1. Christian Denominations Lesson Objectives: To find out why there are different churches within ChristianityTo find out why there are different churches within Christianity To think about how these different ‘denominations’ affect ChristiansTo think about how these different ‘denominations’ affect Christians Key Words: Denomination – Different branches of the Christian Church Minister – Protestant Clergyman Pastor – Priest or Vicar in some Protestant churches Comunicación y Gerencia

2. Christian Denominations When you see any Christian churchs these days, take a close look at their names and you will find there are many different groups such as: Roman CatholicRoman Catholic AnglicanAnglican MethodistMethodist BaptistBaptist United ReformedUnited Reformed Each of these groups is known as a Denomination of Christianity. Although some small churches don’t belong to a denomination, most do.

3. Sarah Wants to Join a Church … In this lesson you will find out the different denominations of Christianity.

4. Christian Denominations Many of these denominations have existed for centuries. Most began because Christians were not satisfied with the church or denomination that they belonged to. Over time they have developed their own identities and patterns of worship. Roman Catholics and Anglicans for example will worship with candles and in some cases statues, whereas others prefer simpler forms of worship centred around reading and explaining the bible.

5. Christian Denominations Most denominations have priests, although they are sometimes called pastors or ministers. In a few Christian communities there are no priests, as a member of the congregation takes the service. In some denominations church services are long and noisy, whereas in others there is a great emphasis on silence, thought and reflection.

6. Christian Denominations Often people talk of the ‘Christian Family’. If it is a family then it is certainly a big one! There are thought to be more than twenty thousand different Christian denominations throughout the world with about one thousand two hundred million Christians worshiping regularly. However, 9 out of every 10 Christians belong to just seven of these denominations. The denominations can be grouped into three main Christian ‘Families’: The Roman Catholic ChurchThe Roman Catholic Church The Orthadox ChurchThe Orthadox Church The Protestant ChurchThe Protestant Church

7. Christian Denominations The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches split from each other in the eleventh century (called the Great Schism) and then other churches split from the Catholic Church to form the protestant churches during the Reformation. In the centuries that followed the Protestant Church fragmented into smaller groups as the Church of England, Baptist Church, Methodist Church, Salvation Army and others came into existence.

8. Christian Denominations Key Question: Why are there so many denominations and how do they differ from each Other?