Roman Catholicism is a continuing expression of the earliest Christian communities. It values apostolic authority, a three-level hierarchy of ordained ministries, the unique role of the Virgin Mary, standardized sacramental liturgies, infant baptism, monastic orders, saints as intermediaries and guides to faith, and tradition-based teaching.

Born-again communities arose from a time when some Christians felt it necessary to break with Rome's continuing expressions because, in their opinion, Roman practices had become corrupt. These reformed traditions tend to be more independent of any external ecclesiastical authority. They form around a single pastor, or possibly a senior pastor and staff. They emphasize Biblical teaching, baptism at an older age, variety in worship, the direct impact of the Holy Spirit, and life-transforming experiences known as conversion or being saved.

—Tom Ehrich