Christianity

Independent and evangelical churches, from small Bible churches to large multi-site churches, focused on a personal relationship with Jesus.

Beliefs: Personal conversion, the authority of the Bible and sharing faith with others. Many aren't part of a denomination at all.

Worship: Contemporary worship music with a band, a practical sermon, and casual dress. Larger churches have kids' programs during the service.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Calvary Chapel, Vineyard USA, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Evangelical Free Church of America, Evangelical Covenant Church, Sovereign Grace Churches

The largest single Christian church, led by the Pope and bishops, with a worldwide parish system and a long tradition of sacraments, saints and social teaching.

Beliefs: Scripture and Church tradition together guide belief. Seven sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are central. Mary and the saints are honored as companions in prayer.

Worship: Mass follows a set order (the liturgy) with readings, a short homily, and Communion. Parishes usually offer several Masses each weekend, often including a Saturday evening Vigil Mass, and daily Mass on weekdays.

Ancient churches of the Christian East (Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Armenian and others) that keep worship much as it was in the early centuries.

Beliefs: Faith is handed down through scripture, the early Church councils and the Church Fathers. Salvation is described as theosis: growing into union with God.

Worship: The Divine Liturgy is chanted or sung, often for 90 minutes or more, surrounded by icons, incense and candles. Many parishes worship partly in English and partly in a heritage language.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Orthodox Church in America, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, Coptic Orthodox Church

Part of the worldwide Anglican family that grew from the Church of England. Known for beautiful liturgy alongside a broad, questioning theology.

Beliefs: Scripture, tradition and reason together guide faith. The Episcopal Church in particular welcomes a wide range of views, including full inclusion of LGBTQ people; Anglican Church in North America congregations are more traditional.

Worship: Services follow the Book of Common Prayer, with hymns, readings, a sermon and Communion (the Eucharist) most Sundays.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: The Episcopal Church, Anglican Church in North America

Churches that follow the 16th-century reformer Martin Luther, centered on God's grace received through faith.

Beliefs: People are made right with God by grace through faith, not by good works. The ELCA is the more progressive body; the Missouri and Wisconsin Synods are more traditional.

Worship: A liturgical service with hymns, readings, sermon and Communion, sometimes alongside a contemporary-style service.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, North American Lutheran Church

Churches rooted in John Wesley's 18th-century revival, which joined personal faith with practical holiness and care for the poor.

Beliefs: God's grace is offered to everyone, and faith shows itself in love and service. Includes the United Methodist, Global Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal (AME and AME Zion), Free Methodist and Nazarene churches.

Worship: Hymn singing, prayer, scripture and a sermon; Communion is often monthly and open to all.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: United Methodist Church, Global Methodist Church, AME Zion Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Free Methodist Church, The Wesleyan Church, Church of the Nazarene

Churches from the tradition of John Calvin and John Knox, governed by elected elders and known for thoughtful preaching.

Beliefs: God's sovereignty and grace are central. The PC(USA) is progressive; the PCA, OPC and Christian Reformed churches are more traditional.

Worship: An orderly service built around scripture and an in-depth sermon, with hymns and prayers; Communion monthly or quarterly.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Presbyterian Church in America, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Christian Reformed Church, Reformed Church in America

Progressive Protestant churches where each congregation governs itself, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and social justice.

Beliefs: "No creed but Christ" for the Disciples; the UCC's motto is "God is still speaking." Both welcome a wide range of beliefs and are open and affirming of LGBTQ people.

Worship: Hymns, scripture, sermon and an open Communion table (weekly for the Disciples).

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

One of the largest Protestant families in the US, built on personal faith, believer's baptism and the independence of each local church.

Beliefs: Each person must choose faith for themselves, shown by baptism by immersion. The Bible is the final authority. Ranges from the Southern Baptist Convention to American Baptist and the historic Black Baptist conventions.

Worship: Congregational singing, prayer and a central sermon, often ending with an invitation to respond to faith.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches USA, National Baptist Convention, USA, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, National Association of Free Will Baptists, Missionary Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Reformed Baptist Network

Fast-growing churches that emphasize the Holy Spirit's presence and gifts today, including healing, prophecy and speaking in tongues.

Beliefs: God acts powerfully and personally now. Includes the Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Church of God, Foursquare and many independent churches.

Worship: Energetic, expressive worship with raised hands, spontaneous prayer and long stretches of music. Services can run long.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ, Foursquare Church, United Pentecostal Church International

Peace churches that emphasize simple living, nonviolence and community. Quakers (the Religious Society of Friends) often worship in shared silence.

Beliefs: Following Jesus in daily life matters more than formal creeds. Quakers speak of "the Light" or "that of God" in everyone.

Worship: Mennonite and Brethren services feature strong a cappella or hymn singing. Many Quaker meetings are "unprogrammed": an hour of silence where anyone may stand and speak.

Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Church of the Brethren, Brethren in Christ

A Protestant church that keeps the Sabbath on Saturday and is known for its focus on health, education and hope in Christ's return.

Beliefs: The seventh-day Sabbath, the soon return of Jesus, and caring for the body as God's creation (many members are vegetarian).

Worship: Saturday morning: Sabbath School (Bible study groups) followed by a worship service.

A restorationist church founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, with a strong focus on family, lay service and community.

Beliefs: Alongside the Bible, members read the Book of Mormon and other modern revelation, and believe families can be together eternally.

Worship: Sunday sacrament meeting (about an hour) led by lay members, followed by classes. Wards are assigned by where you live.

A Bible-centered movement that worships in Kingdom Halls and is known for door-to-door ministry.

Beliefs: Jehovah is the one true God; Jesus is his son but not part of a Trinity. Members expect God's Kingdom to transform the earth.

Worship: Twice-weekly meetings of Bible talks, study and song, led by elders.