Church history used to be the subject seminary students dreaded most, because it seemed the least relevant to practical ministry. That was before the denominational era ended and people began visiting and joining churches from completely different faith traditions. Now more than ever, understanding where we come from is crucial to knowing where we're going together.

If you are a member of a particular church, do you know why? Perhaps you joined your church because your family attended its services, or due to the influence of friends, or because the church met your needs.

The word "baptize" comes from a Greek word which means to "dip" or "immerse." The word was often used in the ancient world to describe the act of dipping a cup in a stream or washing clothing at a laundry. To "baptize" something is, therefore, literally to immerse it in water.

One of the most obvious differences between Christian denominations regards the various leadership roles which churches recognize. Baptists have deacons but no elders. Presbyterian and Bible churches have both. Catholic and Methodist churches recognize "bishops." Why the differences? What difference do they make?

This is either a very easy or very difficult question. Some think that women have no leadership role in the church, while others believe in equal rights for both genders regardless of what the Bible might teach on the subject. But many churches and believers struggle with this issue and want to know what Scripture says. This essay is for them.