Memphis is where gospel music was born, where the civil rights movement found some of its strongest voices, and where the church has always been at the center of community life. The Bluff City's faith landscape is unlike anywhere else in America — rich with deep-rooted Black church traditions, powerful Southern Baptist congregations, and a growing number of innovative, multiethnic churches working toward reconciliation in a city with a complex racial history. If you want to experience church at its most soulful, spirited, and genuine, Memphis is the place. Also exploring Tennessee? Check out our guide to Nashville churches, or discover communities in Charlotte and Fort Worth.

1. Bellevue Baptist Church

Baptist

Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova is one of the most historic and influential Southern Baptist churches in America. With roots dating to 1903 and a legacy that includes legendary pastor Adrian Rogers, Bellevue continues to draw thousands with its powerful preaching, magnificent choir, and comprehensive ministry programs. The massive campus feels like a small city, but the congregation maintains a surprisingly warm, personal touch. If you want to experience the best of Southern Baptist worship, Bellevue is the gold standard.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Teaching	4.9 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Children's Ministry	4.8 / 5

📍 2000 Appling Rd, Cordova, TN 38016

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2. Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church is one of the most significant African American congregations in America, and its influence on Memphis cannot be overstated. Located on the historic boulevard that bears its name, this church has been at the center of Memphis's spiritual and social life for over a century. The worship is transcendent — the choir alone is worth the visit — and the preaching carries the prophetic tradition of the Black church with power and grace. Their community development programs have transformed the surrounding neighborhood.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.9 / 5
Community	4.9 / 5
Teaching	4.8 / 5

📍 70 N Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104

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3. Hope Church Memphis

Non-Denominational

Hope Church Memphis is one of the most exciting churches in the city, built from the ground up as a multiethnic, multigenerational congregation in a city where Sunday morning has historically been the most segregated hour. The worship beautifully blends musical traditions from across cultures, the preaching is gospel-centered and practically applicable, and the community is intentionally diverse. Hope Church is a picture of what the future of the American church can look like.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Community	4.9 / 5
Welcome	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5

📍 Midtown Memphis, TN

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4. Fellowship Memphis

Non-Denominational

Fellowship Memphis, under the leadership of Pastor John Bryson, has been a pioneer in the multiethnic church movement. Located in the heart of the city, Fellowship brings together people from every racial and socioeconomic background around the gospel. The worship is dynamic and eclectic, the preaching is bold and honest, and the church's commitment to justice and reconciliation is woven into everything they do. A nationally recognized model for what the church can be.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Community	4.9 / 5
Teaching	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.7 / 5

📍 Memphis, TN

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5. Temple of Deliverance COGIC

Church of God in Christ

Memphis is the world headquarters of the Church of God in Christ denomination, and Temple of Deliverance is one of its crown jewels. The worship here is a full-body experience — spirited singing, powerful organ, and a congregation that knows how to praise. The COGIC tradition runs deep in Memphis, and Temple of Deliverance carries that legacy with pride. If you've never experienced COGIC worship, prepare to have your expectations completely transformed.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Worship	4.9 / 5
Teaching	4.7 / 5
Community	4.7 / 5

📍 369 G E Patterson Ave, Memphis, TN 38126

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6. Idlewild Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian

Idlewild Presbyterian on Union Avenue in Midtown is one of Memphis's most respected mainline congregations. The beautiful Tudor Gothic sanctuary, excellent music program, and thoughtful Reformed preaching create a worship experience that's both intellectually stimulating and spiritually nourishing. The church's Midtown location makes it a gathering place for professionals, artists, and families from one of Memphis's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Teaching	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.6 / 5

📍 1750 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

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7. Christ Community Health Services Church

Non-Denominational

Christ Community is unique in Memphis for its holistic approach to ministry — integrating church life with healthcare, education, and community development. Located in the Binghampton neighborhood, the church serves one of Memphis's most underserved communities with both spiritual nourishment and practical care. The worship is warm and participatory, the teaching is grace-centered, and the church models what it means to love your neighbor in tangible ways.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Community	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.8 / 5
Teaching	4.6 / 5

