177 | Thinking Biblically About Denominations

In this episode, we look at the 8,000+ Christian denominations and ask whether all that division is evidence of a broken church — or branches growing off one vine. We'll walk through where the major denominations came from, why gathering with a local body isn't optional for a Christian, and how to actually choose a church without waiting for a perfect one. In this episode, we examine: - what the word "church" has meant since the assembly of Israel, and why a cookout with Christian friends isn't it - why John 15's vine and branches is spoken to a gathered community, not to you alone in your living room - the grace evangelicals are cutting themselves off from when church becomes optional - a fast tour of church history: the Jerusalem church, the 1054 schism, the Reformation, and the origins of Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anabaptist, Congregational, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Pentecostal traditions - the difference between denominations that split over doctrinal orthodoxy, over practice, and over mere preference - what each tradition does well, and what they need to learn from one another - four things to look for when choosing a church: doctrinal truth, social change, maturing community, and holding your preferences loosely If you've been church hunting for years without finding the right fit, or you've wondered whether denominations are a problem to be solved, this episode is for you. Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop Subscribe to Verity Podcast: https://apple.co/veritypodcast Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God. Order Every Woman a Theologian: https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook Follow along: Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com Instagram: / phyliciamasonheimer EWAT Instagram: / everywomanatheologian Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ. #VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #FaithBuilding #ChristianWomen #PrayerLife #FaithLife #BibleStudy