Last Updated on: 20th August 2024, 02:08 pm
Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re relocating to an entirely different area. A great way to integrate yourself into a new community is to join a church. You’ll find a wide variety of Central Illinois churches representing many different faiths and belief systems.
According to census data, there are over 12,000 churches in Illinois, including six mega churches. There are also 949 Catholic churches in Illinois.
Willow Creek Community Church is the largest church in Illinois. It is an evangelical megachurch in the Chicago suburb of South Barrington with an average weekly attendance of 18,000 people. The smallest is the Traveler’s Chapel in Nashville, IL, a tiny wooden church beside a convenience store off Highway 127.
So you’ll have no shortage of options for finding the perfect place to worship God. However, with so many choices, narrowing down which is right for you can be challenging. Here is a complete list of the best churches in Illinois to help make the decision easier.
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First Baptist Church Canton | A Baptist Church in Illinois with a Diverse Congregation
First Baptist Church in Canton is one of the top Baptist churches in Illinois. Located on East Elm Street in the heart of Canton, First Baptist has been a staple in the community since 1837. Led by Reverend John T. Herndon, the pastoral staff at First Baptist believes that church is more than just a weekly event; it’s a movement of love that is spread by the people throughout the community and beyond.
They strongly believe in giving back and host a weekly food pantry for those in need. In addition to weekly worship service, they host fun events like family bible jeopardy, pizza nights, and gospel Sundays at the local skating rink. They welcome both new and returning members. So if you’re looking for diverse and friendly churches in Illinois, stop by First Baptist in Canton.
301 E Elm St, Canton, IL 61520 (309) 647-7241
The Vineyard Church | One of the Top Megachurches In Illinois with an Evangelical Approach
The Vineyard Church is one of the top Central Illinois churches with locations in Sullivan and Urbana. The history of the Vineyard Church dates back to the 1970s when founders Happy and Diane Leman, then students at the University of Illinois, became Christians through the ministry of the Apostolic Christian church. They decided to worship Jesus Christ by founding their own ministry.
They are part of the larger Vineyard church movement rooted in charismatic renewal and historic evangelism, which has more than 2400 congregations across the country. The Vineyard Church of Central Illinois is rooted in values of family, leadership, excellence, and supernatural breakthroughs. They host weekly services on Sundays (which can also be streamed online) and small groups encouraging members to connect with like-minded people in the community. For those who want an evangelical church in Illinois with connections across the globe, the Vineyard Church is a great option.
1500 N Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 384-3070
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Faith United Methodist Church | A Methodist Church in Illinois with Deep Roots in the Community
Faith United is one of the most popular Methodist churches in Champaign, Illinois. Founded by Reverend Robert S. White in 1958, Faith United Methodist Church has been an important pillar of the Champaign community for over 50 years. They offer both a contemporary and traditional service every Sunday, which can also be streamed live on Facebook or their website.
They also offer regular Bible study, Sunday school, youth trips, senior fitness classes, and preschool for children ages 2 through 5. Faith United is a warm congregation united in the belief that faith is a beacon of light that allows members to share Christ’s love with all people. So, anyone searching for community-oriented Methodist churches in Illinois will feel right at home.
1719 S Prospect Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 359-3631
The Chapel of Saint John the Divine | One of the Best Central Illinois Churches for Students and Young People
The Chapel of Saint John the Divine is an episcopal church in Champaign, IL, located on the University of Champaign-Urbana campus. In addition to being the official campus ministry of the university, the church is also home to many international students and scholars. Services are held twice on Sunday mornings and once on Wednesday evenings.
The cornerstones of their faith are scripture, tradition, and reason. They are part of a distinct Christian tradition called Anglicism, which incorporates aspects of both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. It’s a popular church among young adults and students at the university, and they host frequent events for young people, including the Something Society, a monthly dinner and conversation group. It’s a great Christian church in Illinois for anyone who wants traditional values and youthful energy.
