Offer Your Prayers At The Largest Churches In USA

Episcopal Church in New York City sits on the top of everyone's travel bucket list. But why? Believers of Christianity and non-believers alike are spellbound by the architectural marvels, artistic expressions and the historic timelines some of the largest churches, like the Episcopal Church present to the visitors. Also, the factors that bring the Churches into the list of the largest churches in America are the footfall, the size, and the number of baptised members. The blog talks about the top churches in the USA. We will be transcending the mystical world of Christianity in the USA through the doors of the largest churches in America. 

What are Different Types of Churches in America?

The USA is known for being the superpower of the world. American society has transformed into one of the pioneers in technological innovation and research. The USA definitely moved towards scientific advancement, but gladly not at the expense of spiritual growth. Americans are also known to be one of the most religious countries, with Christianity at the forefront of daily life practices. 

The USA has spirituality ingrained in its people since time immemorial with 210M+ Christians out of 331.9M+ people living in the country. A total of 3 Lakhs+ churches grace the holy land of America, with 2K+ churches falling in the category of the largest churches in America. The largest churches in America are categorised into four major types based on their Christian Denomination, namely, the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Church of the East denominations. However, the major division is between two types of largest churches in America mentioned below:

1. Catholic Churches in the USA

With 1.3B+ Baptised believers in the world, Catholic churches in the USA account for 23% of the total registered Christian believers in the USA. Roman Catholic Churches believe in the existence of only one god and promote monotheism. The Roman Catholic churches in the USA have helped in the transformation and development of society. There are 20K+ catholic churches in the USA, making it the fourth largest in the world. 

2. Protestant Churches in the USA

With 120M+ protestant churchgoers in the USA, the protestants account for the largest sect of Christianity in the USA. The protestant churches in the USA share the history of the Protestant Reformation movement in the 1500s in European countries. The movement against the corruption and methods of the Roman Catholics. The movement soon spread to the USA, giving a dramatic rise to a protestant segment of Christianity in the USA. The protestant denies the requirement of a middle person to communicate with God and believes in the authority of the Bible being supreme in all forms.  

List of the Largest Churches in America Leading To Spirituality

The Largest chruches in America carry a unique architectural diversity, encompassing the elegance of colonial-era structures with simple wooden designs to grand Gothic cathedrals and innovative modern buildings. The architectural style of some of the largest churches in America often reflects the cultural, historical, and religious influences that have shaped the local community. After considering all the important factors, including the history, purpose, size and number of visitors, we have handcrafted a list of the largest churches in America below:

1. Lakewood Church

Location: Houston, Texas 

Pastor: Joel Osteen

Attendance: 45,000

Founded: 1959

Review: "Enormous church!! I believe it used to be a basketball arena. Service was uplifting and inspirational!! Everyone should experience the service at least once." 

Lakewood Church is one of the largest churches in the USA. It has gained international popularity under the leadership of senior pastor Joel Osteen. Started as a Baptist church in 1971, Lakewood transformed to become one of the top churches in the USA due to the immense number of followers of the reverend Joel Osteen. However, if you are in Houston, do not restrict yourself only to religious exploration. Have some fun and dance the night away at these ten best clubs in Houston! Or if you have just shifted to the city? The church is devoted to making Life here a lot more optimistic and offers practical ways to calm your mind and heal your soul through faith. 

2. Abundant Church

Location: El Paso, Texas 

Pastor: Charles Neimen

Attendance: 20,000

Founded: 1979

Review: "Best place for me and my family to call home."

One of the largest churches in America, the Abundant Church, is an evangelical church. Apart from being the biggest church in the USA, the House of Prayer offers a multicultural lens to spirituality. The members of the church believe in an inclusive culture and welcome everyone to the House of Jesus. The Church campus is expansive and is also one of the most beautiful among the largest churches in the USA. Tourists and travellers who visit the church feel engulfed by the serenity of one of the top churches in the USA. 

3. Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

Pastor: Dough Sauder

Attendance: 25,000

Founded: 1985

Review: "Great people, great service, great childcare, programs and community services." 

One of the largest churches in the USA is on the list of megachurches in America. The church runs a Christian Academy, which has come to become one of the best Christian schools in the USA. The academy sees an enrollment of 2K+ students in the Pre-K level. The Church has seven campuses spread across the state and covers 75 acres of sprawling and scenic nature of the Greater Phoenix. 

4. Christ's Church of the Valley

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Pastor: Ashley Wooldridge

Attendance: 35,000

Founded: 1982

Review: "A large non-denominational church with a contemporary, positive vibe. Pastor Ashley always keeps the message light & informative." 

