Phoenix Arizona desert landscape with mountains

Phoenix is one of America's fastest-growing cities, and thousands of newcomers discover each year that the Valley of the Sun has a warm, welcoming church community to match its climate. Whether you are relocating from the Midwest, the East Coast, or just down from Flagstaff, finding a church home in Phoenix will help you build the connections that turn a new city into home.

The Phoenix Church Scene

Phoenix's church culture occupies interesting middle ground. It is not a Bible Belt city, but it is not the secular Pacific Northwest either. Church attendance in the Phoenix metro is moderate by national standards, but the churches that thrive here tend to be vibrant, growing, and deeply community-focused.

The Valley is massive — the Phoenix metro area covers over 14,000 square miles and includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and dozens of other cities. Each has its own church culture and personality. Mesa, for example, has a significant Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) population that shapes the local landscape, while Scottsdale leans more contemporary and non-denominational.

Phoenix's growth means new churches are launching constantly. Church planting is strong here, with new congregations popping up in the rapidly expanding suburbs to the west, north, and southeast.

Denominations in Phoenix

Non-Denominational: The dominant and fastest-growing category. Churches like Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV), which is one of the largest churches in America, and Redemption Church represent the contemporary movement. Expect modern worship, practical teaching, and excellent production.
Catholic: The Diocese of Phoenix has over 90 parishes. Arizona's large Hispanic population makes the Catholic Church particularly vibrant, with many parishes offering bilingual and Spanish-language services.
Baptist: Both Southern Baptist and independent Baptist churches are well-represented, though less dominant than in Texas or the Southeast.
LDS (Latter-Day Saints): While not a Christian denomination in the traditional sense, the LDS presence — especially in the East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler) — significantly shapes the religious landscape and is worth understanding as a newcomer.
Lutheran: Both LCMS and ELCA congregations serve the Valley, with several large and thriving parishes.
Presbyterian: PCA and PCUSA churches are present throughout the metro, with Scottsdale Bible Church being one of the most prominent evangelical congregations.
Pentecostal/Charismatic: Dream City Church (formerly Phoenix First Assembly) and other charismatic congregations have a strong presence.

Not sure which tradition fits you? Take FaithScout's matching quiz or read our guide on non-denominational vs denominational differences.

Valley Neighborhoods for Church Life

Central Phoenix & Downtown

Urban churches, church plants, and historic congregations. Central Phoenix has seen significant revitalization, and several creative church plants have followed the growth. Good for young professionals and urban dwellers.

Scottsdale

Upscale area with well-resourced churches. Scottsdale Bible Church is a cornerstone congregation. Expect contemporary worship, excellent facilities, and strong programming.

Tempe

Home to Arizona State University and therefore a hub for college ministry. Several churches actively engage the ASU community, making it great for young adults and students.

Mesa & Gilbert (East Valley)

Family-oriented suburbs with large churches. Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) has its main campus in Peoria but a significant East Valley presence. Mesa has a notable LDS influence alongside Baptist, non-denominational, and Catholic congregations.

Chandler & Queen Creek

Fast-growing suburbs with newer church campuses. Many churches have expanded to or planted in this area to serve the population boom.

Glendale, Peoria & Surprise (West Valley)

Rapidly developing western suburbs with growing churches. CCV's main campus is in Peoria. These areas are especially strong for families seeking churches with excellent children's programming.

North Phoenix & Cave Creek

A mix of suburban and semi-rural areas with community churches and newer plants. The desert landscape here is stunning and some churches incorporate outdoor elements into their ministry.