1011 S Wright St #6286, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 344-1924
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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception |One of the Most Beautiful Churches in Illinois with a Rich History
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an Illinois Catholic church located in Springfield. The history of the Cathedral dates back to 1839 when it was founded under the name St. Mary’s, although it was later renamed in 1923, and the current Cathedral was built about five years later. The Cathedral is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture and one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Illinois.
The Cathedral currently serves over 850 families and 2,000 members, making it one of the biggest Central Illinois churches. Mass is held twice daily on weekdays, once on Saturday (plus an evening vigil) and three times on Sundays. So, if you’re looking for Catholic churches in Illinois with an active congregation, the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is a smart choice.
524 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 522-3342
Grace Church | One of the Largest Churches in Central Illinois
Grace Church in Morton, IL, is one of the biggest churches in Illinois and welcomes around 750 congregants every Sunday. It’s an evangelical church with deep roots in the community that is affiliated with the Fellowship of Evangelical Services. The articles of faith established by the fellowship are the guiding principles through which the Grace Church congregation teaches and preaches the word of the living God every week.
Sunday morning worship is held on-site every Sunday and live-streamed on their website. Along with weekly service, they also organize fun events like potlucks, family baseball nights, and golf outings. It’s one of the best mega churches in Illinois if you want access to a large yet inclusive community.
1325 E Jefferson St, Morton, IL 61550 (309) 266-9281
Bethel Lutheran Church | A Lutheran Church in Illinois with a Multimedia Approach
Also located in Morton is Bethel Lutheran church, one of the most popular Lutheran churches in Illinois. The church believes in a 3M approach: making relationships, maturing in truth, and ministering because I am his.
They believe in not only studying scripture and the gospel but also in practicing the teachings of Jesus in all aspects of life. In addition to having access to all the resources the church provides, members also have access to RightNow Media, the largest streaming library of Bible study resources with more than 20,000 videos from top religious leaders.
Worship services are held on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and they also organize recurring small groups, mission trips, a food pantry, and other community events. Anyone searching for an accepting Lutheran church in Illinois with a multimedia approach will appreciate Bethel Lutheran.
325 E Queenwood Rd, Morton, IL 61550 (309) 263-2417
Goodfield Apostolic Christian Church | An Apostolic Church in Illinois with A Large Network
Goodfield Apostolic Christian church is also among the top Central Illinois churches. Located in the village of Goodfield, the church was founded in 1918 and has been serving the local community for over a century.
They believe in a mission of teaching the gospel, nurturing the believer, preserving the sound doctrine, and serving others in humility and love. Service is held twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday evening. The church helps organize small group bible study, community outreach programs, mentoring, missionary work, potlucks, vacation Bible school, and monthly hymn sings.
On a typical Sunday, they welcome about 650 church-goers (including 350 members and 180 children. They are also part of a network of 90 other churches in the US, as well as countless international churches from Japan to Mexico. Those who want apostolic churches in Illinois with a large congregation, an energizing lead pastor, and a vast network should visit Goodfield.
9630, 218 W Fisk St, Goodfield, IL 61742 (309) 965-2301
Grace Presbyterian Church | A Presbyterian Church in Illinois with a 10,000-square-foot Foot Facility
Grace Presbyterian Church is another fantastic church in Illinois. Located off State Route 91 in East Peoria, Grace Presbyterian was founded in 1862 as a Sunday School for kids in the community. Their current location on Route 91 is a 10,000-square-foot facility equipped with worship spaces, classrooms, and recreational and administrative areas. It’s affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America and currently serves about 1,700 members. Their mission is rooted in spreading the word of Christ through gospel dependence, gracious humility, and global discipleship.
They help organize all kinds of events and opportunities, including volunteer work, prayer groups, bible study, sports leagues, family picnics, summer camps, and more. They are also big on incorporating music into the weekly sermons and organizing a kids’ and adults’ choir and an orchestra.
Services are held once on Sundays and tend to last about 75 minutes, which can also be viewed on their website. It’s one of the best Presbyterian churches in Illinois for anyone who wants a dynamic atmosphere and a facility with a large seating capacity.
8607 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 693-3641
Map of Central Illinois Churches
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