Christian Traditions
Christians belong to different traditions and churches. Their worship, leadership and customs can look very different, even when they share the central Christian faith.
The names can be confusing, but a beginner does not need to understand every difference before visiting a church. Start with what Christians share, then learn the particular character of the local church.
What the main traditions share
The historic Christian traditions believe in one God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and confess Jesus Christ as God the Son, fully divine and fully human.
They teach that Jesus died for human sin, rose from the dead and offers forgiveness, restored relationship with God and eternal life. They use the Bible, practise baptism and gather for prayer and worship.
Catholic
The Roman Catholic Church is a worldwide church led by bishops in communion with the Pope. Its worship centres especially on the Mass, which includes readings, prayers and the Eucharist.
Catholic life gives an important place to the sacraments, historic teaching, the worldwide Church and the lives and prayers of the saints.
Orthodox
The Eastern Orthodox churches preserve ancient patterns of worship, theology and spiritual life. Their services often include chanting, incense, icons and a strong sense of mystery.
Orthodox churches are led by bishops and organised through several self-governing regional churches rather than one worldwide Pope.
Anglican
Anglican churches developed from the Church of England and now form a worldwide family. In England, the Church of England is the established national church.
Anglican worship ranges from formal and sacramental to informal and evangelical. Anglican churches normally use bishops, priests and deacons and draw on both Catholic and Reformation traditions.
Methodist
Methodism grew from an eighteenth-century renewal movement associated with John and Charles Wesley. It emphasises God’s grace, personal faith, practical holiness and care for society.
Methodist worship often includes hymns, Bible teaching, prayer and Communion. Leadership and organisation differ from Anglican and Catholic structures.
Baptist
Baptist churches emphasise personal faith, the authority of the Bible and baptism for people old enough to profess faith for themselves.
Local congregations usually have considerable independence. Worship often centres on prayer, singing, preaching and Bible teaching.
Pentecostal
Pentecostal churches place particular emphasis on the present work of the Holy Spirit, prayer, spiritual gifts, personal conversion and lively worship.
Services may be less formally structured and can include contemporary music, spontaneous prayer and testimony.
Independent and evangelical churches
Some churches do not belong to a historic denomination. They may describe themselves as independent, community, evangelical or non-denominational.
Evangelical usually describes an emphasis on the Bible, personal trust in Jesus, the cross and resurrection, and sharing the Christian message. Evangelical Christians can also be found within Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and other traditions.
Why Christians differ
Differences developed through history, geography, culture and disagreements about authority, leadership, worship, baptism, Communion and other teachings.
Some differences are serious, but they do not mean that every group believes in a different God or a different Jesus. Many Christians work and pray together while remaining honest about their disagreements.
Choosing somewhere to visit
Look for a church that clearly centres its faith on Jesus, treats the Bible responsibly, welcomes questions, takes safeguarding seriously and is accountable in its leadership.
The style of worship matters less than whether the church is truthful, safe, gracious and helping people follow Jesus. Visiting more than once may give a fairer impression than a single service.