Church Life in the Desert: What is Different

Phoenix's unique climate and geography influence church culture in ways you might not expect:

Summer schedules: Many Phoenix churches shift their programming during the brutal summer months (June-September). Some reduce service times, pause certain ministries, or move events indoors-only. The "snowbird" effect also means attendance fluctuates seasonally.
Fall launch: September is the real "new year" for Phoenix churches. Small groups, ministries, and new sermon series typically launch in the fall when temperatures cool and snowbirds return.
Early service times: Some churches offer early morning services or outdoor events in the cooler morning hours, especially during summer.
Indoor community: Unlike cities where church community happens at outdoor picnics and barbecues, Phoenix church life happens in air-conditioned homes and buildings. Small groups meet inside.
Transient population: Phoenix has significant population turnover, which means churches are well-practiced at welcoming newcomers. You will not be the only new person.

Tips for Finding Your Phoenix Church

Narrow by area first. The Valley is huge. A church in Surprise is not practical if you live in Gilbert. Start by searching churches within 15-20 minutes of your home.
Use FaithScout. Search Phoenix churches by location, denomination, and worship style. Real visitor reviews give you honest perspectives.
Take the quiz. FaithScout's matching quiz gives you personalized recommendations in two minutes.
Visit in multiple seasons. A church in October when snowbirds are arriving will feel different than the same church in July. Get a sense for the year-round community.
Find your tribe quickly. Phoenix's transient nature means you need to be intentional about community. Join a small group within your first month. Don't just attend Sunday services.
Consider commute times. Phoenix traffic has gotten significantly worse with growth. A church that is 15 minutes away on Sunday morning might be 40 minutes during weeknight rush hour, making small group attendance harder.

For more advice on the church search process, read our guide on how to find a church after moving.

What to Expect Visiting Phoenix Churches

Dress code: Phoenix is very casual. The heat alone makes formal attire impractical for much of the year. Jeans, shorts (yes, shorts), and casual wear are common at most churches. Liturgical churches may lean slightly dressier. See our what to wear guide.
Temperature shock: Churches are heavily air-conditioned. If you're visiting in summer, bring a light layer — you'll go from 115 degrees outside to 68 degrees inside.
Visitor-friendly: Phoenix churches are generally very welcoming to newcomers, since so many people are new to the area themselves.
Parking: Most Phoenix churches have ample parking lots. This is a car-centric city with plenty of space.

Hispanic Church Community in Phoenix

Phoenix's significant Hispanic population (over 40% of Phoenix proper) supports a vibrant Spanish-language church community. You will find:

Catholic parishes with Spanish-language and bilingual Masses throughout the Diocese
Hispanic Pentecostal and charismatic congregations
Bilingual non-denominational churches
Spanish-language Baptist and evangelical churches

Many of these churches serve as vital community centers for the Hispanic community, offering not just worship but immigration assistance, English classes, and social services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest church in Phoenix?

Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV), with its main campus in Peoria and multiple locations across the Valley, is the largest church in the Phoenix metro area and one of the largest in America by weekly attendance.

Is Phoenix a religious city?

Phoenix has moderate church attendance compared to Bible Belt cities but higher than Pacific Northwest cities. The city has a vibrant and growing church scene driven by rapid population growth and an active church planting culture.

How do I find a church in the Phoenix East Valley?

Use FaithScout to search churches in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe. Filter by denomination, worship style, and specific programs. The East Valley has hundreds of churches ranging from large multi-campus congregations to intimate community churches.

What should I wear to church in Phoenix?

Phoenix is one of the most casual church cities in America, largely due to the extreme heat. Jeans, casual shirts, and even nice shorts are perfectly acceptable at most Phoenix churches. Only the most formal or liturgical churches expect anything dressier.

Do Phoenix churches adjust for summer heat?

Yes. Many Phoenix churches adjust their summer schedules, with some reducing service times, pausing outdoor events, and shifting programming indoors. Fall (September-October) is typically when churches relaunch full programming as temperatures cool.

Start Your Phoenix Church Search

The Valley of the Sun has a church community as warm as its climate. Whether you are looking for a megachurch experience, an intimate neighborhood congregation, or a vibrant multicultural community, Phoenix has what you are looking for.

Take the FaithScout quiz for personalized matches, or browse all Phoenix churches. Welcome to the desert — your church family is out here.