Protestant & Christian Churches
One thing to keep in mind us, every nation or empire had its own religion, whether pagan or Christian (or apostate of Christian). In the Middle East it grew to become Christian from Israel to Roman Empire to Africa and beyond via Christian missionaries, and travelers coming to Christ. Later many were conquered by Islam, but have in recent years turned back to Christianity. The West was always of Christianity. Even if British Empire had RC or CoE religions influencing their expanding region for a time. So the west was greatly influenced by Christianity in some form or appearance. In EU they lost Christianity to secularism and atheism in recent times.
The USA (having the true form of Christianity in protestantism), only fell to "less Christian influence" in the society due to mass migration from folk outside Christian nations and regions immigrating in more recent years, (due to political agendas from 1965 onward with larger numbers of non western mostly Islamic, & Latin American Roman Catholic migrants, [from Obama to Biden administration's agenda] causing religious confusion and dilution. Theyre not assimilating and are trying to negatively change the country). And the rise of athiesm and secularism since 1960s (when prayer anf Bible were removed from schools). But as to those who moved here... God allowed & will use it to bring many to saving Faith, whether now, next Gen, or future since the end truly draws nearer.
To go through the history of how "denominations" began....We need to start with the mainline denominations. These groups were born out of the Reformation era [Europe and UK] in the West.
While not listed in order in discussions below, these first Christian denominations were established in the 16th to 18th century, then other Christian denominations were formed. It was based on what they understood about the Bible at that time.
These are what were called the mainline denominations:
Lutheranism (Early 16th century)
Anglicanism (Early to mid-16th century)
Presbyterianism (16th century)
Congregationalism (17th century)
Methodism (18th century)
While we'll touch on it here but wont cover Congregationalism. Just know it is a group basically started out from the Pilgrims and Puritans in America, it veered off into cult groups (like United Church of Christ and Mormons/LDS).
If you're curious about, the Pilgrims and Puritans in America, you can read below, or jump down further to start the answer to today's question.
The Pilgrims and Puritans in America, were from within the broader Protestant Reformation. Both emerged from the context of religious strife in England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
The Pilgrims wanted to be free from the corruptions of the Church of England. They also rejected the hierarchical structure of the Anglican Church, seeking a simpler, more direct form of worship. They believed in a personal relationship with God, emphasizing individual piety and direct experiences of faith.
The Puritans were reformers within the Church of England who sought to "purify" it of Catholic practices. They sought reform within the Church rather than separation. The Puritans believed in predestination, a strict moral code, and the sovereignty of God.
The political turmoil in England, including persecution under King James I and Charles I, motivated both groups to seek a new life in America.
You might say but didnt Pilgrims go to Netherlands first? Yes. They had a significant connection to the Netherlands prior to their journey & ultimate settling in America.
In the early 1600s, the Pilgrims, who were Separatists seeking to escape religious persecution in England, initially fled to the Netherlands.
The Pilgrims were drawn to the Netherlands for its relatively tolerant religious environment, which influenced their views on personal freedom and community.
They settled in Leyden (Leiden) around 1609 to practice their faith freely. This relocation was short, only about a decade.
While in the Netherlands, the Pilgrims were exposed to different social and economic ideas, which shaped their vision for a new society in America.
In 1620, seeking to preserve their identity and fearing the influence of Dutch culture on their children, the Pilgrims migrated to America aboard the Mayflower. This move was motivated in part by a desire to create a new community based on their faith and values, distinct from both England and the Netherlands.
Then there's the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) which would be NBC (focused on & made up of African American communities) and those of the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
While not exclusively Congregationalist, they embrace a congregational polity and have historical ties to the broader move for church independence stemming from Congregationalism.
However, these groups embraced worldly views instead of adhering to biblical truths, changed what Scripture taught to lead folk astray into unbiblical teachings, half truths (like Satan does) to fit a narrative thats sin and flesh focused. Thus the civil rights movement and other social movements began to influence its denominational politics and theology. They've become social justice activists and inclusivity/identity activists for lgbt+ views. [It doesnt seem like they ever held to biblical orthodoxy. Just more false churches and teaching that decieves folk.]
