• Handout 1, 25 Largest Christian Denomination in the United States, 2007
• Newsprint, markers, and tape

Participants review a list of Christian denominations in the United States.

Ask a volunteer to name a Christian denomination. Define "denomination" as "a religious group, usually including many local churches, often larger than a sect."

Invite participants to guess at the 25 largest Christian denominations in the United States in 2007. Write the names on newsprint. Remind youth that Catholics are Christians, if the Catholic Church is not named. After brainstorming refer to Handout 1, 25 Largest Christian Denomination in the United States, 2007 and give the group the correct ranking.

Ask:

• Are there any surprises?
• Did you know that Catholicism is the largest denomination in the United States? Did you know there are subcategories of many Protestant denominations?
• How many of these denominations have you encountered-either by visiting churches or having friends or family members who belong to the denomination? Mark any denomination the group will discuss in future workshops or encounter in engagement.