The United States is home to some of the largest and most influential churches in the world. These megachurches attract tens of thousands of worshippers every week. They offer a mix of contemporary worship, community outreach, and engaging sermons. Many of these churches have campuses across multiple locations, while still maintaining a strong central presence. Their large congregations reflect the growth of non-denominational and evangelical movements in the country. Below is a detailed look at ten of the largest churches in the U.S.
Lakewood Church, Houston, TX
Founded in 1959 by John Osteen, Lakewood Church has grown into the largest megachurch in the U.S. It is located in Houston, Texas, and was taken over by Joel Osteen, John’s son, in 1999. The church attracts approximately 45,000 to 52,000 attendees every week. Lakewood moved into the former Compaq Center, once home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, after extensive renovations. The church offers multiple services throughout the week, with a wide range of ministries for all ages. Their televised broadcasts reach millions of viewers worldwide, making it a global influence in Christian media.
Life.Church, Edmond, OK
Life.Church, founded in 1996 by Craig Groeschel, has its headquarters in Edmond, Oklahoma. The church is known for its innovative use of technology, including launching the popular Bible app, YouVersion. Each week, around 70,000 people attend across its many campuses in different states. Life.Church offers a blend of live and video-streamed services to connect with its large, multi-site congregation. The church focuses heavily on outreach, discipleship, and leadership development. Life.Church’s decentralized model allows it to grow consistently while maintaining strong local involvement.
Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Saddleback Church was established in 1980 by Rick Warren in Lake Forest, California. It has grown into one of the largest congregations in the U.S., with approximately 23,000 to 30,000 people attending weekly services. The church is well-known for its “Purpose Driven” ministry model, outlined in Warren’s best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. Saddleback has numerous campuses in Southern California and globally, making it one of the most widespread megachurches. It emphasizes a balance of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission in its services and community programs.
Elevation Church, Matthews, NC
Located in Matthews, North Carolina, Elevation Church was founded in 2006 by Steven Furtick. This dynamic church has grown rapidly, now averaging over 20,000 attendees each weekend. Known for its energetic worship services and creative communication style, Elevation’s messages are designed to reach a younger, more contemporary audience. Elevation has multiple campuses across the Carolinas and other states, with a significant online presence as well. Its music ministry, Elevation Worship, is globally recognized, further extending the church’s reach beyond traditional congregations.
Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL
Church of the Highlands was started in 2001 by Chris Hodges in Birmingham, Alabama. Today, it is one of the largest churches in the U.S., with an estimated weekly attendance of around 60,000. The church has campuses across Alabama and Georgia, with a mission focused on community impact, church planting, and leadership training. Church of the Highlands emphasizes practical teaching, contemporary worship, and small group participation. It has become a model for church growth and leadership development in modern Christian ministry.
Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY
Founded in 1962, Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, has grown into one of the largest churches in the United States. It draws in over 25,000 attendees every week, across its multiple campuses. The church, led by senior pastor Kyle Idleman, focuses on Bible-based teachings and community service. Southeast Christian Church has a wide range of ministries, from youth programs to global missions. With its expansive facilities and outreach, it has become a cornerstone of the Louisville Christian community.
NewSpring Church, Anderson, SC
NewSpring Church, located in Anderson, South Carolina, was founded in 2000. Today, it serves over 20,000 people weekly at its various campuses across South Carolina. Known for its casual atmosphere and modern worship style, NewSpring reaches a diverse audience. The church places a strong emphasis on making people feel welcomed and offering relevant, practical messages. Its mission is to connect people with Jesus and help them experience life in a personal, powerful way. This has contributed to its steady growth and large following.
Crossroads Church, Cincinnati, OH
Crossroads Church was started in 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has since grown into a multi-campus megachurch with a weekly attendance of over 30,000. It aims to be a church for people who don’t typically attend church, offering a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The church is known for its contemporary services, community involvement, and various outreach programs. Crossroads also emphasizes social justice and mission work, which has further engaged its congregation. The church’s innovative approach has earned it recognition as one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in the U.S.
Dream City Church, Phoenix, AZ
Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, was founded in 1923 and has grown into one of the nation’s largest churches, with around 20,000 weekly attendees. It is led by Pastor Luke Barnett and is known for its commitment to social outreach and recovery programs. The church offers a variety of ministries focused on serving the local community, including programs for addiction recovery, youth engagement, and homelessness. Dream City Church has multiple campuses, and its strong emphasis on community service continues to attract a large, dedicated congregation.
Fellowship Church, Grapevine, TX
Fellowship Church, based in Grapevine, Texas, was founded in 1989 by Pastor Ed Young. Today, it is one of the largest churches in the country, with an estimated weekly attendance of over 20,000. Fellowship Church is known for its engaging, creative approach to teaching and its vibrant worship services. It has multiple campuses across Texas and a strong online presence, allowing it to reach a broad audience. The church places a significant focus on family-oriented ministries, leadership development, and community outreach programs.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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