Christian denominations explained
Denomination names tell you something real about how a church worships, how it is led, and how it practises baptism and communion. Here is what each of the largest American traditions generally looks like.
What a denomination actually is
A denomination is a family of churches that share a theological tradition and usually some form of shared governance. Christians across these families agree on far more than they differ on — the differences are mostly about worship style, church leadership, and how baptism and communion are understood and practised.
Baptist
Baptist churches practise baptism by full immersion for people old enough to profess their own faith, and each congregation governs itself rather than answering to a regional bishop. Preaching is central, and worship ranges from traditional hymns to contemporary bands.
Catholic
Catholic parishes celebrate Mass, centred on the Eucharist, and belong to a worldwide church led by the Pope through local bishops. The liturgy follows a set order and a yearly calendar of readings, so a Mass is broadly recognisable anywhere in the world.
Methodist
Methodist churches grew out of the Wesleyan revival and combine ordered worship with a strong emphasis on personal holiness and practical service. Congregations are connected through regional conferences and pastors are appointed rather than hired directly.
Lutheran
Lutheran churches trace their theology to the Reformation and Martin Luther, emphasising grace and Scripture. Worship is usually liturgical with regular communion, though some congregations are noticeably more contemporary than others.
Presbyterian and Reformed
Presbyterian churches are governed by elders through councils rather than by bishops, and stand in the Reformed theological tradition. Preaching is typically expository — working carefully through passages of Scripture.
Episcopal and Anglican
Episcopal churches worship using the Book of Common Prayer and are led by bishops, sitting deliberately between Catholic and Protestant practice. Services are liturgical, with weekly communion in most parishes.
Pentecostal and Charismatic
Pentecostal churches emphasise the present work of the Holy Spirit, including spiritual gifts, healing prayer and expressive worship. Services are usually contemporary and participatory, and often longer than in liturgical traditions.
Orthodox
Orthodox churches — Greek, Russian, Antiochian and others — follow ancient liturgies, use icons in worship, and are led by bishops in communion with one another. Services are sung almost throughout and worshippers often stand.
Non-denominational
Non-denominational churches are independent congregations without a wider denominational structure. Most are evangelical in theology, with contemporary worship and sermon-led services, and each one sets its own practice — so it is worth reading the individual church's own statement of beliefs.
Seventh-day Adventist
Seventh-day Adventist churches worship on Saturday, the biblical Sabbath, and place a strong emphasis on health, education and the return of Christ.
Which should you visit?
Tradition matters less than most people fear. Start with churches you can reach easily, visit a couple, and pay attention to the teaching and the welcome. You can browse every denomination in our directory and see which congregations are near you.
Find a church near you
Browse churches by state, city or denomination — with service times, directions and contact details.