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First, we should clarify that this article does not address the branches of Christianity (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant). Instead, this article focuses on the denominations within the Protestant tradition. In our opinion, the three branches of Christianity have significant fundamental differences that distinguish them from merely being “denominations.”
The other branches of Christianity also have subcategories. Within the Catholic branch, there are different rites (Latin Rite, Byzantine Rite, etc.). Within the Orthodox branch, there are various communions (the Greek Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Church, etc.). However, denominations, in the proper sense, are groups united by similar doctrine and practice within Protestantism. These denominations are often further divided into synods, sects, movements, or fellowships.
Some argue that there are over 30,000 denominations within Christianity. This may be accurate if each non-denominational church is counted individually. Additionally, many groups that are commonly perceived as “denominations” are actually fellowships or associations, not denominations per se. Generally, a church affiliated with a convention, conference, or association has less external oversight than a church in a denomination.
When considering the Protestant groups, they can be broadly categorized in a couple of different ways:
Worship Style and Theological Groupings
Charismatic — 584 million. Charismatic churches can be evangelical, fundamental, or liberal. They are characterized by an emphasis on experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, often demonstrated through the use of tongues and belief in faith healing.
Evangelical — 285 million. Essentially, evangelical means “having an emphasis on sharing the gospel.” The term typically refers to theologically conservative churches that affirm biblical inspiration and salvation as a personal faith experience.Angelicals can be found in almost any denomination.
Mainline Protestant — 220–305 million. Mainline churches are generally more formal and theologically liberal than evangelicals. The mainline denominations include Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian, American Baptist, and United Church of Christ.
Fundamental — unknown. In its most basic form, a fundamentalist church adheres to the “fundamentals” of the faith. Such churches believe in biblical inerrancy and reject theological liberalism and cultural modernism. There is some overlap, as some mainline and evangelical churches can also be classified as fundamentalist.
Liberal — unknown. Liberal Christianity teaches a way of interpreting the Bible that is less literal. The emphasis is on the social gospel, and Jesus’ miracles and other supernatural events are de-emphasized or allegorized. Liberal theology is more prevalent among the mainline denominations.
General Categories
Baptist — 300–400 million. Baptists can be evangelical, fundamental, or liberal. The name Baptist comes from the belief that only believers should be baptized—not infants. There are over 218 Baptist conventions, associations, and unions.
Pentecostal — 280 million. Pentecostalism began in the early 1900s and emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals are known for their belief that the sign gifts seen in the book of Acts have continued to this day, as well as their enthusiastic worship. Pentecostalism comprises over 700 denominations.
Anglican — 90 million. The Anglican Church began to separate from Roman Catholicism as early as the days of St. Patrick in 432, but it became fully autonomous during the reign of King Henry VIII when the Catholic Church refused to allow the king to divorce Catherine of Aragon. There are various Anglican communions around the world. The Episcopal Church is the primary American branch of Anglicanism.
Non-denominational Evangelical &— 80 million. While many non-denominational churches are truly independent, there are a few that were established from a single church and still maintain some affiliation. Examples include Calvary Chapel and Vineyard churches.
Lutheran — 77 million. The Lutheran Church is organized into autonomous regional or national churches, such as the Church of Norway or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. There are approximately 150 such bodies worldwide. Lutherans generally adhere to the teachings of Reformer Martin Luther.
African Protestant — 60 million. African-initiated churches were founded by local pastors rather than missionaries from European denominations. Some sects emerged due to cultural disparities between native Africans and European missionaries, leading to theological differences and heresies that reflect these distinctions.
Presbyterian — 40–50 million. Although Presbyterianism originated in Great Britain and has a long history in the United States, it is more prevalent in Africa, where it was introduced in 1898.
Methodist — 40 million. Methodism is a branch of the Church of England, an Anglican church. Methodists are primarily Arminian and emphasize good works. The extent of their reliance on liturgy varies among different congregations.
Continental Reformed — 20–30 million. Less familiar in the US, Continental Reformed churches are Calvinistic churches with origins in the European continent, distinct from Presbyterian and Congregational churches, which originated in Great Britain.
