All Episodes

January 7, 2025 17 mins

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

🎙️ SHOW NOTES: Why Are There So Many Church Denominations?
Have you ever wondered why there are SO MANY church denominations? 🏛️✝️ Today on Be the 25, we’re uncovering how the Christian faith branched out into various denominations—and WHAT THAT MEANS for YOU as you live out your faith. 🌱

🎧 Episode Highlights:

  • The very first church began shortly after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Followers of Jesus met in homes, prayed, worshiped, and spread the Good News. 🏠🙏
  • As Christianity spread globally 🌍, theological differences emerged over secondary doctrines—like how to baptize, celebrate communion, or structure church leadership.
  • Two MAJOR splits shaped church history:
    • The Great Schism (A.D. 1054): Divided Christianity into the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. 📜
    • The Protestant Reformation (16th century): Sparked by Martin Luther and the desire for believers to read Scripture for themselves. 📖 This led to diverse groups like Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, and non-denominational churches. ✝️✨

💡 Key Takeaways:
Division: Denominations started because of disagreements over secondary doctrines—like baptism, church leadership, and spiritual gifts. Though Christians stayed united on core beliefs, these theological differences and matters of conscience led to splits over time. 🧐

Diversity: Christianity adapted to different regions and cultures as it spread. This diversity brought unique worship styles, traditions, allowing believers to express their faith in ways that suited their context. 🌍💒

🚨 A Warning About Cults:
Not every group claiming to be Christian is a denomination. Cults reject core truths like Jesus’ divinity or elevate their leader's teachings above Scripture. Stay grounded in biblical truth. 📜🔍

🙌 Final Thoughts:
Denominations reflect diversity in how believers live out their faith while staying united in foundational truths. Find a church that stays faithful to Scripture and helps you grow in your walk with Jesus. 🌱✨

💬 Have More Questions?
Submit your faith-based questions at BeThe25.com by clicking on “Ask Dr. Sharon”! Your question could be featured in a future episode. 📨💻

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Episodes drop BI-WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email drsharon@BeThe25.com and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: drsharon@BeThe25.com.

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

  • BeThe25.com
  • Instagram @drsharonohara
  • Twitter @drsharonohara
  • YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening!
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Ridiculous History

Ridiculous History

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.