Christian Denominations Explained
Christianity is one faith in Jesus Christ, expressed through many traditions. Here is where the major ones came from, what they emphasize, and how they worship. This is a charitable overview, not a ranking. Followers of Jesus have far more in common than they have differences.
The historic creeds shared across most of these traditions affirm one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the death and resurrection of Jesus, and salvation by God's grace. Click any tradition below to read its full story: origins, beliefs, worship, and how it differs from the others. If a term is new to you, the Christian glossary explains it plainly. Curious which family feels closest to home? Try the tradition quiz, or find a congregation in our directory of historic churches.
Roman Catholic
The largest Christian church, holding that the Pope in Rome continues an unbroken line of authority from the apostle Peter.
Founded: 1st-century Rome, formally distinct after the 1054 East-West Schism and the 16th-century Reformation
Eastern Orthodox
An ancient communion of self-governing churches that sees itself as the continuation of the original, undivided Christian Church of the first millennium.
Founded: 1st-century Eastern Roman Empire, formally distinct from Rome after the 1054 East-West Schism
Protestantism
The broad family of Christian traditions that emerged from the 16th-century Reformation's break with the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
Founded: 16th-century Germany and Switzerland, beginning with Martin Luther's 1517 protest
Lutheran
The oldest Protestant tradition, rooted directly in Martin Luther's teaching that salvation comes through faith alone, grounded in scripture alone.
Founded: 16th-century Germany, beginning with Martin Luther's 1517 Ninety-Five Theses
Presbyterian & Reformed
A Protestant tradition rooted in John Calvin's theology, governed by elected elders and known for its emphasis on God's sovereignty.
Founded: 16th-century Switzerland and Scotland, shaped by John Calvin and John Knox
Anglican & Episcopal
A tradition born from the Church of England that deliberately holds Catholic and Protestant elements together as a via media, or middle way.
Founded: 16th-century England, formalized under King Henry VIII in 1534
Baptist
A Protestant tradition marked by believer's baptism, congregational autonomy, and reliance on the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice.
Founded: 17th-century England and Holland
Methodist
A Protestant tradition rooted in John Wesley's teaching on grace and holiness, pairing personal piety with organized social conscience.
Founded: 18th-century England
Pentecostal & Charismatic
A Christian movement emphasizing baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy, as available to believers today.
Founded: early 20th-century United States
Evangelicalism
A cross-denominational Protestant movement defined by personal conversion, biblical authority, the centrality of Christ's cross, and active mission, rather than a single church structure.
Founded: 18th-century transatlantic revivals, rooted in the Reformation
Anabaptist
A Radical Reformation tradition, including Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren, defined by adult baptism, pacifism, and separation from worldly power.
Founded: 1525, Zurich, Switzerland
Non-Denominational
Independent Christian churches that intentionally avoid formal denominational affiliation, drawing broadly on evangelical and Protestant theology while emphasizing local autonomy and flexibility.
Founded: mid-to-late 20th-century United States, accelerating after the 1960s
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