Denominations
A guide to evangelical and Reformed denominations that hold to the 5 Solas and the Biblical gospel
Not all denominations are created equal. Some have drifted from the authority of Scripture. Others have held fast. Below is an overview of denominations and associations we believe generally hold to the historic, Biblical gospel.
Note: No denomination is perfect, and individual congregations within any denomination can vary widely. Always evaluate a specific church on its own faithfulness to Scripture, not just its denominational label.
Reformed & Presbyterian
1Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
The PCA holds to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms. Founded in 1973, it is committed to Reformed theology, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the Great Commission.
- Confessional standard: Westminster Standards
- Governance: Presbyterian (elders and deacons)
- PCA Church Finder →
2Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Founded in 1936 by J. Gresham Machen, the OPC is a confessionally Reformed denomination committed to the Westminster Standards and faithful Biblical preaching.
- Confessional standard: Westminster Standards
- Governance: Presbyterian
- OPC Church Locator →
3United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA)
The URCNA holds to the Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort). A faithful Reformed denomination in the Dutch Reformed tradition.
- Confessional standard: Three Forms of Unity
- Governance: Presbyterian (consistory)
- URCNA Church Directory →
Baptist
4Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
The SBC is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. While individual churches vary, the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 affirms the inerrancy of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and believer’s baptism.
- Confessional standard: Baptist Faith & Message 2000
- Governance: Congregational (autonomous local churches)
- SBC Church Search →
5Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America (ARBCA)
ARBCA churches hold to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. They are confessionally Reformed, Baptist in polity, and committed to expository preaching.
- Confessional standard: 1689 London Baptist Confession
- Governance: Elder-led congregational
- ARBCA Member Churches →
Non-Denominational & Other Associations
6The Master’s Seminary (TMS) Church Directory
The Master’s Seminary, founded by John MacArthur, maintains a directory of churches led by TMS graduates. These churches tend to be committed to expository preaching, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the doctrines of grace.
7Acts 29
Acts 29 is a global network of church-planting churches. Member churches affirm a Reformed statement of faith and are committed to the gospel, church planting, and developing leaders.
89Marks
9Marks is a ministry dedicated to equipping church leaders with a Biblical vision for the local church. Their church search helps locate churches committed to expositional preaching, Biblical theology, the gospel, and church membership.
9The Gospel Coalition (TGC)
TGC is a fellowship of evangelical churches and leaders who hold to a confessional statement rooted in Reformed theology. Their church directory helps locate gospel-centered churches.
A Word of Caution
A denomination’s label is not a guarantee. Visit a church, listen to the preaching, examine whether the gospel is clearly proclaimed, and see if the congregation bears the fruit of genuine faith. Use our What to Look For guide.