131 Christians Everyone Should Know: Denominational Founders

Menno Simons

Former priest who started Anabaptist movement, followers called Mennonites

John Knox

Helped spread Protestantism in Scotland. Associated with the Presbyterian Church

John Smyth

"The First Baptist". Disagreed with other churches in baptism so baptized himself. Baptized Thomas Helwys, who would later start 1st Baptist Church in England.

George Fox

Came to conclusion that people could only get to God through the "inner light". Started the Quaker movement, which he also called "The Friends".

Nikolaus von Zinzendorf

Started the Moravian Church. Emphasized community and had great impact on sending Protestant missionaries

John Wesley

Former Anglican who started the Methodist church

Francis Asbury

Traveling preacher who helped spread Methodism across America.

Richard Allen

Former slave who became traveling Methodist preacher in America. Issues of racism caused him to form the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME)

William Miller

Founder of Adventism, believed world would end in the year between March 1843 and March 1844. Followers were called Millerites. Some of his followers created the seventh day Adventist Church and the Second Advent Christians.

Alexander Campbell

Former Presbyterian in America who broke off from Presbyterian Church. Characterized by wanting to be known simply as Christians. Started the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) focused on simple evangelicalism from the Bible alone

Aimee Semple McPherson

American Evangelist who shared the "four square gospel". Had a "kidnapping" and credited the founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.