America's Largest Churches and Their Impact
As 2024 unfolds, the largest churches in America continue to make remarkable strides, growing in size, influence, and reach. These megachurches represent pivotal centers of faith and community engagement across the nation. They are bustling hubs of innovation and service, impacting lives both within and far beyond their congregational boundaries.
This year, we head into the heart of America's most prominent churches, examining how they've adapted to changing times, embraced technology, and extended their outreach. It's a fascinating exploration of how these institutions have grown to accommodate thousands.
Join us as we reveal the largest church in the United States, showcasing the institutions leading the way in spiritual growth and community impact. We're not just listing the who's who; we're taking a closer look at their groundbreaking approaches to worship, community involvement, and the innovative ways they're harnessing technology to reach wider audiences.
Prepare to be inspired as we explore the largest churches in America, their visionary megachurch pastors, and the transformative impact they have on their communities and beyond. What is the largest church in the United States? Read on to find out.
Churches with the most impressive growth in 2024
At the dawn of 2024, several churches in America stand out for extraordinary growth, marking a significant shift in their attendance and influence. Here are the top five churches that have shown the most considerable growth in terms of attendance:
- Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, Calverton, MD - Led by Pastor Matthew L. Watley, this church experienced a meteoric rise in attendance. With a growth of 1,747 attendees, a whopping increase of 509%, their attendance soared to 2,090, making it one of the fastest-growing churches in the country.
- Maryland Community Church, Terre Haute, IN - Under the guidance of Pastor Scot Longyear, this church saw its attendance swell to 2,087, marking a growth of 1,202 attendees, which translates to an impressive 136% increase.
- Grace Family Church, Lutz, FL - Pastor Craig Altman's leadership has seen the church grow by 3,171 attendees, a significant 39% increase, bringing their total attendance to 11,204. This church is noted for being both one of the fastest-growing and among the largest in terms of congregational size.
- Venture Church (formerly FBC Hattiesburg), Hattiesburg, MS - Under Pastor Jeff Clark, Venture Church's attendance jumped by 1,320, a notable 64% increase, reaching a total of 3,398 attendees.
- Grace Church, Dumfries, VA - Led by Pastor Derek Grier, this church has seen a substantial growth rate of 277%, increasing its congregation by 1,035 attendees, making the total attendance 1,409.
These churches boast a remarkable growth rate, reflecting a significant trend in the culture of American churches, where dynamic leadership, community engagement, and effective use of digital platforms are key factors contributing to their expanding influence and congregational size.
The phenomenon of the largest megachurches in America
The rise of megachurches in America mirrors a shift towards more dynamic, community-focused worship. These large congregations attract thousands, blending contemporary worship with an array of social and charitable initiatives. Their appeal especially resonates with younger generations drawn to energetic services and modern facilities.
More than just spiritual havens, megachurches are community pillars, offering counseling, education, and support groups. Their pastors often champion social and community causes, extending their influence beyond traditional religious boundaries. This blend of innovation and community engagement positions megachurches as pivotal players in both spiritual and societal spheres.
But what is the largest church in America?
If you want to know the top 10 megachurches in the USA, you’re in the right place. Keep reading as we list the top 50 largest churches in the US by attendance.
1. Life.Church
Location: Edmond, OK
Pastor: Craig Groeschel
Attendance: 85,000
2. Church of the Highlands
Location: Birmingham, AL
Pastor: Chris Hodges
Attendance: 60,000
3. Lakewood Church
Location: Houston, TX
Pastor: Joel Osteen
Attendance: 45,000
4. Crossroads Church
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Pastor: Brian Tome
Attendance: 35,253
5. Christ's Church of the Valley
Location: Peoria, AZ
Pastor: Ashley Wooldridge
Attendance: 30,482
6. Saddleback Church
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Pastor: Rick Warren
Attendance: 28,000
7. Elevation Church
Location: Matthews, NC
Pastor: Steven Furtick
Attendance: 26,000
8. Southeast Christian Church
Location: Louisville, KY
Pastor: Kyle Idleman
Attendance: 25,917
9. Christ Fellowship Church
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Pastor: Todd Mullins
Attendance: 25,000
10. North Point Ministries
