60-second overview
A trans-denominational Protestant movement emphasizing biblical authority, Christ’s saving cross, personal conversion or new birth, and active evangelism and mission.
History and identity
Evangelicals can be Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, or non-denominational. The label describes a cluster of convictions and practices rather than one government or sacramental system. Its meaning also varies by country and historical period.
What the group says about itself
What this group teaches and practices
Bible-centered preaching and teaching. Need for personal conversion and faith in Christ. Evangelism, missions, and active discipleship. Wide disagreement on secondary and some major doctrines.
Core teachings and practices
- Bible-centered preaching and teaching.
- Need for personal conversion and faith in Christ.
- Evangelism, missions, and active discipleship.
- Wide disagreement on secondary and some major doctrines.
Variation across churches
High variation within the groupWhat it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.
Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
This is one of the strongest confirmed labels for the guide’s base beliefs. Closeness still depends on the evangelical body’s theology of salvation, baptism, gifts, and church authority.
How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity
Inside historic Nicene ChristianityThis group is within historic Nicene Christianity.
Boundary guideRelated groups
Related organizations
Organizations
Organizations are shown only when their tags share this record’s accepted labels; they are not automatically denominations or representatives.
- Lausanne MovementBroad evangelical consensus, not a detailed denominational confession
Sources
The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.
- National Association of Evangelicals — Statement of FaithVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- Lausanne Movement — The Lausanne CovenantVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- David W. Bebbington / Routledge — Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980sVerifiedAcademic
- World Evangelical Alliance — Statement of FaithVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- Lausanne Movement — The Lausanne CovenantVerifiedReputable secondary source
- World Evangelical Alliance — Who Are Evangelicals?VerifiedOfficial doctrine