Roots & Branches
How Christian Denominations Developed
A simplified family tree of the major Christian traditions.
Tap any tradition to see its story — or search to trace its lineage back to the early church.
This chart is simplified. Many traditions share overlapping roots, and not every movement is shown.
Rows follow lines of descent rather than a strict timeline, so a tradition sits below the one it came from even when a movement further down began earlier.
The family tree as a list
21 entries, grouped by era
Every tradition and turning point on the chart above, grouped by era, with the description from its card. Open a card on the chart for its full story.
The Apostolic Church AD 30 – 500
The Early Church
The apostolic church spread through the Roman world with a shared core faith and worship.
Church of the East
A historic eastern branch centered in Persia and Mesopotamia after the controversies around Ephesus.
Oriental Orthodox
Coptic, Syriac, Armenian, Ethiopian, and related churches whose communion with the Chalcedonian churches broke after the Council of Chalcedon (451); each side regards itself as the continuing ancient church.
East and West Divide 1054
The Great Schism
Long-standing tensions between East and West grew into a lasting separation, conventionally dated to 1054.
The Orthodox Church
The communion that identifies itself as the historic apostolic Church, continuing through the ancient Eastern patriarchates and the local Orthodox churches.
Roman Catholic
The western communion centered on the bishop of Rome, which identifies itself as the historic apostolic Church.
The Reformation 1500s – 1600s
The Protestant Reformation
Calls for reform in the West led to several new Protestant families.
Lutheran
Rooted in Martin Luther’s teaching on grace, faith, and the authority of Scripture.
Reformed
Associated with Zwingli and Calvin, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and reformed worship.
Anglican
The English tradition combining catholic heritage with reformation principles.
Anabaptist
A radical reformation movement emphasizing believers’ baptism and discipleship.
Baptist
Emerging from English Separatist and Puritan contexts, emphasizing believers’ baptism and local church autonomy.
Later Movements 1600s – 1900s
Presbyterian
A Reformed family known for elder-led church government.
Methodist
A revival movement shaped by John and Charles Wesley within the English church.
Adventist
A revivalist movement with Millerite roots, known for a strong emphasis on Christ’s return.
Holiness
A movement stressing sanctification and holy living.
Evangelical & Non-Denominational
A broad cross-denominational movement emphasizing conversion, Scripture, mission, and independent churches.
Restoration Movement
A movement seeking a return to New Testament Christianity, linked to Stone-Campbell roots.
Pentecostal
A global movement emphasizing the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and revival.
Outside historic Nicene Christianity
Latter-day Saints (Mormonism)
A 19th-century restorationist movement whose teaching on God, Scripture, and salvation falls outside historic Nicene Christianity.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
A late-19th-century restorationist movement whose denial of the Trinity places it outside historic Nicene Christianity.
Keep exploring: Explore Church History · Examined in depth: Mormonism · See our Questions & Answers