Denominations

Question 1

Methodist Churches

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, expressing its faith in compassion for human condition.

Question 2

Pentecostal Churches

Answer 2

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 3

Episcopal Churches

Answer 3

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 4

Presbyterian Churches

Answer 4

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: Offices of Teaching Elder and Ruling Elder. Usually hold to the WCF, Spiritual presence in the elements (Calvin).

Question 5

Baptist Churches

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Orthodox Churches

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Mennonite Churches

Answer 7

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 8

Lutheran Churches

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) .