And lastly, Anglicanism (known as Episcopal Church in the U.S.) founded in the 16th century (established as "the Church of England" in 1534).
You might be aware that it was established during the reign of King Henry VIII, to seperate from the Roman Catholic Church [creating a new church] due to his desire for an annulment/divorce cuz the Pope denied it. RCC had a control over the British Empire until then. In a sense you could say CoE is mostly very Catholic still (holding mostly to the same beliefs, except allow for divorce, with a few differences [among a few groups in it] as noted).
It is a confusing group that requires complex research to understand them (let alone to even find a church among them that's biblical). It was and is blend of Protestant beliefs and Catholic traditions, (a really mixed bag), which we discuss more here. We pretty much recommend avoiding this group. Few within that umbrella of a "denomination" actually are Christian. But the above provides clarity.
======= The Early Denominations =======
Onto the main topic of our discussion.... on Mainline Protestantism. Looking at these groups and a few beliefs they hold:
Presbyterian denom was started in the 16th century, in France. It was primarily established by John Calvin, a whose teachings significantly influenced Reformed theology. The movement began in Scotland under the leadership of John Knox, a key figure in the Scottish Reformation.
During the 16th century, France and Scotland were connected through various political and military alliances. One of the most notable connections was the Auld Alliance, established in 1295 between Scotland and France. This alliance was primarily created as a mutual defense pact against England.
The connection was not only political but also cultural and religious. Many Scottish reformers, including John Knox, were influenced by the teachings of John Calvin in France. The Protestant Reformation spread through these networks, fostering significant relationships between the two countries.
Thus, while they were distinct nations, they shared close ties that facilitated the exchange of ideas, especially in the context of the Reformation.
This is how that denom began, when and where. Today, the only one holding to biblcal fidelity is Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), which was founded in 1973, [it recently split from [seperated from] the old mainline Presbyterian Church (USA) which became apostate with its idolatrous progressivism, veering away from the Essentials, true Gospel, & biblical orthodox truth].
Presbyterian denom [here only referring now to PCA] typically hold two secondary beliefs that are not fully in line with Scripture. They teach a (1)Postmil end times views, (so stay away from them unless it's literally the only Christian church in your tiny town or within 1.5 hour drive. And I mean the conservative one, (not the progressive Presbyterians; theyre false). (2) This denom has views on baptism that sadly are closer to Catholicism, so its jumbled a bit, and leads to young folk confusion about salvation. But of the conservative biblically orthodox churches among PCA some wont force infant baptism and would be ok with just parent dedication instead, waiting till your child comes to Christ to be baptized (and then partaking of the Lord's Supper after both are complete). That would be the path I encourage for you [if you "have" no other choice], the denom just misunderstands everything around child salvation, due to one verse in Scripture, missing the point of the whole; as all are saved the same way. Just raise your kids to understand these errors well, so they can go to a more biblically sound denomination as adult, guide them to do that. And if at some point a solid biblical church shows up in your area, yall can move there. If your child is already an adult, was baptized there, and is struggling with their salvation, have a solid talk with them about believers baptism, ensure they've embraced the biblical Gospel, and once thats settled, find a pastor somewhere willing to baptize them so they've peace that they've obeyed God's command to do this ordinance (as a believer).
The Methodist church was started by John Wesley in the 18th century England. He was an Anglican cleric (like the puritans) he was tired of spiritual indifference within the Church of England. So he started a group known as the Holy Club while at Oxford University. This group emphasized disciplined religious practices and sought to foster a deeper faith. It grew quickly (and rather quickly became a denomination in USA too). They had a method for evangelism. It was a pretty solid church until recent modern times.