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Pastor: Andy Stanley
Attendance: 24,273
11. Fellowship Church
Location: Grapevine, TX
Pastor: Ed Young
Attendance: 24,162
12. Central Church
Location: Henderson, NV
Pastor: Jud Wilhite
Attendance: 21,055
13. Mount Zion Baptist Church
Location: Nashville, TN
Pastor: Joseph W. Walker III
Attendance: 21,000
14. Gateway Church
Location: Southlake, TX
Pastor: Robert Morris
Attendance: 20,500
15. Bayside Church
Location: Roseville, CA
Pastor: Ray Johnston
Attendance: 20,000
16. Dream City Church
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Pastor: Luke Barnett
Attendance: 20,000
17. LCBC Church
Location: Manheim, PA
Pastor: Jason Mitchell
Attendance: 19,000
18. Woodlands Church
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Pastor: Kerry Shook
Attendance: 18,385
19. The Rock Church
Location: San Diego, CA
Pastor: Miles McPherson
Attendance: 18,000
20. 12Stone Church
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Pastor: Kevin Myers
Attendance: 17,000
21. Christ the King Community Church
Location: Bellingham, WA
Pastor: Grant Fishbook
Attendance: 17,000
22. Prestonwood Baptist Church
Location: Plano, TX
Pastor: Jack Graham
Attendance: 17,000
23. Eagle Brook Church
Location: Centerville, MN
Pastor: Jason Strand
Attendance: 16,990
24. Calvary Church
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Pastor: Skip Heitzig
Attendance: 16,830
25. King Jesus International Ministry
Location: Miami, FL
Pastor: Guillermo Maldonado
Attendance: 16,800
26. Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pastor: Doug Sauder
Attendance: 16,283
27. Second Baptist Church
Location: Houston, TX
Pastor: H. Edwin Young
Attendance: 15,970
28. World Changers Church International
Location: College Park, GA
Pastor: Creflo Dollar
Attendance: 15,000
29. World Outreach Church
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Pastor: G. Allen Jackson
Attendance: 15,000
30. World Overcomers
Location: Durham, NC
Pastor: Andy Thompson
Attendance: 15,000
31. Harvest Christian Fellowship
Location: Riverside, CA
Pastor: Greg Laurie
Attendance: 14,560
32. The Rock Church and World Outreach Center
Location: San Bernardino, CA
Pastor: Dan Roth
Attendance: 14,550
33. Triumph Church
Location: Detroit, MI
Pastor: Solomon Kinloch
Attendance: 14,000
34. Family Christian Center
Location: Munster, IN
Pastor: Steve Munsey
Attendance: 13,640
35. Free Chapel Worship Center
Location: Gainesville, GA
Pastor: Jentezen Franklin
Attendance: 13,568
36. Lakepointe Church
Location: Rockwall, TX
Pastor: Josh Howerton
Attendance: 13,278
37. Christian Cultural Center
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Pastor: A.R. Bernard
Attendance: 13,000
38. West Angeles Church of God in Christ
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Pastor: Charles Blake
Attendance: 13,000
39. Southland Christian Church
Location: Nicholasville, KY
Pastor: Jon Weece
Attendance: 12,524
40. Abundant Church
Location: El Paso, TX
Pastor: Charles Nieman
Attendance: 12,400
41. Mariners Church
Location: Irvine, CA
Pastor: Eric Geiger
Attendance: 12,206
42. Calvary Chapel Golden Springs
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Pastor: Raul Ries
Attendance: 12,000
43. Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Pastor: Joe Focht
Attendance: 12,000
44. First Baptist Church of Glenarden
Location: Landover, MD
Pastor: John K. Jenkins Sr.
Attendance: 12,000
45. New Life Church
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Pastor: Brady Boyd
Attendance: 12,000
46. Potential Church
Location: Cooper City, FL
Pastor: Troy Gramling
Attendance: 12,000
47. The Church of Eleven22
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Pastor: Joby Martin
Attendance: 11,501
48. New Life Church
Location: Conway, AR
Pastor: Rick Bezet
Attendance: 11,500
49. Community Bible Church
Location: San Antonio, TX
Pastor: Ed Newton
Attendance: 11,388
50. Bethel Church
Location: Redding, CA
Pastor: Bill Johnson
Attendance: 11,000
The lasting impact of the largest churches in America
Reflecting on America's largest churches in 2024, it's clear that these institutions represent more to the community than places of worship alone.
Large church networks are dynamic community centers shaping the very essence of modern faith and fellowship. These megachurches blend tradition and innovation, creating a unique spiritual experience that resonates deeply with people across the nation.
Stretching beyond their physical walls, influencing contemporary worship and community engagement at a grand scale, their impact is significant. The largest churches in America stand as sources of hope and unity, adapting to the changing needs of society while maintaining their core mission of faith and service.
Constantly evolving, the largest churches in America have a commitment to inclusivity to ensure that they will continue to play a pivotal role in the spiritual landscape of the country, pioneering the future of worship and community connection.