Devin Jacobs
When thinking about grand architecture, vibrant communities, and deep-rooted history, churches often come to mind. Every state in the United States has a standout church, serving as a place of worship and a beacon of cultural significance. Some of the grandest churches are independent and non-denominational, starting as small gatherings and now attracting crowds that fill entire football stadiums. Join us as we journey across the nation to uncover the largest church in each state.
Alabama: Church of the Highlands
This isn’t just any church—it’s a massive, non-denominational evangelical hub in Birmingham with around 60,000 attendees each week. It all started back in 2001 with Chris Hodges and just 34 people. By 2007, they’d built an impressive 2,400-seat auditorium to accommodate their growing congregation.
Alaska: ChangePoint
When it comes to megachurches in Alaska, ChangePoint takes the crown with 3,300 attendees every week. This church is all about “enjoying God together,” “being transformed together,” and “demonstrating God’s heart together.” They’ve got three bustling campuses in the Anchorage area and even reach out to Northwest Alaska’s rural spots through online services. It’s also the largest evangelical church in the entire circumpolar North.
Arizona: Christ’s Church of the Valley
In Arizona, the honor goes to Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV). This non-denominational, evangelical megachurch isn’t just a single building—it’s a whole network of campuses around Metropolitan Phoenix. They have a weekend attendance of 32,000 and stand out not only for their size but also for their unique structure. Instead of having a distant headquarters, CCV is run by leaders actively involved in the church community.
Arkansas: Cross Church
Cross Church is a Baptist megachurch making waves with its three campuses across Springdale. Originally called Church at Pinnacle Hills, it kicked off in 2001 as an offshoot of First Baptist Church of Springdale and currently has 8,500 attendees. In 2014, Rev. Ronnie Floyd, who led Cross Church for 27 years, became the president of the Southern Baptists.
California: Saddleback Church
Burrowed in Lake Forest, this evangelical, non-denominational megachurch is not only the largest in California but also one of the biggest in the entire U.S. Founded by Rick Warren in 1980, it has a rich history of milestones, including being the first church to baptize 5,000 people and serve 10,000 attendees without owning a building. Today, it’s home to more than 30,000 Southern Californians.
Colorado: Flatirons
They’re not just sticking to Colorado—they’re planning a new campus in Brighton and reaching people all over the globe. Over 19,000 folks flock to their five campuses every weekend, and more join their lively online services. What’s the secret sauce behind their success? It’s their rock-concert vibe and the down-to-earth style of their leaders, like Scott Nickell, who used to preach in T-shirts and tattoos while engaging thousands.
Connecticut: Walnut Hill Community Church Clive Calver
This grand church started in 1982 with just a few families gathering in someone’s living room. Fast forward to 2017, and that small group had grown into a vibrant community with 2,500 people attending weekly and over 4,000 considering it their spiritual home. What makes Walnut Hill Community Church special is its blend of people from all backgrounds, making it a warm and welcoming place for everyone.
Delaware: The Cathedral of Saint Peter
When you stroll through Wilmington, Delaware, make sure to check out the Cathedral of St. Peter, a true gem that’s been a local landmark for almost 200 years. In the Quaker Hill Historic District, this cathedral is steeped in rich history, from early Christianity and the Papacy to the Protestant Reformation. It even has ties to famous artists like Michelangelo. Architecturally, it’s considered the pinnacle of its time.
Florida: Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale
This massive evangelical megachurch, founded in 1985 by Bob and Diane Coy, is a key player in the Calvary Chapel movement and draws in over 20,000 worshipers every week. Now led by Pastor Doug Sauder, CCFL is all about heartfelt worship that mixes various styles and cultures. The sermons are engaging and relevant, and the vibe is super welcoming—everyone there feels valued and appreciated.
Georgia: North Point Community Church
When you think of grand churches, North Point Community Church might just take your breath away. It’s not only the biggest functioning church in Georgia but is also recognized by Outreach as the second-largest megachurch in the U.S. It all started in 1995 when Pastor Andy Stanley founded what began with a single 2,700-seat auditorium that has now grown into six locations across the Atlanta metro area.
Hawaii: New Hope Oahu
Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and his wife Anna started New Hope in Honolulu in 1995, initially meeting in a high school auditorium for 17 years. By 2005, the church had grown significantly, with around 70 staff members and 1,500 volunteers. Fast-forward to 2023, and New Hope has since planted over 120 churches and attracts about 20,000 people weekly across all 50 states.