In 2021, Global Methodist Church (GMC) formed; 7,000 churches left the denomination, separating from the apostate progressive one that took over the denom in recent years (between 2008 and 2015), they were unable to reform and correct it to return to biblical truth, so they left. That larger apostate denom will wither and die, since they turned from biblical orthodox truth. It was predominantly over the lgbt sex cult/identity cult and unbiblical women roles, but they've got folk in leadership saying the most idolatrous, wack stuff from pulpit that makes it look like a pagan religion, which is what its turned into. Many even are athiest "preachers". Again, Methodist has become another denom today that one wouldn't be able to walk into any church called "Methodist" and safely assume is Christian.
Methodists practice both infant baptism (like Presbyterians), and believer's baptism, depending on the church. And on end times sadly they hold to an amillennial or postmillenial view, because it has become popularized in semi recent times by the young reformed movement. (More on end times discussed below). As you'll see, today in finding the best churches the the key secondary issues you'll run into are about baptism and end times views.
Lutheran denomination was founded in the early 16th century by Martin Luther, a German theologian and monk. His actions are considered pivotal to the onset of the Protestant Reformation.
In 1517, Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This document criticized the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences.
Luther pointed to biblical truth not taught in RCC; justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture over Church traditions, and the priesthood of all believers. These principles laid the foundation for Reformation and Lutheran denomination that grew out of his teachings.
The movement gained significant traction in Germany, leading to a schism with the Catholic religion (that deceptively called itself the Church).
The denomination spread across Europe, influencing various other Protestant reform movements.
His efforts marked a significant shift in Christian history, which led to restoration of biblical truth being taught to people.
Lutheranism is also experiencing splits. People exiting due to unbiblical teachings that popped up from in societal culture. Likewise over apostate pagan progressivness taking over the denom in recent years. That larger apostate denom will wither and die, since they turned from biblical orthodox truth. Predominantly over lgbt sex cult and unbiblical women roles, but they've got folk in leadership saying the most idolatrous, wack stuff from pulpit that makes it look like a pagan religion, which is what its turned into.
Right now the only Biblically orthodox group in Lutheranism is Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). You could look into Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC). They appear within biblical orthodoxy too but theres some reason I prev excluded them and idr rn. They do all teach biblically against lgbt alt identities, and women pastors, but some allow women in roles like deacon (due to misunderstanding, or taking Pheobe vs out if context; to allow it due to feminist movements "creep" into the church), or to read Scripture during worship.
There's wrong teachings in Lutheranism too on important issues. Not surprisingly since they came out of Catholicism, and were the earliest ones to do so. Here are the key concerning issues. Both of which I didnt know until today...
On the Lord's Supper, they dont teach it is simply a remembrance of what Christ has done. Like the apostate Catholic religion they teach similarly that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine; they believe in consubstantiation, that the literal body and blood of Christ coexist with the elements of bread and wine.
They wrongly believe in infant baptism, teaching that baptism conveys grace and faith, and that it is a means of grace that incorporates individuals into the church. If its true that they view baptism as "essential for salvation", then theyre a works-based religion and that puts them outside of biblical Christianit. Since Christ did all that's required to save us, and salvation comes the moment of God converting us. If they mingle it, they preach a false Gospel.
Again Lutheranism came out of Roman Catholicism, so some things that old denom held to were closer to RCC teachings, and sadly they never kept reforming, coming to more biblically accurate beliefs. Thats why it's important to not just say "well it has a long history so lets go there". But to look at what they actually believe, and compare to Scripture itself.
That denom generally holds to a historic premillennial view which is partially right, but a false amillennial view started growing within that denom early on. Luther was influenced by Augustine of Hippo on that, and Melanchthon’s contributions to that belief in the early Reformation set the stage for Lutheran theology, later Gerhard provided a more detailed articulation of amillennialism in the early 17th century. Again, they misunderstood Scripture here and never kept looking into it properly, that teaching doesnt align with what Scripture truly teaches.
Here's a note on this topic.
Baptists also have a connection to the Reformation. Theyre not decended from Anabaptists of 1500s but they did significantly influence Baptist theology.
