Houston is a contemporary worship powerhouse. Between Lakewood Church, several major worship music labels, and a thriving network of creative churches, the city produces some of the most compelling modern worship experiences in the country. If you love full-band worship with lights and haze, heartfelt acoustic sets, or genre-bending multicultural praise, Houston has a church for you. Here are the best contemporary worship churches in the Bayou City.

1. Lakewood Church

Non-Denominational / Charismatic

Lakewood Church's worship experience is a spectacle -- in the best sense of the word. A full band, massive choir, state-of-the-art lighting and sound in a former NBA arena, and some of Houston's most talented musicians create a Sunday experience that's unlike anything else. The worship team regularly includes musicians who've played with major recording artists, and the energy of 16,000+ voices singing together is genuinely moving. Whether or not Lakewood's theology is your cup of tea, the worship experience is undeniably world-class.

Music Style	Contemporary pop worship, gospel influences
Production	Arena-level (former Compaq Center)
Known For	Largest church in America, concert-quality worship

📍 3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027

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2. Second Baptist Church Houston

Southern Baptist

Second Baptist Houston offers one of the most polished worship experiences in the SBC world. The church has invested in top-tier audio, lighting, and video production, and its worship team is stacked with professional musicians. The contemporary services feature full-band worship with modern arrangements, while the church also offers a traditional service for those who prefer hymns. The Woodway campus is the flagship, but all campuses deliver excellent contemporary worship.

Music Style	Contemporary Christian, modern hymn arrangements
Production	Professional-grade, multiple campuses
Best For	SBC families who love modern worship

📍 6400 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057

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3. The Lighthouse Church

Non-Denominational / Pentecostal

Pastor Keion Henderson's Lighthouse Church delivers some of the most electrifying worship in Houston. The music blends contemporary worship with gospel and R&B influences, creating a sound that's uniquely Houston. The band is exceptional, the worship leaders are passionate, and the congregation's participation turns every service into a genuine experience rather than a performance. If you want worship that makes you feel something deep, The Lighthouse delivers.

Music Style	Contemporary gospel, R&B-influenced worship
Energy Level	High -- expect to be on your feet
Best For	Gospel worship lovers, energetic worship seekers

📍 Houston, TX

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4. Church Project

Non-Denominational

Church Project in The Woodlands area brings a creative, arts-forward approach to contemporary worship. The church uses film, spoken word, visual art, and innovative set design alongside excellent music to create immersive worship experiences. The teaching is practical and culturally engaged, and the atmosphere is designed to be welcoming to people who might not consider themselves "church people." It's contemporary worship that goes beyond just having a band and a fog machine.

Music Style	Contemporary, arts-integrated
Production	Creative, immersive environments
Best For	Creatives, seekers, arts lovers

📍 The Woodlands area, Houston, TX

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5. Champions Centre

Charismatic / Pentecostal

Champions Centre delivers powerful, Spirit-filled contemporary worship with a full band and passionate worship leaders. The music is modern and well-produced, and the atmosphere encourages genuine expression -- raised hands, singing at the top of your lungs, even dancing. The teaching is faith-building and encouraging, and the church creates an environment where people feel free to encounter God in their own way. Champions Centre proves that production quality and spiritual authenticity aren't mutually exclusive.

Music Style	Contemporary charismatic, full production
Energy Level	High, Spirit-filled
Best For	Charismatic worship lovers, expressive worshippers

📍 Champions area, Houston, TX

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6. City of Praise Church

Non-Denominational

City of Praise brings together contemporary worship with strong multicultural influences. The music draws from contemporary Christian, gospel, Latin, and international worship traditions, creating something you won't hear at a typical suburban church. The worship leaders are gifted and authentic, and the congregation's diversity makes the worship experience richer. If you want contemporary worship that reflects Houston's incredible cultural diversity, City of Praise is the place.

Music Style	Multicultural contemporary, gospel, Latin
Congregation	Highly diverse, multicultural
Best For	Diverse worship seekers, multicultural community

📍 Houston, TX

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7. Woodlands Church (formerly Grace Woodlands)

Non-Denominational

Woodlands Church has built one of the strongest worship programs in the north Houston suburbs. The contemporary worship is musically excellent, well-produced, and congregationally engaging. The church strikes a nice balance between having high production values and maintaining a warm, participatory atmosphere. Multiple service times and a spacious campus make it accessible for families in The Woodlands and surrounding communities.

Music Style	Contemporary Christian, well-produced
Location	The Woodlands (north Houston)
Best For	Families, suburban north Houston

📍 The Woodlands, TX

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8. Celebration Church Houston

Non-Denominational

Celebration Church rounds out the list with vibrant, multicultural contemporary worship that draws from multiple musical traditions. The praise team is energetic and talented, the congregational participation is strong, and the church offers both English and Spanish worship services with contemporary music. The atmosphere is joyful and welcoming, making it a great option for worship lovers who want a multicultural experience.

Music Style	Contemporary, bilingual options
Languages	English, Spanish
Best For	Multicultural families, bilingual worshippers

📍 Houston, TX

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How We Ranked These Churches

Contemporary worship rankings prioritize musical quality, production excellence, congregational engagement (is the audience singing or just watching?), worship leader authenticity, song selection, and overall atmosphere. We also consider whether the worship genuinely enhances the church's spiritual mission or is just entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is contemporary worship?

Contemporary worship uses modern musical styles (pop, rock, gospel, electronic) rather than traditional hymns. Services typically feature a band with electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocalists, often with professional-level sound and lighting. Songs may be originals or popular worship songs from artists like Hillsong, Elevation Worship, or Bethel Music.

Which Houston church has the best worship music?

Lakewood Church has the most polished, concert-quality production. The Lighthouse Church offers the most emotionally powerful gospel-influenced worship. Church Project provides the most creatively innovative experience. "Best" depends on your musical preferences and what you're looking for in worship.

Are contemporary worship churches in Houston family-friendly?

Most are. Second Baptist Houston, Woodlands Church, and Celebration Church all have excellent children's programs alongside their contemporary worship. Lakewood also offers children's programming. The volume in contemporary services can be loud, so some parents of very young children prefer to use the nursery.

Find Your Worship Home in Houston

Houston's contemporary worship scene is among the best in the country. Take the FaithScout quiz or browse all Houston churches.

1. Lakewood Church

2. Second Baptist Church Houston

3. The Lighthouse Church

4. Church Project

5. Champions Centre

6. City of Praise Church

7. Woodlands Church (formerly Grace Woodlands)

8. Celebration Church Houston

How We Ranked These Churches

Frequently Asked Questions

What is contemporary worship?

Which Houston church has the best worship music?

Are contemporary worship churches in Houston family-friendly?

Related Church Guides

Find Your Worship Home in Houston