Spread across 35K acres and 18 magnificent campuses, the Christ's Church Valley or the CCV, is one of the most stunning and largest churches in the USA. The church has a seating capacity of 4.5K+ and includes specialised programs for kids, students and special needs children. Since its foundation 42 years ago, one of the biggest churches in America, CVV has propagated the teachings of the Bible across the state of Arizona. 

5. Life. Church 

Location: Edmond, Oklahoma City 
Pastor: Craig Groeschel
Attendance: 85,000
Founded: 1996
Review: "Worship is incredible, Pastor Mark's teachings are truly led by the Holy Spirit and people genuinely care!" 

The most interesting thing about one of the biggest churches in the USA is its multi-site model, which means that it has multiple campuses instead of a single one! The aim behind founding this church was to welcome people who are usually uninvited or isolated themselves from other conservative churches in the USA. It also offers a more distinguished and contemporary method of worship via an app that incorporates modern music and multimedia presentations. Pastor Groeschel has contributed significantly to making Life. The church is among the largest churches in the USA. 

6. Crossroads Church‍

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Pastor: Brian Tome
Attendance: 35,253
Founded: 1996
Review: "it is a community not just a church. They are always available to teach, help,and offer every opportunity to help others. You will grow in mind, body and spirit."

What sets it apart as one of the top churches in the USA is Crossroads Church's active involvement in community engagement and outreach initiatives. It places a strong emphasis on serving the local community through various programs, events, and partnerships with local organisations. Additionally, they have been involved in global outreach efforts, contributing to international humanitarian projects. Pastor Tome's attempt to align religion with creativity in forms of visual art, multimedia, and music is another distinguishing feature of this church in the USA!

7. Gateway Church

Location: Southlake, Texas
Pastor: Robert Morris
Attendance: 20,500
Founded: 2000
Review: "If you want a church that will make you feel good when you leave this is your place. Very uplifting and joyous."

Similar to Life. Church, the largest church in the USA, also follows a multi-site model with its campuses in several locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This model enables them to reach a broader geographic area and serve diverse communities. This megachurch in the USA emphasises vibrant and contemporary worship services while preaching biblical principles based on practical and relevant everyday life scenarios. Apart from its local impact, Gateway Church is engaged in global mission efforts, as well! This top church in the USA participates in international missions, contributing to humanitarian projects around the world. This church in the USA has successfully attracted many young devotees! Students who come to study at some of the best colleges in Texas join and attend the church on a daily basis.

8. Saddleback Church

Location: Lake Forest, California
Pastor: Rick Warren
Attendance: 28,000
Founded: 1980
Review: "Beautiful campus in the middle of Lake Forest - it's like a small university! Lovely service and tons of friendly faces around to help you out if you need it."

Pastor and founder of Saddleback Church, one of the largest churches in the USA, Rick Warren, is a popular figure in the community for his bestselling book, "The Purpose Driven Life." Under his leadership, Saddleback Church has become one of the biggest churches in the USA. They emphasise identifying and focusing on the core purposes of the church- worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. In addition, this USA megachurch has developed the PEACE Plan- Promoting reconciliation, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick, and Educating the next generation. It reflects the church's commitment to holistic impact.

9. Elevation Church

Location: Matthews, North Carolina
Pastor: Steven Furtick
Attendance: 26,000
Founded: 2006
Review: "Elevation Church is inspirational, Bible based, exciting, uplifting service. I felt genuinely welcomed, was shown around, and was comfortable every minute."

Elevation Church has gained followers and ranked in the list of top churches in the USA for its contemporary and passionate worship services. They follow an approach of music with worship that Elevates worship, gaining widespread recognition for their modern and impactful songs. Elevation Worship has released numerous albums and is known for songs like "O Come to the Altar" and "Do It Again."! As one of the largest churches in the USA, Elevation Church focuses on leadership development, with programs designed to equip and train individuals for leadership roles both within the church and in their communities.

10. North Point Ministries

Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
Pastor: Andy Stanley
Attendance: 24,273
Founded: 1995
Review: "You get together and basically hang out and bond with each other knowing that you have a common bond in faith."

This church in the USA also thrives as a multi-campus model. It, therefore, has multiple physical locations where people can gather for worship and community, hence the name 'community church'! Each campus is led by its pastoral team and has its own unique community identity. Pastor and founder Andy Stanley is known for his engaging and practical teaching style- their mission has always been to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Buckhead Church of Atlanta is one of the key campuses associated with North Point Ministries. Its distinct nature is a vibrant atmosphere, contemporary worship services, and community engagement. North Point Ministries, as one of the largest churches in the USA, is devoted to popularising ideas that improve the quality of Life.

