What Is a Denomination?
A denomination is a sub-group within a religion that can be identified by traits such as a common name, structure, leadership and doctrine. Presbyterianism is a denomination of Christianity and sub-groups within Presbyterianism include Presbyterian (USA), Presbyterian Church in America, and our denomination, A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO).
Differences between one denomination and another are defined by doctrine and church authority; issues such as the nature of Jesus, the authority of apostolic succession, eschatology, and papal primacy often separate one denomination from another. Groups of denominations often sharing broadly similar beliefs, practices and historical ties.
A denomination gives a church a common identity. The advantages of being a church within a denomination include:
- A denomination shares a core belief which provides an environment of like-minded Christians;
- A denomination shares a vision which helps us plan, coordinate, and carry out our God given mission, taking the Gospel into every community;
- A denomination allows churches to cooperate and share the cost of many things which are needed to support the Gospel ministry of those churches, including: insurance, banking, and other financial services; HR, training and other personnel services; legal services; child safety; etc.