Baptists hold to believers baptism. That first someone is Saved, then in loving obedience they partake of the ordinances prescribed in Scripture, showing they are saved. Firstly that is getting baptized as a public declaration/ public testimony showing what has already happened to them.
Look into and study the doctrine here.
The first identifiable Baptist congregations were founded in the early 17th century. Key figures include John Smyth and Thomas Helwys, who established the first Baptist church in Amsterdam around 1609–1612.
They emphasized believer's baptism, congregational governance, and religious liberty.
The second ordinance is the Lord's Supper, only those born again participate as a remembrance, celebrated together with believers there, of what Jesus did for us.
Both ordinances focus on the past as related to ones salvation, and collectively those participating.
You can look into that more here
Growth and diversification happened throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Baptist groups spread, particularly in England and America. The Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century further propelled their growth.
This period significantly shaped American religion, culture, and society. It emphasized personal piety and the need for individual salvation. It had a focus also on camp meetings and revivals, & traveling preachers who spread the Gospel extensively. The first awakening was focused on theology.
In the 19th century, Baptists became linked with the broader evangelical movement, emphasizing personal conversion and a strong missionary focus, which set them apart from noted mainline denominations that devosted from biblical fidelity, those who started leaned more towards embracing worldly [pagan] social justice & liberal theology, which lead to [the earlier noted above] apostacy and idolatrous beliefs they hold today.
Methodists and Baptists, experienced rapid expansion in the second Awakening.
The movement closely aligned with various social reform movements, including abolitionism, women's rights, and temperance. Many revivalists believed that personal salvation should lead to societal improvement. And of course thats true... anywhere a true Christian is, they minister there, but also each one is now growing to live out righteousness and holiness which affects areas in their life, family, community and even ripples out state wide & nationally based on voting and participation in ways they can contribute thus influencing. God sovereignty moves in and through all of this to bring about His will. Nothing is too small and these things carry on through teaching their kids, by generation, and into the future, bringing about God's good plans. He doesnt have to use us, but he choose to, and the life we live and works He planned for us from before the world was created, will come to fruition.
Southern Baptist is the largest Christian group in the USA, probably globally too.
Southern Baptists are technically not a denomination, since it is made up of churches who are independent but hold the same standard beliefs for the most part (besides the Gospel). You can read the Faith statement here, and in 2000 revamped their belief statement, with the convention in 2025 reaffirming they firmly reject female pastors and lgbt based on & in accordance with biblical truth. Most reject racial identity politics too, fortunately.
As to their founding. They trace back to the the Triennial Convention of 1814, which focused on missionary work and cooperation among Baptist congregations. In 1845 SBC was formed.
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is composed of independent local churches that govern themselves. However, they gather at annual conventions to collaborate on missions, theology, and other cooperative efforts. This structure allows churches to maintain autonomy while benefiting from shared resources and unified initiatives.
These churches have associations with one another and typically do things together in cooperation, it is like a huge network of churches. So you'll have ability to work with, associate, cooperate with, and join together to do things in your area throughout the year. Even if your church has 75, 150, 300 people, etc they join hands with these other SBC churches in your area and county. From classes, trainings, conferences, mission and evangelism work.
Similarly Grace Community Church, which came out of SBC in the late 50s, has their own curriculum for children pre high school ages, and thats avail to anyone, and was really well made, (found in the parent section of this website).
There are other Christian denominations outside the mainline ones noted above. But outside that, mega silly centers which may have started biblically sound, have decended into being false churches with false preachers running it, and not even having an assemblage of a true local church. Instead are mega corporations acting like satellite locations to rake in money, theyre simply money machines decieving folk. Avoid those. There are very few biblically sound large ones out there. [We'll try to list some examples, over 4,000 to 10k here (soon💥)]. You dont need to be in a large church, larger isnt always better, but a church with around 300 teen & adult members is good. Not always available, but is preferable. God still grows a church with above rage of 75 members, if theyre mostly under 50 and have a focus on Evangelism. God grows churches and closes them, he moves us on to other ones too.
