The Largest Christian Denomination in Each State

The tables below provide a state-by-state breakdown of the largest Protestant Christian denominations across the United States. Christianity, a cornerstone of many people’s lives, offers a unique glimpse into America’s culture and history.

Protestant denominations are rich in history and theology, incorporating many beliefs, rituals, and practices that have developed over centuries within the broad scope of Christianity. Each denomination has unique interpretations of faith and worship, influenced by historical events and influential leaders.

Also, see the Christian Denomination Comparison Chart to learn more.

denominations compared — Why is the Southern Baptist denomination so big in America? See below

Alabama to Maryland

Highlight: The Southern Baptist Convention’s large presence in America can be attributed to historical, cultural, and geographic factors. It originated in the South and has deeply influenced the region’s culture. Its emphasis on local church autonomy and evangelism has contributed to its growth and prevalence.

Alabama	The Southern Baptist Convention is the most prevalent among Alabama’s Christian communities.
Alaska	Evangelical Lutheran Church in America forms a significant part of Alaska’s Christians.
Arizona	The largest Protestant group in Arizona is the Southern Baptist Convention.
Arkansas	Among Arkansas’s Christians, the Southern Baptist Convention holds a substantial majority.
California	The Southern Baptist Convention holds the most significant Protestant representation in California.
Colorado	The largest Protestant group in Colorado is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Connecticut	The United Church of Christ is Connecticut’s most significant Protestant denomination.
Delaware	The United Methodist Church forms the largest Protestant group in Delaware.
Florida	The largest Protestant group in Florida is the Southern Baptist Convention.
Georgia	Among Georgia’s Christian groups, the Southern Baptist Convention is most significant.

Hawaii	The Southern Baptist Convention forms a notable part of Hawaii’s Christians.
Idaho	The largest Protestant group among Idaho’s Christians is the Southern Baptist Convention.
Illinois	The Southern Baptist Convention leads among Illinois’s Protestant communities.
Indiana	Among Indiana’s Christians, the United Methodist Church holds a notable presence.
Iowa:	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America leads among Iowa’s Protestant groups.
Kansas	The United Methodist Church is the most significant among Kansas’s Protestant groups.
Kentucky	The Southern Baptist Convention is most prevalent among Kentucky’s Protestant communities.
Louisiana	The Southern Baptist Convention forms a significant part of Louisiana’s Protestant groups.
Maine	The United Church of Christ is the largest Protestant denomination in Maine.
Maryland	The Southern Baptist Convention is Maryland’s largest Protestant group.

Also, see the 100 Largest Denominations in America to learn more.

Christian church — Why is the ELCA denomination so big in America? See below

Massachusetts to New Jersey

Highlight: The size of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is largely due to the significant influx of German and Scandinavian immigrants to the U.S. during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants brought their Lutheran faith with them, particularly to the Upper Midwest.

Massachusetts	The United Church of Christ holds a strong presence among Massachusetts’s Protestants.
Michigan	The United Methodist Church leads among Michigan’s Protestant groups.
Minnesota	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is dominant among Minnesota’s Protestant communities.
Mississippi	The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Protestant group in Mississippi.
Missouri	The Southern Baptist Convention holds a notable majority among Missouri’s Protestant groups.
Montana	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America forms the largest Protestant group in Montana.
Nebraska	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America leads among Nebraska’s Protestant communities.
Nevada	Among Nevada’s Protestant Christians, the Southern Baptist Convention is the largest.
New Hampshire	The United Church of Christ holds the largest Protestant community in New Hampshire.
New Jersey	The United Methodist Church is the most prevalent among New Jersey’s Protestant Christians.

Also, see the Roman Catholic vs. Protestant vs. Eastern Orthodox to learn more.

Church sanctuary — Why is the UMC denomination so big in America? See below

New Mexico to South Carolina

Highlight: The United Methodist Church’s prominence in America stems from early Methodist missionaries’ extensive evangelizing efforts during America’s frontier days.

Its doctrine and system of appointing pastors to new areas, often in the expanding westward territories, helped Methodism become deeply embedded in American life.

New Mexico	The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Protestant group in New Mexico.
New York	The United Methodist Church is dominant among New York’s Protestant communities.
North Carolina	The Southern Baptist Convention leads among North Carolina’s Protestant Christians.
North Dakota	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America forms the largest Protestant group in North Dakota.
Ohio	The United Methodist Church is the largest Protestant group in Ohio.
Oklahoma	The Southern Baptist Convention is most prevalent among Oklahoma’s Protestant communities.
Oregon	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America forms the largest Protestant group in Oregon.
Pennsylvania	The United Methodist Church leads among Pennsylvania’s Protestant communities.
Rhode Island	The American Baptist Churches USA is the largest Protestant group in Rhode Island.
South Carolina	The Southern Baptist Convention forms the largest Protestant group in South Carolina.

Also, see What Denominations Are Calvinist? to learn more.

Protestant denomination — Why is the UCC denomination so big in America? See below

South Dakota to Wyoming

Highlights: The United Church of Christ (UCC) traces its roots back to the Pilgrims and Puritans, the first European settlers in New England. Their progressive stances on social issues, combined with a tradition of congregational autonomy, have made the UCC an influential force in certain regions of the United States.

South Dakota	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America leads among South Dakota’s Protestant groups.
Tennessee	The Southern Baptist Convention holds a notable majority among Tennessee’s Protestant communities.
Texas	The Southern Baptist Convention is Texas’s most significant Protestant denomination.
Utah	Among Utah’s Protestant communities, the Southern Baptist Convention is dominant.
Vermont	The United Church of Christ forms the largest Protestant group in Vermont.
Virginia	The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Protestant group in Virginia.
Washington	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America leads among Washington’s Protestant Christians.
West Virginia	The Southern Baptist Convention holds the largest Protestant community in West Virginia.
Wisconsin	The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is dominant among Wisconsin’s Protestant Christians.
Wyoming	The Southern Baptist Convention forms the largest Protestant group in Wyoming.

Also, see What Denominations Speak in Tongues? to learn more.

Alabama to Maryland

Massachusetts to New Jersey

New Mexico to South Carolina

South Dakota to Wyoming

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