The Reformation roots
Protestants share a common DNA traceable to the 16th-century Reformation: the Bible as ultimate authority, salvation by grace through faith, the priesthood of all believers, and a critical attitude toward medieval Catholic accretions. Beyond that core, traditions diverge.
The seven major Protestant families
1. Lutheran
The original Reformation tradition, descending from Martin Luther. Largest U.S. body: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) (mainline) and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) (conservative). See Lutheran churches.
2. Reformed / Presbyterian
Calvinist tradition emphasizing God's sovereignty. Largest groups: Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), Christian Reformed Church (CRC), Reformed Church in America (RCA).
3. Anglican / Episcopal
Tracing to the Church of England. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with breakaway bodies forming the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).
4. Methodist / Wesleyan
Founded by John Wesley. Largest body: the United Methodist Church. Other Wesleyan bodies include the Church of the Nazarene, Wesleyan Church, and Free Methodist Church.
5. Baptist
The largest Protestant family in the U.S. Southern Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches USA, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and many independent Baptist churches. See all Baptist churches.
6. Pentecostal / Charismatic
Emphasizing the Holy Spirit's active gifts. Largest body: Assemblies of God. Others include Church of God (Cleveland, TN), Foursquare, International Pentecostal Holiness Church.
7. Restorationist
Movements seeking to “restore” the New Testament church: Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Christian Churches.
Non-denominational
Independent congregations that decline a specific denominational identity are now one of the fastest-growing segments of American Christianity. Theologically most are evangelical and broadly Reformed or Wesleyan-Arminian. See non-denominational churches.
Mainline vs. evangelical
Most Protestant denominations are characterized as either “mainline” (historic, often more theologically progressive) or “evangelical” (Bible-focused, conversionist, often more conservative). Some bodies — like the Methodists — span both.
- Mainline: ELCA, PC(USA), TEC, UMC, ABCUSA, UCC, Disciples of Christ
- Evangelical: SBC, PCA, LCMS, AG, EFCA, CRC, Wesleyan, Nazarene
How to choose a Protestant denomination
See our guide to choosing a church. Visit several traditions before deciding. Most American Protestants share more than they differ.