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types of denominations and examples
There are some groups which practically all others would view as [[Apostasy|apostate]] and therefore not legitimate versions or branches of Christianity (John 15:1-6). Others may be seen as [[Heresy|heretical]], even by some churches of their own denomination. To be a heretic means only that one holds an erroneous doctrine of importance, not that one has renounced (apostatized from) the Christian faith.
There are some groups which practically all others would view as [[Apostasy|apostate]] and therefore not legitimate versions or branches of Christianity (John 15:1-6). Others may be seen as [[Heresy|heretical]], even by some churches of their own denomination. To be a heretic means only that one holds an erroneous doctrine of importance, not that one has renounced (apostatized from) the Christian faith.
A denomination can be organized in one of two ways:
*Under a '''hierarchial''' structure, individual congregations are under the direct control of the leadership structure. The leadership determines doctrinal stances for the entire denomination. Ministers and deacons are licensed/ordained by the leadership (and the leadership has the final say on any revocation) and assigned by the leadership to individual congregations; the congregation has little or no say in who is appointed or if they can stay or be replaced. Property used by a local congregation (such as a building, or a bank account) is considered the property of the denomination; thus, if a congregation wants to leave the denomination it will usually be forced to surrender its assets to the denomination or engage in protracted negotiations or legal action to retain all or part of them. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] is the most notable example of a hierarchial denomination.
*Under a '''congregational''' structure, individual congregations are independent and autonomous of both the leadership and each other. Individual congregations will license or ordain ministers and deacons and hire/fire their own leadership. The congregations maintain individual control of assets, and can leave the denomination at will without loss of such. Although a denomination may (and often has) a "statement of faith" which states the common doctrinal viewpoints of congregations, they are not bound to it. Any leadership exists solely for that work which the individual congregations assign to it (such as missionary work or seminary training). The [[Southern Baptist Convention]] is the most notable example of a congregational denomination.
Some denominations have both types of arrangements. For example, the [[Assemblies of God]] exist as a congregational structure at the individual level, but ministers are licensed and ordained on a hierarchial structure (i.e. at AG headquarters) and individual congregations must hire an AG licensed/ordained minister.
[[Category:Christian Terms]]
[[Category:Christian Terms]]