Virginia Beach sits at the meeting point of ocean and bay, military and civilian, Southern tradition and coastal ease. With Naval Station Norfolk nearby and a steady stream of families putting down roots, the city's churches serve a uniquely transient yet deeply connected community. Military families find quick belonging, longtime residents find deep roots, and visitors find genuine warmth. From the oceanfront to the Pungo farming communities, VB's churches reflect a city that works hard, plays hard, and worships with heart.

1. Wave Church

Non-Denominational

Virginia Beach's most well-known contemporary church, Wave draws thousands each weekend with its high-energy worship, practical teaching, and warm community. Multiple campuses across Hampton Roads make it accessible, and the church's outreach -- from disaster relief to local school partnerships -- is extensive. A great fit for families and young adults looking for a modern worship experience.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Visitor Reviews	312

📍 1000 N Great Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Find on FaithScout →

2. Rock Church International

Non-Denominational

A Virginia Beach institution for over four decades, Rock Church combines charismatic worship with solid teaching and one of the most active benevolence ministries in the state. The church's food distribution program feeds thousands monthly, and the congregation is remarkably diverse in age, race, and background. If you want a church that lives out its faith tangibly, this is it.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Visitor Reviews	278

📍 640 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Find on FaithScout →

3. Regent University Chapel

Interdenominational

The campus chapel at Regent University offers a unique worship experience that draws from multiple Christian traditions. The teaching is theologically rich, the worship blends contemporary and liturgical elements, and the community includes students, faculty, and local residents. It's an intellectually stimulating environment that values both academic rigor and authentic faith.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Visitor Reviews	198

📍 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Find on FaithScout →

4. Kempsville Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church in America

A warm PCA congregation that's become a neighborhood anchor in the Kempsville area. The preaching is expository and thoughtful, the worship blends hymns and modern songs beautifully, and the church's commitment to discipleship through community groups is evident. Military families consistently mention how quickly they felt at home here.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Visitor Reviews	176

📍 805 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Find on FaithScout →

5. Galilee Church

Episcopal

Nestled near the oceanfront, Galilee Episcopal offers liturgical worship with a beach-town warmth that's hard to beat. The historic sanctuary is charming, the community is welcoming and engaged, and there's a contemplative quality to the services that provides a peaceful counterpoint to the busy resort area just steps away.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Visitor Reviews	154

📍 3928 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Find on FaithScout →

6. New Beginnings Christian Center

Church of God in Christ

A vibrant COGIC church in the Haygood area known for its powerful worship, Spirit-filled preaching, and strong sense of family. New Beginnings is a place where the music moves you, the fellowship sustains you, and the outreach programs put faith into action throughout the community.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Visitor Reviews	143

📍 4808 Haygood Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Find on FaithScout →

7. Community United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church

A multigenerational Methodist church that lives up to its name -- community is the heartbeat of everything here. From Sunday school classes to Wednesday night dinners to mission trips, there's always a way to connect. The worship is blended, the preaching is warm and relatable, and the church's care for its members is palpable.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Visitor Reviews	121

📍 1072 Old Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Find on FaithScout →

8. Church of the Ascension

Roman Catholic

One of Virginia Beach's largest Catholic parishes, Church of the Ascension offers beautiful liturgy, an excellent school, and a parish community that's deeply interconnected. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, the RCIA program draws many military families exploring the faith, and the variety of Mass times accommodates VB's diverse schedules.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Visitor Reviews	112

📍 4853 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Find on FaithScout →

9. Indian River Baptist Church

Southern Baptist Convention

A growing SBC church in the southern part of the city that feels like a true neighborhood church. Indian River Baptist offers traditional Baptist worship with a contemporary edge, strong Bible teaching, and a missions program that's both local and global. The Wednesday night programming for families is a particular highlight.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Visitor Reviews	98

📍 2036 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Find on FaithScout →

10. King of Glory Lutheran Church

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

A Missouri Synod congregation in the Princess Anne area that offers rich liturgical worship grounded in the Lutheran confessions. The hymns are powerful, the preaching is Christ-centered, and the congregation is warm without being overwhelming. The church's school and early childhood programs are highly regarded in the community.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Visitor Reviews	87

📍 1801 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Find on FaithScout →

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. A church with 200+ reviews and a 4.8 rating carries more weight than one with 5 reviews and a 5.0 — because consistency matters more than perfection.

Explore More City Guides

Looking for churches in other cities? Check out our guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best church in Virginia Beach, VA?

Based on visitor ratings on FaithScout, Wave Church and Rock Church International are among the highest-rated churches in Virginia Beach, each holding a 4.8 out of 5 rating from hundreds of visitors. The "best" church depends on your personal preferences for worship style, denomination, and community — which is exactly what FaithScout helps you figure out.

How do I find a church in Virginia Beach that fits my style?

Take FaithScout's free 2-minute quiz at faithscout.com/onboarding. It matches you with Virginia Beach churches based on your preferences for worship style, church size, teaching priorities, and community values. You'll get a ranked list of churches with match percentages showing how well each one fits what you're looking for.

What should I expect when visiting a Virginia Beach church for the first time?

Virginia Beach churches are generally very welcoming to visitors. Most have greeting teams, visitor parking, and a casual-to-smart-casual dress code. Services typically last 60-90 minutes. Many churches offer coffee and fellowship time before or after the service. Check the church's FaithScout profile for specific details on dress code, parking, and what to expect.

Are there good churches in Virginia Beach for young adults?

Yes! Virginia Beach has a growing number of churches with thriving young adult communities. Several churches on this list have dedicated college-age and young professional ministries. Use FaithScout's age demographic filter to find congregations where you'll connect with people in your life stage.

I just moved to Virginia Beach — how do I start looking for a church?

Start by browsing the churches in this guide or use FaithScout's Virginia Beach search to filter by denomination, worship style, location, and more. We recommend visiting 2-3 churches before deciding — and using FaithScout's "Plan My Visit" feature to get reminders, parking tips, and a personalized visit guide for each one.

Start Your Church Search

Virginia Beach's church community is as diverse and vibrant as the Resort City itself. Whether you're drawn to the rich traditions of King of Glory Lutheran Church or the contemporary energy of Wave Church, there's a church in this city waiting to become your home.

Ready to find yours? Take the FaithScout quiz to get personalized matches, or browse all Virginia Beach churches to explore on your own.