But, the point here is there are other sound Churches (since the Reformation), even certian Baptist ones to look at. Most folk also very unaware that the majority of (biblically orthodox) "non denominational" churches are actually Baptist in disguise (trying to sound generic for folk who feel overwhelmed by church choices, dont know which ones are biblical, or bought into a no division mindset). Clarity here on Christian "unity" would be good to understand, to correct the "divided" error taught by some today or should you have bought into that. It and this page are helpful in answering why there isn't 1 Church only and why denominations exist.
Having run through a brief history, you now understand why denominations exist and what they are. You can look more into it here too, as it has some interesting facts.
And if you're wondering the difference between Protestantism and Evangelicalism, if the above didnt seem clear enough...
Evangelicalism is a significant movement within Protestant Christianity, characterized by a focus on personal faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and an active commitment to evangelism. The term "evangelical" itself derives from the Greek word euangelion, meaning "good news," which reflects the core mission of spreading the biblical Christian Gospel.
Evangelicalism likewise is a dynamic movement deeply intertwined with both theological convictions and practical applications in society.
Note, true churches within true Christianity, (conservative Bible focused Bible teaching ones) will keep growing. Whether that's through the conservative remnants of mainline protestant churches, Reformed, Reformed Baptist, Reformed ajacent ones like & similar to GCC, or those in evangelicalism. These are where true Christians go & will be drawn to who are seeking solid more biblically sound places to worship, grow in faith and serve God. These places hold to Biblical Fidelity and are trustworthy. Some might hold a secondary belief we dont agree with, but that is something you can dive into yourself and grow to see, (these are things you'll understand in time). It doesnt put them outside true Christianity, because they hold to the core essential truths of Christianity, per Scripture, and they teach the biblical true Gospel. If any church or preacher deviates from these primary truths, theyre not Christian. They can masqurade and decieve folk all they want to, but true believers will eventually see and flee from them, to biblically orthodox, true Christianity (and churches within true Christianity). God is with them and will move them to His flock, once they grow to understand the truth.
Folk who flip flop between false churches and true ones, lack the foundational truths. They might call some apostate false religions or cults "Christian" because they never actually understood Christianity. Most of those folk are false converts, the rest are weak new believers who haven't been discipled well in whatever small church they landed in originally, or they dont think they need to be planted in a church to be an active member there, to their demise; being blown around by every wind and wave of doctrine, unaware. Its typically a mix of false converts and new weak believers. They have no one teaching them because they dont integrate and assimilate into a church, to be shepherded there. They go off on their own. So unless God draws them and plants them, theyll blow around without the roots they need. These will wither and die off leaving the Faith cuz "they werent of us", or spend "40 years in the wilderness" wasting time, not having peace, joy, blessing, and constantly troubled by life and the world till they tire out, hopefully then get planted firmly in a church to finally get properly discipled. It would be sad to die in such an immature faith state, when they could've flourished, (and been well used by God there with the gifts He has given them).
Don't let that be you. Save yourself some pain, get planted early and thrive. Be in Scripture, avoid the noise and luring if false teachings on social media, get deeply discipled at your church by your shepherds (whom God gifted to your church); grow both in biblical truths, knowledge and doctrines, and get further discipled in your identity as a man or woman, to be who God created you to be, grow godly, and become well educated on & guided in your role as spouse and parent, with Christ at the center, and your church as your community.
If you need help finding a Christian Bible focused church this will help you.
It is unfortunate that we need to understand a church isnt a true church just because they claim to be, but we must examine to see if theyre are. Even in Scripture we are warned about false teachers and preachers who are wolves, who decieve and try to lure people away from truth into error, but The true Sheep follow Christ and the godly shepherds whom Jesus provided the local churches to guide into truth. It is another reason we need to understsnd Scripture and study it in context, (using biblical Hermenutics), so decievers cant lead us astray. This resource can also help with that, but your local church should be the primary place thats teaching you the Bible and in their Bible studies "how" to study the Bible in your private time, and to keep yourself within biblical orthodoxy.
God bless
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