Idaho: Real Life Ministries
Real Life Ministries in Post Falls is a non-denominational, Evangelical Christian church in Kootenai County. It was founded in 1998 by four families, including Jim Putman, who is now the senior pastor. Before leading the church, Jim Putman was a three-time All-American wrestler! Real Life Ministries has come a long way since then and now proudly serves over 8,000 members.
Illinois: Willow Creek Community Church
This is the giant of megachurches in South Barrington, Illinois. Founded in 1975 by Dave Holmbo and Bill Hybels, it has grown into a massive Evangelical non-denominational hub. Under Pastor Bill Hybels, Willow Creek became the quintessential megachurch known for its dynamic worship style and savvy marketing.
Indiana: First Baptist Church of Hammond
FBCHammond is the largest church in Indiana and stands out as one of the biggest in the entire country. It was founded in 1887 and really hit the big leagues under the leadership of Jack Hyles from 1959 to 2001. During his time, it grew into a megachurch with a steady weekly attendance of about 20,000 people.
Iowa: Lutheran Church of Hope
It can hold over 2,800 people at once and welcomes over 9,000 worshippers each weekend. But it’s not just about the Sunday services—Hope offers a ton of fun and engaging classes, from Scrapbooking Extravaganza to Adoration Choir, open to everyone. At the heart of Lutheranism is the belief that we’re saved by God’s grace alone, through faith, and based on Scripture.
Kansas: Church of the Resurrection
It all started in 1990 on a modest 76-acre site near Kansas City, with just a handful of people meeting in a funeral home. Now, it has become the largest United Methodist Church in the country, with four campuses and over 22,000 members.
Kentucky: Southeast Christian Church
The church started on July 1, 1962, when 53 South Louisville Christian Church members decided to start something new in the Hikes Point area. Presently, it is a massive Evangelical megachurch and, as of 2023, is the eighth-largest church in the U.S. by weekend attendance. Kyle Idleman has been leading the church since March 10, 2019, bringing his vision and energy to its vibrant community.
Louisiana: The Saint Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, is the first continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the U.S., dating back to 1727. It’s dedicated to King Louis IX of France, a crusader who later became a saint. You’ll find it right next to Jackson Square, facing the mighty Mississippi River. This cathedral is flanked by the historic Cabildo and Presbytère buildings.
Maine: The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Perched high on a hill, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic church is as historic as it is breathtaking. Construction began in 1871 and wrapped up in 1936, so it’s got quite the story to tell. Its towering spire reaches an impressive 167 feet, making it a standout feature in the city skyline. Fun fact: it’s one of the few places in Maine where you can still catch a Mass in French!
Maryland: First Baptist Church of Glenarden
Led by the inspiring Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr., this vibrant church spans three campuses and has over 11,000 active members. With biblical teachings available daily and more than 100 ministries to get involved in, FBCG is a hub of activity. Plus, they don’t just cater to those who can attend in person; their Sunday services are streamed to over 45,000 virtual worshipers monthly.
Massachusetts: The Cathedral of the Holy Cross
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross has been a cornerstone for Catholics in the area since it opened its doors in 1875. After a $26 million renovation in 2019, it now owns stunning stained-glass windows, a beautifully restored ceiling, and vibrant Stations of the Cross. With room for nearly 2,000 worshippers, it features local Roxbury puddingstone and gray limestone. Let’s not forget its impressive organ, built by the famous Hook and Hastings Company.
Michigan: Triumph Church
Curious about which church tops the list in Michigan? Triumph Missionary Baptist Church was founded way back in 1920 by Reverend Claude Cummings and is now a vibrant non-denominational megachurch led by Senior Pastor Reverend Solomon W. Kinloch, Jr. With six weekend services and three midweek gatherings; this church draws crowds that make it a top contender for the largest in Detroit and across Michigan.
Minnesota: Eagle Brook
Eagle Brook, which has multiple locations, calls Centerville, Minnesota home. They’re a part of Converge and saw a whopping 20,923 people attending weekly in 2023. Senior Pastor Jason Strand leads the charge, but the story of this church started way back in 1948. Originally a small Bible study group known as the Bethany Baptist Mission, it was renamed Eagle Brook Church in 1995.
Mississippi: Pinelake Church
Let’s take you back to 1971 when Pinelake Church first opened its doors in a cozy home on Bay Park Drive in Brandon. Back then, it was known as Rankin Baptist Chapel, and just 32 people gathered for worship in a mobile chapel on Spillway Road. At present, this church has grown into a massive multi-campus megachurch with over 11,000 worshipers each week.
