor and disadvantaged, historic emphasis on revival plays out in pragmatic worship today; broadly maintains episcopal gov style

Question 2

Episcopal

Answer 2

• Origins: The Episcopalian Church began in America as an extension of the Church of England. However, During the American Revolution a great controversy arose over prayers for the monarchy in the liturgy, so after the revolution it severed ties with the Church of England and became its own denomination.
• Distinctives: Acknowledges no central authority, though maintains a hierarchy of bishops, relies totally on traditional liturgical worship, while not defining the exact nature of the communion element (regarded as a mystery)

Question 3

Baptist

Answer 3

• Origins: A third-generation Reformation development that appeared in England about 1610 wanting to take Protestantism to its logical conclusion. Convinced that Puritanism needed to still be reformed.
• Distinctives: Believe only self-professed believers are eligible for admission to the church. Practice believer-baptism, evangelistic, missions and biblically minded, often congregational today

Question 4

Mennonite

Answer 4

• Origins: Dating from 1520’s in central Europe, take name from Menno Simmons who led them in a pursuit of biblical living.
• Distinctives: No common doctrine, rejection of infant baptism, real presence at the Lord’s supper, pacifist, no oaths, complete separation of church and state

Question 5

Pentecostal

Answer 5

• Origins: Born out of the movement that was sparked in 1901 when Miss Agnes Ozman, a Bethel Bible College student, spoke in tongues after principal Charles Partham laid hands on her and prayed for her to receive the power of the Spirit.
• Distinctives: Seeking to receive the gift of tongues is regarded as a sign of baptism of the Holy Spirit, itself a requisite for full discipleship. Other gifts are sought as well: healing, love, joy, answers to prayer, etc.

Question 6

Presbyterian

Answer 6

• Origins: Dating back to John Knox in 1560 and the Scots Confession becoming the expression of government assigned by the Westminster Assembly in the Form of Government.
• Distinctives: Two offices, elder and deacons. Church governed by presbyteries and representative government. Spiritual presence in the sacraments

Question 7

Orthodox

Answer 7

• Origins: 1056 schism between East and West (Bishop of Constantinople vs. Bishop of Rome)
• Distinctives: icons, 7 Ecumenical Councils, don’t hold to the Pope, traditionalist, ornate to use all senses in worship, salvation as “the way,” emphasis on theosis.

Question 8

Lutheran

Answer 8

• Origins: Germany; Martin Luther, 1517 October 31 commonly the beginning of the reformation. 1521 Diet of Worms which lead to Luther’s excommunication.
• Distinctives: Consubstantiation, Salvation by grace, justification by faith, Augsburg Confession (and the Book of Concord)