Congregational — 5 million. Congregational churches are governed by the congregation, unlike the polity of a Presbyterian church, which is overseen by a group of elders; or an Episcopal church, which is governed by an episcopate or a single individual. There are three main groups within Congregationalism, but none claim more than 2 million members.
Protestant Denominations
Assemblies of God (Pentecostal) — 69 million. As a fellowship
, the Assemblies of God (AoG) comprises over 140 autonomous groupings. To add interest, there are at least three other fellowships that incorporate “Assemblies of God” in their name.
Church of England (Anglican) — 26 million (1.9 million active members). The church views itself as a blend of Catholicism and the Reformed tradition. It serves as the primary state church in Great Britain; its American counterpart is the Episcopal Church.
Calvary Chapel (non-denominational) — 25 million (an estimate, as Calvary Chapel churches lack formal membership). There are approximately 1,800 independent churches affiliated with the movement. Their modest origins in Southern California gained momentum when, in 1965, Chuck Smith separated from the Foursquare Church and ministered to hippies and surfers.
Evangelical Church in Germany (interdenominational) — 24.5 million. The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) is a federation that includes nearly all other Protestant denominations in Germany, such as Lutheran, Calvinist, and United. Churches are confined to regions in Germany that correspond to borders from 1848. These churches respect each other’s territories, so if a Lutheran parishioner relocated from one region to another, they would attend the church in that region, even if it is Calvinist or United. Moreover, any pastor is free to preach at any other church within the federation.
Church of Nigeria (Anglican) — 18 million. Anglicanism was introduced to Nigeria in 1842, and 22 years later, it witnessed its first local bishop. It separated from the Church of England in 1919. They are against the ordination of homosexuals and maintain communion with other Anglican and Episcopal churches that share this stance.
Apostolic Church (Pentecostal) — 15 million. The Apostolic Church originated in Wales. They stress missions and the teachings of the New Testament apostles. The largest national church is in Nigeria and boasts 4.5 million members. They believe in the continuation of the offic
Pieces of apostle and prophet.
Southern Baptist Convention (Baptist) — 14 million. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is the largest Baptist body globally and the second-largest church body in the US after the Roman Catholic Church. Southern Baptists are evangelical and generally conservative in their theology.
United Methodist Church (mainline) — 12 million, although membership may be lower today, given the recent split in the denomination. Formed by the partnership of the Methodist Church (USA) and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC is Wesleyan/Arminian in theology. It is the largest mainline Protestant denomination in the US. Worship style is a mix of liturgical and evangelical.
International Circle of Faith Apostolic Churches (Pentecostal) — 11 million. International Circle of Faith Apostolic Churches (ICOF) emphasize repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit, and racial equality.
Fang Cheng Fellowship (Pentecostal) — 10 million. Fang Cheng is one of the most extensive house church networks globally. In the early 2000s, they faced persecution by the Chinese government; in 2000, 130 members were arrested, and one leader was imprisoned from 2004 to 2011.
Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim (African Protestant) — 10 million. Like many African-originating denominations, this one began from a desire for signs and wonders. Where European missionaries saw voodoo, Africans saw Bible-based sign gifts—especially healing. Ambiguity exists as they claim to combat witchcraft and demon possession but also prophesy and perform unusual miracles.
China Gospel Fellowship (Pentecostal) — 5 million. Also known as the Tanghe Fellowship, the China Gospel Fellowship is a house church network and the second-largest Protestant denomination in China. Committed to reaching minority groups, they are targeted by the government and face persecution from other religious groups as well.
Zion Christian Church (African Protestant) — 2–6 million. The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is the largest church in Southern Africa that originated in Africa and not Europe. Engenas Lekganyane, the founder, had a background in Anglicanism, Apostolicism, and Catholicism. In 1948, Lekganyane’s son moved the church’s emphasis away from signs and toward more Bible teaching. Their practices still include prophecy and healing, and they believe that their church’s leader is their mediator to God.
The size of a denomination does not necessarily reflect how biblical its teachings are. There are many good denominations, and each one has good and bad churches in its ranks. It’s best to study an individual church’s statement of faith, meet with the pastor, and ask about its practices rather than exercising blind loyalty to a particular denomination.
