Naveed
Pete Hegseth is a Reformed Protestant Christian. He and his family attend a congregation in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) — a small, strict Calvinist denomination co-founded by pastor Doug Wilson. He was raised evangelical and has moved toward this harder-line Reformed tradition as an adult.
What is documented
- PBS NewsHour and the Chattanooga Times Free Press both report his membership at a CREC-affiliated church near Nashville.
- The Conversation explains how CREC theology shapes his public religious rhetoric.
- CREC, founded 1998, is a network of ~130+ churches holding to 16th-century Calvinist theology, biblical inerrancy, a high liturgy and complementarian gender roles; homeschooling is encouraged.
- As Defense Secretary he has led Christian prayer services at the Pentagon (reported by AFP/Yahoo News).
Background
Raised in an evangelical Christian home in Minnesota; educated at Princeton and Harvard. His public faith became more prominent and more explicitly Reformed over the 2020s, alongside his association with figures in the Christian nationalist movement (Premier Christianity).
Why the question comes up
His denomination is politically notable because CREC leaders argue for a large role for Christianity in government. That makes “what church does Hegseth attend” a current news question rather than a trivia one.
FAQ
What denomination is Pete Hegseth?
A congregation in the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), a conservative Calvinist network.
Was Hegseth always in the CREC?
No — he was raised evangelical and moved toward Reformed/CREC theology as an adult.
Who is Doug Wilson?
The Idaho pastor who co-founded CREC; a prominent proponent of Christian nationalism.
Is Hegseth Catholic?
No. He is Reformed Protestant.
