Churches in North Carolina

Religious Landscape of North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the most heavily churched states in America, with the Southern Baptist Convention operating over 4,200 congregations, more than in any other state except Texas. The Baptist tradition is woven into the state's culture from the Outer Banks to the Appalachian Mountains. United Methodists are the second-largest Protestant body, with strength across the Piedmont and eastern counties. Historically Black Baptist churches are vital institutions in North Carolina's African American communities, and the state is home to numerous prominent Black Baptist leaders and congregations. Elevation Church, founded by Steven Furtick in Charlotte, has become one of the most visible megachurches in American Protestantism, drawing roughly 35,000 weekly attendees across multiple campuses. The Summit Church in Durham has also grown into a major multi-site congregation. Presbyterians have deep roots in North Carolina, reflecting Scots-Irish immigration through the backcountry in the 18th century. The Catholic Church has grown significantly in the Research Triangle and Charlotte metro areas as in-migration from other states and immigration from Latin America have expanded. The Moravian Church maintains a distinctive presence in the Winston-Salem area, where Old Salem is a living-history attraction. North Carolina's adherence rate of about 52% is above the national average.