Most Active Protestant Denominations in Latin America

Protestantism (evangélico) has grown from <5% (1960) to ~20% (2020) of Latin America's population—over 100 million adherents. The landscape is dominated by Pentecostal and neo-Pentecostal movements, but historic denominations persist.

Dominant Movements

• Pentecostalism / Neo-Pentecostalism: ~70% of Latin American Protestants. Emphasis: Spirit baptism, healing, prosperity, emotional worship, church planting. Major networks: Assemblies of God, Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD, Brazil), God Is Love, Christian Congregation in Brazil.
• Evangelicalism (non-denominational/charismatic): Independent megachurches, cell-church networks, media ministries. Flexible, entrepreneurial, politically influential (Brazil's "evangelical bench").

Historic Mainline Denominations

• Methodism: Strong in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Caribbean. British/US missionary roots. Social justice emphasis.
• Baptist: Southern Baptist (US-linked), Brazilian Baptist Convention (2M+), Mexican National Baptist Convention. Congregational polity, believer's baptism.
• Presbyterian/Reformed: Brazil (IPB, 1M+), Mexico, Chile, Guatemala. Calvinist theology, elder governance.
• Lutheranism: Southern Brazil (German immigration), Argentina, Chile. Liturgical, confessional.
• Anglicanism/Episcopal: Brazil (IEAB), Mexico, Central America, Southern Cone. Via Criollo (indigenous Anglicanism).
• Seventh-day Adventist: 3M+ region-wide. Health/education focus, Saturday worship, strong institutional networks (hospitals, universities).

Growth Dynamics

Pentecostal growth: 3–5% annually (demographic + conversion). Catholic decline: cultural Catholicism eroding. Political impact: evangelical vote decisive in Brazil (Bolsonaro), Guatemala (Giammattei), influencing abortion, LGBT, education policy. Theological diversity: from prosperity gospel to liberationist evangelicalism.