Jacksonville is Florida's largest city by area and one of the South's fastest-growing metros. With its mix of beach culture, military heritage, and Southern roots, Jax has a church scene that is surprisingly diverse and deeply welcoming. Whether you are moving for the beaches, the job market, or the affordable cost of living, finding a church home will be one of the best ways to put down roots in the Bold City.

Jacksonville's Church Landscape

Jacksonville is a quintessentially Southern city when it comes to church culture. Faith is woven into the fabric of daily life here, and you will find churches of every size, style, and denomination across the metro's 875 square miles (yes, Jacksonville is massive).

The city's unique blend of influences shapes its church community. You have the deep Southern Baptist roots common across the Southeast, a significant military presence from Naval Station Mayport and NAS Jacksonville that brings families from across the country, a growing transplant population from the Northeast, and vibrant Black church traditions that are central to the city's identity.

Jacksonville's church scene has also been evolving rapidly. While traditional Baptist and Methodist congregations remain strong, non-denominational contemporary churches have exploded in growth, particularly in the suburbs south of the St. Johns River and along the beaches.

Denominations in Jacksonville

Baptist: The dominant denomination. First Baptist Church of Jacksonville is one of the most historic and prominent congregations, and hundreds of Baptist churches of all sizes serve the metro. Southern Baptist, independent Baptist, and National Baptist Convention churches are all well-represented.
Non-Denominational: Rapidly growing. Celebration Church, The Church of Eleven22, and Mandarin Church are among the most well-known contemporary congregations drawing large crowds.
Catholic: The Diocese of St. Augustine (which covers Jacksonville) has over 50 parishes. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception downtown is a historic landmark.
Methodist: Strong traditional presence throughout established neighborhoods. Several United Methodist churches have been anchoring communities for over a century.
Presbyterian: Both PCA and ECO congregations serve the area, with several prominent churches in the Riverside and San Marco neighborhoods.
AME and Black church traditions: A vital part of Jacksonville's heritage. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church and other historic Black congregations in the Northwest Jacksonville and New Town areas carry deep community significance.
Military-connected churches: Several churches near the naval bases are especially skilled at welcoming military families, understanding deployment cycles, and providing instant community for families on the move.

Jacksonville Neighborhoods for Church Life

Riverside & Avondale

Historic, walkable neighborhoods with established mainline churches and creative church plants. A favorite among young professionals who want neighborhood character alongside church community.

San Marco

Charming neighborhood south of downtown with a village feel. Several well-established churches serve this tight-knit community.

Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach & Atlantic Beach

Beach communities with their own distinct vibe. Church culture here is more laid-back, with casual beach-town congregations and a few larger churches. If you want to attend church in flip-flops and still smell like sunscreen, the beaches have you covered.

Mandarin

Family-friendly suburb south of the river with numerous large churches. Mandarin Church and several Baptist congregations serve this popular residential area.

Southside & Town Center

Growing suburban area with new church campuses and contemporary congregations. The Church of Eleven22 and Celebration Church both have strong Southside presences.

Westside & Northwest Jacksonville

Home to many of Jacksonville's historic Black churches and established Baptist congregations. Deep community roots and powerful worship traditions.

St. Johns County (Nocatee, St. Augustine)

The fastest-growing area in the Jacksonville metro. New church plants and campus expansions are following the population boom here. If you are moving to Nocatee or Ponte Vedra, expect newer churches with modern facilities.

Churches for Military Families

Jacksonville's significant military population means many churches are experienced at welcoming military families:

Several churches near Mayport and NAS Jacksonville specifically minister to military families.
Look for churches with deployment support groups, military spouse ministries, and flexible small group options that accommodate unpredictable schedules.
Military-friendly churches understand that you may only be stationed here for 2-4 years and will help you integrate quickly rather than keeping you at arm's length.
Many churches near the bases have diverse, transient congregations that are well-practiced at welcoming newcomers — because newcomers are always arriving.

Tips for Finding Your Jax Church

Think about the river. The St. Johns River divides Jacksonville into distinct areas. Traffic across bridges can be significant. Try to find a church on your side of the river for easier midweek involvement.
Use FaithScout. Search Jacksonville churches by neighborhood, denomination, and worship style. Visitor reviews give you the real story.
Take the matching quiz. FaithScout's 2-minute quiz gives you personalized Jax church recommendations.
Visit during a normal Sunday. Jacksonville's churches can feel different during Jaguars game weekends or holiday periods. See the church on a regular Sunday first.
Embrace the weather. Jacksonville has amazing weather most of the year, and many churches take advantage with outdoor events, baptisms at the beach, and community gatherings in parks.
Connect through serving. One of the fastest ways to build community at a Jacksonville church is to join a serving team. Many churches will let you jump in immediately.

For a deeper framework, read our guide on how to find a church after moving.

What to Expect Visiting Jacksonville Churches

Dress code: Jacksonville is casual, especially near the beaches. Jeans, shorts, and flip-flops are common at many churches. More traditional congregations lean smart-casual. Check our what to wear guide.
Southern warmth: Jacksonville churches are genuinely friendly. Expect handshakes, hugs (sometimes), visitor welcome packets, and possibly an invitation to lunch.
Service times: Most churches offer 9am and 11am services. Some add Saturday evening or Sunday evening options.
Parking and size: Jacksonville has space, so most churches have ample parking. Even smaller congregations usually have good lot access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the largest churches in Jacksonville?

First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, The Church of Eleven22, and Celebration Church are among the largest congregations in the Jacksonville area, each with thousands of weekly attendees across multiple service times or campuses.

Are there churches near Jacksonville Beach?

Yes, the Jacksonville beach communities (Jax Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach) have their own church communities with a more laid-back, beach-town vibe. Several churches near the coast cater to the beach lifestyle with casual atmospheres and flexible schedules.

How do I find a military-friendly church in Jacksonville?

Search for churches near Naval Station Mayport or NAS Jacksonville on FaithScout. Look for churches that mention military ministries, deployment support groups, or military family programs. Many Jax churches have dedicated military outreach because of the city's large Navy presence.

What denomination is most common in Jacksonville?

Baptist churches are the most common denomination in Jacksonville, consistent with the broader Southeast. However, non-denominational churches are the fastest-growing segment, with several large contemporary congregations expanding rapidly.

Is Jacksonville a good city for church life?

Yes. Jacksonville has a strong church culture rooted in Southern traditions, enhanced by its military community and growing transplant population. The city offers a wide range of churches from historic congregations to modern church plants, with Southern hospitality that makes visitors feel welcome.

Start Your Jacksonville Church Search

Jacksonville is a city that does church with warmth, authenticity, and Southern charm. From historic downtown cathedrals to casual beach-town congregations, the Bold City has a church home waiting for you.

Take the FaithScout quiz for personalized matches, or browse all Jacksonville churches. Welcome to Jax — sun, surf, and Sunday services.