The “40,000 Protestant Denominations” Myth

The “40,000 Protestant Denominations” Myth

By Robert Rousseau

You’ve probably heard the claim:

“There are 40,000 Protestant denominations—that’s why Protestants are hopelessly divided.”

It sounds convincing. But it’s a myth. And worse—it denies the true unity of the Body of Christ.

Where Did the Number Come From?

The statistic usually traces back to the World Christian Encyclopedia (WCE). But here’s the problem:

• The WCE doesn’t use the word denomination the way most people do.

• It counts independent churches, mission agencies, and cultural expressions of the same tradition as “separate denominations.”

• In fact, many of the groups it lists aren’t even Protestant—they include Catholic, Orthodox, and independent bodies.

So no—there are not 40,000 doctrinally distinct Protestant movements. The real number is closer to a few dozen major families (Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc.).

What the Claim Gets Wrong About Unity

Critics use the “40,000” figure to argue that Protestants are fractured and lack true unity.

But this assumes that unity is about institutional uniformity—every believer under one earthly system.

Scripture paints a different picture.

What Really Unites the Church

Paul writes:

“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4–6).

Unity is not about labels or structures. Unity is about being in Christ.

• One Gospel: Salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8–9).

• One Lord: Jesus, the Head of the Church (Col. 1:18).

• One Spirit: The Holy Spirit who indwells every believer (Eph. 1:13–14).

And above all:

It is not denomination that unites us, but the blood of Jesus Christ.

Through His cross, we are reconciled to God and to one another (Eph. 2:13–16). That’s the unbreakable bond of the Body of Christ.

Why This Matters

• The “40,000 denominations” myth distracts from the real, blood-bought unity of believers worldwide.

• Organizational differences may exist, but they do not fracture the family of God.

• Remember: Jesus Himself promised, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).

Final Thought

The Church’s unity is not fragile—it’s purchased.

Denominations mark cultural and historical diversity, but they cannot undo what Christ has done. Every true believer belongs to the one body, redeemed by the one Savior, sealed by the one Spirit, awaiting the one Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13).

✦ Have you heard the “40,000 denominations” claim? How do you respond when it comes up? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear.

Grace and peace,

Robert Rousseau