I don't understand the point in channel divinity.

[BadScientist]

What does it actually do? I already have both of the spells it provides and they use an action either way, so what difference does it make?

[CrazyOdd]

Its a charge you get from your class, that lets you do extra stuff. Like a stronger version of a spell or it having an extra effect.

[SigilFey]

They're specific "powers" that clerics are granted that are not "spells". You don't get to choose what they are; it's dependent on your class.

So think of them as class-specific special abilities. What you receive will depend on the subclass you're playing. For example, a cleric of this god or that god will get different "channel" abilities specifically associated with their god.

In simple terms, they're extra spells with a different name.