📍 Binghampton, Memphis, TN

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8. Calvary Episcopal Church

Episcopal

Calvary Episcopal on Adams Avenue has been a cornerstone of downtown Memphis since 1832. The stunning Gothic Revival church is a visual masterpiece, and the liturgical worship — with its rich music, beautiful prayers, and thoughtful homilies — creates sacred space in the heart of the city. Calvary is also deeply committed to serving downtown Memphis through its Calvary Waffle Shop (a beloved community gathering spot) and extensive outreach programs.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Community	4.7 / 5
Welcome	4.6 / 5

📍 102 N 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103

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9. Highpoint Church

Non-Denominational

Highpoint Church in the Cordova/Germantown area has established itself as one of Memphis's most dynamic contemporary churches. With modern worship, practical teaching, and a campus designed for community, Highpoint draws families and young professionals from the eastern suburbs. Their children's ministry is outstanding, and the church creates multiple on-ramps for newcomers to get connected quickly through interest-based groups and serving teams.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Children's Ministry	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.7 / 5
Worship	4.6 / 5

📍 Cordova, Memphis, TN

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10. First Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

First Congregational Church on South Watkins Street is one of Memphis's most historically significant churches, with deep roots in the African American community dating to the Reconstruction era. The congregation carries forward a proud tradition of faith-driven social engagement, excellent music, and strong pastoral leadership. The church played a significant role in the civil rights movement and continues to be a voice for justice in Memphis today.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Community	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.7 / 5
Teaching	4.6 / 5

📍 246 S Watkins St, Memphis, TN 38104

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How We Ranked These Churches

Our rankings are based on FaithScout's multi-dimensional rating system. Unlike simple star ratings, we evaluate churches across five key dimensions that matter most to visitors: teaching quality, community atmosphere, worship experience, welcome and hospitality, and children's ministry. Each score comes directly from real visitor reports — not paid placements or self-reported data.

Churches are ranked by their overall composite score, weighted by the number of visitor reviews. For Memphis, we ensured our list honors the city's extraordinary church heritage — from legendary Baptist and COGIC congregations to pioneering multiethnic churches — while representing the full geographic and theological diversity of the Bluff City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best church in Memphis?

Based on visitor ratings on FaithScout, Bellevue Baptist Church, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, and Hope Church Memphis are among the highest-rated congregations in the city. The best church for you depends on your preferences — take the FaithScout quiz to find your ideal match.

What makes Memphis churches special?

Memphis has one of the richest church traditions in America. The city is the birthplace of gospel music legends, the world headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, and a place where the church played a central role in the civil rights movement. The worship in Memphis churches — particularly the singing — is some of the most powerful you'll experience anywhere.

Are there churches in Memphis focused on racial reconciliation?

Yes, Memphis has been at the forefront of the multiethnic church movement. Hope Church Memphis and Fellowship Memphis are nationally recognized for intentionally building racially diverse congregations in a city with a complex racial history. Both churches demonstrate that genuine reconciliation is possible through shared faith and community.

What denominations are common in Memphis?

Memphis has a strong Baptist presence (both Southern Baptist and National Baptist conventions), and it's the world headquarters of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). You'll also find thriving Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and non-denominational congregations throughout the city and suburbs.

How do I find a church in Memphis?

Take FaithScout's free 2-minute quiz at faithscout.com/onboarding to get personalized church recommendations based on your preferences. You can also browse all Memphis churches and filter by denomination, worship style, and neighborhood.

Start Your Church Search in Memphis

Memphis's church community is one of the most soulful, spirited, and deeply rooted in America. Whether you're drawn to the storied legacy of Bellevue Baptist, the transcendent worship at Mississippi Boulevard, the reconciling vision of Hope Church, or the historic beauty of Calvary Episcopal, the Bluff City has a faith community that will move your heart and change your life.

Ready to find yours? Take the FaithScout quiz to get personalized matches, or browse all Memphis churches to explore on your own. Also check out our guide to Nashville for more Tennessee church recommendations, and Charlotte for another great Southern city.