11. Eagle Brook Church

Location: Centerville, Minnesota
Pastor: Jason Strand
Attendance: 16,990
Founded: 1948
Review: "Best place to go if you are a social butterfly or a loner. Small group meeting for the butterflies or large church to just blend in for the loner."

The Church in the USA places a strong emphasis on personal growth and discipleship! Their goal is to create an environment where people can grow in their faith and build meaningful connections with others. Eagle Brook is now the largest church in Minnesota and one of the top churches in the USA, with more than 48,000 attending on Christmas. It has six campuses across the metro: in Blaine, Lino Lakes, Woodbury, Spring Lake Park, and White Bear Lake.

12. Christ Fellowship Church

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Pastor: Todd Mullins
Attendance: 25,000
Founded: 1989
Review: "Beautiful service highly recommended visiting during Christmas and Easter services."

This biggest church in the USA follows a simple vision for Fellowship- Reach Up, Reach Out, and Reach In. These three are the biblical mandates of this megachurch in the USA! Another key purpose of this fellowship is to reach out to people who are outside the family of God. As one of the largest churches in the USA, they are actively engaged in community outreach and service initiatives. Thereby organising various events and programs to address local needs, support charitable causes, and build connections with the broader community. This emphasis on community engagement is part of the church's mission to impact the region for Christ.

13. Dream City Church

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Pastor: Luke Barnett
Attendance: 20,000
Founded: 1978
Review: "I enjoy coming to Dream City Church. The preaching and teaching are fantastic. And the Christmas program is fantastic...."

Dream City Church, among the largest churches in the USA, emphasises leadership development within the church community. The church seeks to equip individuals for leadership roles and encourages the development of their gifts and talents for the service of others. They offer a variety of ministries and small groups to cater to different age groups, interests, and spiritual needs. There are regular programs for children, youth, adults, and specific life stages. Small groups are assigned to provide opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and personal growth.

14. Martin's Episcopal Church

Location: Houston, Texas
Pastor: Joshua Bowron
Attendance: 10,000+
Founded: 1952
Review: "As out of towners we always appreciate the service orientation of this fine congregation. The music and preaching are also top notch - and the building is architecturally a gem."

It is one of the member churches of the Anglican Communion and one of the Largest churches in the USA. Both the contemporary and traditional methods of Liturgical forms of prayers are offered in one of the largest churches in the USA. It is also the largest parish in the Episcopal Church in the USA ever since its foundation by J Thomas Bagby. The Magnanimous Gothic Revival Architecture with 1.5K+ pipes from the size of a pencil to 18 feet in height makes it one of the most beautiful, apart from being one of the top churches in the USA.

Top 3 Reasons to Visit a Church?

Since we now know about the largest churches in the USA to be added to our travel list, let us answer one very simple question. The question of why you should visit a Church in the USA might have popped up in your mind already. Thus, to solve this little puzzle of the reasons why, we wanted to offer you the list of the largest churches in the USA. The list of reasons to visit a church any day is mentioned below:

1. The Spiritual Gateway

A Church is a place where you can offer your prayer, spend some time with your thoughts, talk to the reverend and admire the faith that has the largest followers in the world. You might be a Christian, practising or non-practising or might even belong to another religion, but the spiritual aspect heals beyond faith, beliefs, and ethnicity and transcends all boundaries

2. Exploring the History

The Churches in the USA are a great window to explore the history of the state altogether. Since the advent of Christianity from the European lands, they have played a vital role in showing the country a path towards a common religion which can unite everyone. Churches tell tales as old as time through their architecture and artistic wonders.

3. Educate Yourself Culturally

The largest churches in the USA are not only places of worship or architectural marvels but also places to learn about the culture of the country. If you are new to the States, a visit to one of the top churches in the USA will allow you to learn more about the culture in the USA. You can choose to communicate with the people and staff in the church for a more productive and insightful visit as a tourist or just an American who is currently thinking about visiting the largest churches in the USA that intrigues the senses.

The United States is like a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, upholding a rich interplay of religious diversity manifested in its diverse plethora of churches scattered across the nation. Apart from their religious significance, these megachurches in the USA stand as architectural marvels, embodying a blend of tradition and innovation. While the USA is a one-stop destination for many students for education and a rewarding future, you can still go through why study in the USA? With this, we come to a spiritual end of the blog. We do not wish to go; however, churning more content for you might need this short break. Until then, check out our blogs, immerse yourself in the best content pieces and keep scrolling through.

‍