Missouri: James River Church
Lead Pastor John Lindell, along with his wife Debbie, heads this thriving congregation. This bustling Pentecostal megachurch in Ozark, Missouri, linked with the Assemblies of God USA, saw an average weekly attendance of 19,000 in 2019. That impressive number places it among the top ten largest AG churches and the largest in Missouri.
Montana: Harvest Church Vern Streeter
Established in 1977, this church is part of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, which has quite a history. It all started in the early 1900s when Aimee McPherson, a widowed single mother, founded the Foursquare church in Los Angeles. Their core belief? Jesus Christ is the Savior, the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, a healer, and the King who will return.
Nebraska: Lincoln Berean Church
What started as a small gathering in a living room 53 years ago has grown into a vibrant congregation with over 4,000 attendees each weekend. Born from the Fundamentalist movement, Lincoln Berean is all about significant beliefs, including the resurrection, final judgment, and the ultimate destinies of joy or suffering.
Nevada: Central Christian Church
Simply known as Central, this non-denominational Evangelical megachurch was founded in 1962 and is located in an impressive 148,000-square-foot building. With several locations worldwide, Central is a major player in the church scene and was the 9th largest church in the U.S. in 2013, with over 21,000 attendees. Led by Senior Pastor Jud Wilhite, Central is known for its laid-back vibe, where everyone feels right at home, no matter their past.
New Hampshire: Bethany Church
It has three awesome campuses that you can visit for worship! If you’re thinking about joining, there are a few simple steps: attend two Discovery Class sessions, check out a worship service, and have a chat with a pastor. Senior Pastor Bruce Boria leads the way, and you can catch their services in person at any of their locations.
New Jersey: Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey, is the biggest church in the Garden State and the fifth-largest cathedral in North America. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and is headed by Cardinal Tobin. Designed in English-Irish Gothic style by Jeremiah O’Rourke, construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1954. With daily and Sunday masses in both English and Spanish, it’s a vibrant place of worship.
New Mexico: Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque
Its founder, Rev. Skip Heitzig, had his own journey of faith, struggling before having a powerful encounter with God that led him to start a Bible study. That humble beginning blossomed into the vibrant community of Calvary Chapel. This church embraces evangelical Christian beliefs, holding firm to the Bible’s inerrancy and the concept of the Trinity. They see themselves as balancing fundamentalism and Pentecostalism within modern Protestant theology.
New York: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning Catholic church in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It serves as the home base for the Archbishop of New York and a local parish and is perfectly positioned across from Rockefeller Center. Designed by James Renwick Jr., this cathedral is the largest Gothic Revival church in North America, covering a whole city block and attracting over five and a half million visitors yearly.
North Carolina: St. Matthew
By 2017, it had grown to be one of the largest Catholic parishes in the country, with over 10,500 registered families and drawing more than 12,000 worshippers each week. Often called a Catholic megachurch, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin runs it. The church prides itself on being inclusive, warmly welcoming divorced and LGBTQ Catholics, and embracing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.
North Dakota: Hope Lutheran Church
Hope Lutheran Church, often called Old Stone Church, has been a charming part of North Dakota since around 1898. This historic gem earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places seven miles north of Elgin in 1992. In North Dakota, Lutherans are the largest group of Christians, making up 36% of the population, with Catholics coming in second at 30%.
Ohio: Crossroads
In 1995, a tight-knit crew of 11 friends started a Bible study, which eventually blossomed into what we now know as Crossroads. Crossroads has grown into a vibrant network with several locations across Ohio. They’re not just about worship; they’ve got a Kids’ Club, programs for students, and community service opportunities. By getting involved in the community and spreading the message of Jesus Christ, they’re all about creating a close-knit family of believers.
Oklahoma: Life.Church
Life. church, often called “Life Church,” is a vibrant, evangelical megachurch rooted in Edmond, Oklahoma. Previously known as LifeChurch.tv and Life Covenant Church, it’s part of the Evangelical Covenant Church network. Craig Groeschel, the church’s founder and senior pastor, has helped it grow into a significant presence, with around 85,000 attendees each week as of 2018. One of its standout features is the YouVersion ministry, which is behind the popular Bible App.
Oregon: Mannahouse Church
Once known as City Bible Church, this gem is a vibrant, non-denominational Christian megachurch in Portland, Oregon. It has five campuses offering various services: six in English, three in Spanish, one in Burmese, and several for international communities. The Rocky Butte Campus is its central hub. The church is non-denominational, meaning it is not tied to any specific Christian group.
