Church Directory USA

Types of Christian churches in the United States

A friendly, fair tour of the major Christian traditions you'll find in America — what they believe, how they worship, and how they differ.

Christianity in the United States is incredibly diverse. There are three main historical streams — Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant — with hundreds of denominations and movements within each.

Catholic

The largest single Christian church in the United States, in communion with the Bishop of Rome. Catholic worship centers on the Mass and the seven sacraments. See our Catholic churches directory.

Eastern Orthodox

Ancient churches with unbroken liturgical traditions tracing to the early church — Greek, Russian, Antiochian, Serbian, and others. Browse Orthodox churches.

Protestant traditions

Mainline Protestant

Historic, often liturgical churches descending from the Reformation: Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Disciples of Christ.

Evangelical

Bible-focused, mission-oriented churches that emphasize personal conversion. Includes most Baptist churches (especially the Southern Baptist Convention), non-denominational congregations, and many independent fellowships like Calvary Chapel and Vineyard.

Pentecostal & Charismatic

Churches emphasizing the Holy Spirit's active gifts: speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy. The largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S. is the Assemblies of God.

Holiness & Wesleyan

Churches emphasizing entire sanctification, descended from the Methodist movement. Includes the Church of the Nazarene.

Anabaptist

Mennonites and Quakers emphasize peace, simple living, and adult baptism.

Restorationist movements

Movements that began in the 19th century with the goal of restoring the original New Testament church. Includes Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and the Latter-day Saints (Mormon).

Full denominational index

Below are all the denominations in our directory, with links to their listings:

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