What are the differences between churches and denominations?

We received this question regarding what differentiates the various different local churches, and larger denominational associations, and how we should choose a church in light of that reality. 

In the Bible, the church is addressed in two ways: the universal church, and the local church. The Universal Church is called the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5) and The Bride of Christ (John 14, Ephesians 5:23—33), and consists of every believer in Jesus Christ from Pentecost to the Rapture. Believers are meant to gather in Local Churches (such as we see in Revelation 2-3). These local gatherings of believers are a large part of the plan of God, but will often contain both believers and unbelievers…and each body is meant to be growing towards the unity of the faith (Ephesians 4:13). Some churches and bodies have chosen to identify themselves by certain beliefs, practices, and traditions and then give that group a label, or some kind of organizational affiliation. 1 Corinthians 3 makes it very clear that we were never meant to follow men, but seek Him in word alone. This practice of denominationalism is certainly not what the Lord has in mind for His Church. Churches that identify with a certain denomination or movement will often ask, not what the Bible has to say, but: “What does my denomination say about this issue?” Which we want to avoid at any cost. Rather than learn every detail you can about every church, denomination, and tradition I advise you to find a church that is seeking to clearly teach and understand the Bible. When you know the word of God the traditions and ideas of men will become apparent in where they stand in contrast to the Truth.

A final note on this issue: Just because a church claims to be a “Bible Church” or “Non-denominational” does not mean that it is immune to all of the same temptations and pitfalls of a denominational church. Having spent much time in Bible Churches I can say with some authority that Bible Churches are often the most dogmatic in their extra-biblical traditions, practices, and doctrinal errors. The old saying goes that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. For the purposes of this topic, that means that we do well as individuals and as local fellowships to seek after the Word of God and constantly allow the Spirit of God to challenge our shortcomings of faith and practice that we all may come to a mature and full expression of the life and character of Christ.