Pennsylvania: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
It’s a pretty special place, and it’s had the honor of hosting two papal Masses. Pope John Paul II celebrated here in 1979, and Pope Francis followed suit in 2015. Right now, the cathedral is under the guidance of Reverend Gerald Dennis Gill, while Nelson J. Perez serves as the Archbishop of Philadelphia. The cathedral holds the title of Pennsylvania’s largest Catholic church and earned a spot on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places back in 1971.
Rhode Island: Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Finished in 1889, the cathedral’s mix of Romanesque and Gothic Revival styles gives it a unique charm that stands out in downtown Providence. The cathedral is a stunning Roman Catholic cathedral in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. This historic gem, serving as the main church for the Diocese of Providence, was designed back in 1873 by the talented architect Patrick Keely.
South Carolina: NewSpring Church
The church started in January 2000 with a small group huddled in a living room. It expanded to 13 locations all over South Carolina. Based in Anderson, SC, the church also runs satellite campuses in 12 other South Carolina cities. They meet on various campuses across the state and set up an online campus for those who can’t make it in person. By 2016, they were drawing a crowd of 33,000 every week.
South Dakota: Celebrate Church
Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls, S.D., is on an exciting mission to grow by planting new churches. They aim to establish 50 churches over the next decade. Right now, they’ve already set up in Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their big dream is to build a vibrant community in Sioux Falls where people can live out their faith and help others discover it.
Tennessee: Bellevue Baptist Church
In the 1950s, Bellevue Baptist Church grew into one of the greatest Southern Baptist congregations in the country, carrying over 9,000 members. By 1989, they moved to their current spacious location at 2000 Appling Road, a massive 377-acre campus in Cordova, a suburb of Memphis. This impressive building includes a main sanctuary that can seat 7,000 people.
Texas: Lakewood Church
It’s one of the largest congregations in the U.S., drawing in around 45,000 people weekly. The church, which seats 16,800, is housed in the former Compaq Center and hosts four English services and two in Spanish weekly. Joel Osteen leads the church as the senior pastor, and his wife, Victoria, is right by his side as co-pastor. With a dedicated team of 368 staff members, Lakewood is a true powerhouse.
Utah: Salt Lake Temple
The Salt Lake Temple is the sole church arising out of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on this list. Despite Temple Square being a major draw, bringing millions of visitors to Utah each year, access to the temple itself is restricted to active church members. Nestled on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, this temple is the largest of its kind, spanning 253,015 square feet.
Vermont: Cathedral of St Joseph
Stretching 176 feet long, 81 feet wide, and soaring to 55 feet high inside, the cathedral offers space for over 1,200 people. This grand church is the heart of the Catholic Diocese of Burlington. For nearly two decades, from 1999 to 2018, it shared the spotlight as a co-cathedral. After the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception closed, it stepped up as the main cathedral for the diocese.
Virginia: McLean Bible Church
McLean Bible Church started its journey in 1961 as a non-denominational church with a simple mission. It’s grown into a vibrant community with five locations around the Washington, D.C. metro area, welcoming thousands of people each week. It all started when five families in Northern Virginia came together, and their very first service took place on Easter Sunday at Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, led by Pastor J. Albert Ford.
Washington: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
This is not just any church—it’s the largest Catholic church in North America and the tallest building in the city that people actually live in. Construction kicked off on September 23, 1920, combining Byzantine and Romanesque Revival styles. Today, it stands proudly as the main church for Catholics across the United States.
West Virginia: Chestnut Ridge Church
Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown, West Virginia, is a vibrant, non-denominational megachurch with a welcoming, casual vibe. It’s the original of two sister churches, with South Ridge Church in Fairmont and River Ridge in Charleston following its lead. At Chestnut Ridge, you’ll find comfy auditorium-style seating, fresh coffee, and a laid-back atmosphere. Services usually run for about an hour, and kids’ programs are available throughout all Sunday services.
Wisconsin: Elmbrook Church
With over 3,200 members and more than 5,500 people attending any of its four-weekend services, Elmbrook Church is the largest independent religious congregation in Wisconsin. Established in 1958, it is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch located in Brookfield, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, within Waukesha County.
Wyoming: Highland Park Community Church
This Community Church started as a cozy house church in 1952. In recent times, it has grown into a bustling place with four Sunday services and over 100 community groups. It’s located in Casper, WY, Highland Park, and provides a variety of ministries and programs designed to support individuals and families.