The differences between social and organizational systems in Protestant denominations is quite clear to most people who have shopped around for a new church or a new denomination. Protestants, in general, are very socially active in their churches, but there are differences in the ways denominations carry out their social activities and how they organize their governing bodies.
For the purposes of this article and as examples, we’ll take a look at three Protestant denominations and their customs. These are denominations with which the author is familiar, either having attended for a number of years or having knowledge of them through brief attendance with relatives.
First, let’s look at the Lutheran Church – ELCA – or Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This is the most liberal leaning branch of a larger Lutheran community. The three main branches are ELCA, Missouri Synod, and Wisconsin Synod, as well as other groups not as well-known or populated. ELCA is liberal, Missouri is very conservative, with women relegated to the background, and Wisconsin is super-conservative, with much stricter rules and regulations for its members. The ELCA, in many cases, has come around to a more traditional Catholic appearance and is in talks with Catholic leaders worldwide about how to mend the fences that were broken centuries ago, especially during the time of the Reformation.There is a move toward reconciliation and healing between the two groups.
ELCA, as an example, is socially aware and provides help for those in need. They are busy with food pantries, homeless shelters, disaster relief, clothing stores, and other resources for those who are experiencing hardship. Causes and projects are discussed in a church council, on which there are usually about 12 people with four executive officers. There is back and forth discussion, causes and projects are approved or not, and people are put in charge of running the projects. Meetings are usually held monthly, with special meetings if there is an urgency and need for them. “Robert’s Rules” of parliamentary procedure are followed. As a general rule, the Pastor makes suggestions to council and they are put into place or not after a vote. As for fellowship, the “Pot Luck Meal” is a real favorite for Lutherans. It is one of the high points of any season of the year, but Lutherans will use any excuse for a Pot Luck! “Coffee and Cookies” or “Coffee and Cake” are other ways of fellowshipping and are used as reception fare for visiting clergy and/or speakers, and also to welcome new members or as a reception after Confirmation of teenagers. Lent brings its own format with midweek informational get-togethers, combined with a “Soup & Sandwich” supper before the discussion or video begins. There are also Bible Study groups available in most Lutheran Churches, as the main focus of Lutheran worship is scripture. Holy Communion is now offered in most ELCA churches weekly, again moving toward the traditions of the Catholic Church. Lutherans are a liturgical denomination, which means they have a regular format for worship that is called the “liturgy,” and they follow the church year seasons and a prescribed schedule of scripture readings for each day and week.
Presbyterians are also grouped according to orthodox beliefs through liberal ideals through progressive movements. Their governing body is called a “Session” at the church level and consists of church members (usually all men in the Orthodox branch) who meet monthly or when there is a special election. Presbyterian women’s groups are called “circles” and are generally arranged according to age groups. Socially, the Presbyterians are quite naturally outgoing and welcoming; they enjoy their social activities and are very busy within their communities. Most have fairly large congregations. There are youth groups and youth ministry leaders – usually a young couple from the congregation selected to plan and lead the groups in their activities and projects for outreach.
Most of the Presbyterian churches also conduct mid-week worship services, especially Orthodox Presbyterians who adhere to much stricter doctrine and also keep women out of the most important and visible ministries in the church. Hymnody is traditional and inspiring. Most Presbyterian churches also conduct a Vacation Bible School during the summer, usually for a week. Holy Communion is normally offered once a month in traditional Presbyterian churches. Some Presbyterian churches still only offer Holy Communion on a quarterly basis. Presbyterians are also liturgical in their order of worship and church year seasons and routines.
Baptists also differentiate when it comes to doctrine and beliefs. Southern Baptists are among the most rigid when it comes to what can and cannot be done according to scripture. They do not have infant baptism like the previous two denominations do, but they “dedicate” their infants instead. When the child is old enough to understand the meaning of baptism, they may be baptized. Some churches use elaborate baptismal pools because the candidates, whether children or adults, are immersed in the water instead of being sprinkled with it or having it poured over their heads.
Independent Baptists are those who do not belong to the World Council of Churches or other governing entities, hence the name “Independent.” They minister to the community and to the membership of the church, and the Pastor has the final say in church doctrine. They preach the gospel, as do the other denominations, and congregants are expected to bring their own Bible to church each week instead of having them provided in the pews. Most Baptist churches hold midweek prayer meetings, and have youth groups, as well, grouped according to age and/or school grade. Baptist congregations of both these examples hold Vacation Bible School in the summertime for their youth and encourage them to invite other children. Baptist churches are not liturgical and therefore do not recognize a set format (the patterns of worship can be changed by the pastor and be spontaneous), adhere to church year seasons, or preach according to a readings or lessons schedule (“pericopes” – per-ICK-co-pees), the prescribed scripture readings.
So as you can see, there are vast differences between even these three denominations, and these are only a few. There are even more between the numerous Protestant denominations around the world. It would be impossible to visit each and every church to experience all the various traditions, but there are many articles online and books in the library that can introduce you to the many differences between Protestant denominations.
