What is the difference between a church and a denomination?A Scripture-grounded answer about why are there different denominations

In the New Testament, 'church' (ekklesia) refers to the universal body of all believers (Ephesians 1:22-23) and to local congregations (1 Corinthians 1:2). A denomination is a distinct organizational body within Christianity that shares common beliefs, governance, and practices — such as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, or Catholic. Denominations emerged over centuries through disagreements about doctrine, worship style, church governance, and cultural context. While Christians debate whether denominations are healthy diversity or sinful division, Jesus' prayer in John 17:21 ('that they may all be one') remains the aspiration.