History Denominations

Question 1

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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 disadvantages, expressing its
faith in compassion for human condition.

Question 2

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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

What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
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)