Churches around the world can often be more than just places of worship; they can be powerful communities that bring together thousands—or in some cases, millions—of people. The size of a congregation can be an indicator of the vibrancy and outreach of a church. Here, we will explore the top 10 largest church congregations in the world, examining the unique aspects of each that draw such massive numbers of believers together.
#10 Mavuno Church – Nairobi, Kenya
Mavuno Church, aptly known as “a place where fearless influencers are made,” is a contemporary gospel church located in Nairobi, Kenya. Launched in 2005, Mavuno has quickly gained traction across the continent with its relatable sermons and robust youth programs. With multiple services each Sunday, the church draws thousands of attendees weekly, not to mention those who stream services online from other parts of Africa and around the world.
#9 Hillsong Church – International
Hillsong Church is probably one of the most well-known church organizations globally due to its popular Christian music produced by the Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, and Hillsong Young & Free music groups. Originally founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1983, Hillsong has expanded internationally, with congregations in major cities across the continents. Each campus varies in size, but collectively, Hillsong reports a weekly attendance upwards of tens of thousands, united not just by shared beliefs, but by a love of contemporary worship music and engaging messages.
#8 T.B. Joshua’s Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) – Lagos, Nigeria
The Synagogue Church of All Nations, based in Lagos, Nigeria, is famous far beyond the borders of Nigeria, attracting thousands of international visitors every week. Founded by the late T.B. Joshua in 1987, SCOAN is not only known for its massive congregation but also for the controversial faith healings and miracles claimed to be performed there. Distinctively, it has an Emmanuel TV station that helps connect the large audience who cannot physically attend the services.
#7 Calvary Chapel – Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A
Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale began as a small non-denominational church in the 1980s and has grown to be one of the largest in the U.S., with tens of thousands of attendants each week. The church’s approach combines verse-by-verse biblical teaching, contemporary worship, and a strong emphasis on community outreach. With multiple campuses spread across South Florida, Calvary Chapel’s services are accessible to a wide audience.
#6 Redeemed Christian Church of God – Worldwide
With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, the Redeemed Christian Church of God boasts a presence in over 196 countries. Founded in 1952, this Pentecostal megachurch has made a significant impact globally, with the church claiming to have thousands of parishes worldwide. The church is famous for its Holy Ghost Congress, a festival that attracts millions making it one of the largest gatherings of Christians in the world.
#5 Life.Church – United States
Life.Church, based in Edmond, Oklahoma, is well-known for its digital innovation, specifically the creation of the YouVersion Bible App. Led by Pastor Craig Groeschel, Life.Church has spread its influence through satellite campuses across several U.S. states. With a smart use of technology, including online streaming and messages available on demand, the church easily attracts tens of thousands every weekend.
#4 Elevation Church – Charlotte, U.S.A
Led by Pastor Steven Furtick, Elevation Church has grown rapidly since its founding in 2006. Known for its high-energy services and the bestselling books and chart-topping songs of its pastor, this church’s reach goes far beyond its physical locations in and around Charlotte, North Carolina. The church’s online live streams and YouTube sermons regularly engage a large international audience, while on-site attendance continues to grow.
#3 Yoido Full Gospel Church – Seoul, South Korea
Yoido Full Gospel Church holds the record as the largest Pentecostal Christian congregation in South Korea. Founded by David Yonggi Cho in 1958, the church has grown to encompass over a million members. The church, located on Yoido Island in Seoul, has over 200,000 people attending its seven services every Sunday. Its tremendous size has necessitated a sophisticated cell-group structure for midweek fellowship.
#2 Deeper Christian Life Ministry – Nigeria
Founded by Pastor William Kumuyi in 1973, Deeper Christian Life Ministry has a weekly attendance that runs into hundreds of thousands across numerous locations. Its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, has the capacity to accommodate 30,000 congregants. The church emphasizes a deeper life of holiness and righteousness with God, which resonates with a large following, predominantly in Africa but also around the world through various missions and outreaches.
#1 Roman Catholic Church – Worldwide
While not a single congregation per se, the Roman Catholic Church stands as the largest Christian body in the world, with a global membership exceeding over 1.2 billion people. Its size owes much to both history and its extensive reach into almost every country on the planet. The Roman Catholic Church has tens of thousands of parishes worldwide, a testament to its historic and global influence.
Each of these churches represents a significant force in the religious and often cultural life of their communities. Their methods may differ—some embrace contemporary styles of worship and digital technology, while others maintain more traditional practices. Regardless, they have found means to heartfelt to the beliefs of many, offering spiritual guidance, community, and the shared experiences that are the hallmarks of church life.
These diverse congregations highlight the vitality and versatility of faith communities in addressing the needs and speaking to the concerns of a modern world. They also underscore the role that religion plays as a unifying force, capable of garnering vast assemblies of individuals around shared belief systems and practices. Whether through charismatic leadership, social outreach, or technological innovation, these top 10 largest church congregations reveal the enduring power and dynamism of organized religion globally.