Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with billions of followers spread across every continent. Over the centuries, church buildings have not only served as houses of worship but also as symbols of faith, power, and unity. Today, in the 21st century, some churches stand out because of their massive auditoriums capable of holding tens of thousands of worshippers at once.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest church auditoriums in the world (2025). These megachurches are architectural wonders, spiritual centers, and global gathering points for millions of believers. We will look at their seating capacities, locations, founding history, unique features, and why they matter in today’s world.
If you are curious about which church auditorium is the biggest, how many people they can hold, and where they are located, this guide will give you a complete and detailed answer.
How Church Auditorium Sizes Are Measured
Before diving into each church, it is important to explain how “largest” church auditoriums are determined. The ranking is usually based on:
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Seating Capacity: The number of people that can sit during a service.
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Standing Space: Many churches also allow overflow crowds standing inside or outside.
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Building Size: The square meters or acres covered by the church auditorium.
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Structural Features: Dome size, stage design, and additional facilities.
While some cathedrals in Europe are centuries old and historically large, modern megachurch auditoriums are built with steel, glass, and concrete, allowing them to hold tens of thousands of worshippers at once.
1. The Hand of God Cathedral – Salvation Ministries
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Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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Capacity: 120,000
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Founder/Leader: Pastor David Ibiyeomie
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Year Completed: 2020
The Hand of God Cathedral is currently the largest church auditorium in the world in 2025. Built by Salvation Ministries, it seats over 120,000 worshippers at once.
This megastructure is not just an auditorium; it is an entire spiritual complex with advanced sound systems, video screens, parking spaces for thousands of vehicles, and modern infrastructure.
Pastor David Ibiyeomie envisioned it as a place where millions could gather to worship God under one roof. The Hand of God Cathedral has since become a global attraction and a landmark in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2. Glory Dome – Dunamis International Gospel Centre
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Location: Abuja, Nigeria
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Capacity: 100,000
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Founder/Leader: Dr. Paul Enenche
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Year Completed: 2018
The Glory Dome of Dunamis International Gospel Centre is one of Africa’s most iconic Christian auditoriums. Seating 100,000 people, it is a breathtaking structure with a roof span of over 90 meters.
The Glory Dome is not just a building—it is the centerpiece of the Lord’s Garden City, a sprawling Christian facility that includes prayer mountains, schools, and hospitals.
Dr. Paul Enenche, a medical doctor turned preacher, built the Dome to serve as a revival center for the world. Today, it is one of the most visited churches in Nigeria and globally recognized as one of the largest worship centers on earth.
3. Champions Royal Assembly
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Location: Abuja, Nigeria
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Capacity: 80,000
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Founder/Leader: Prophet Joshua Iginla
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Year Completed: 2015
The Champions Royal Assembly auditorium ranks third on the list with a seating capacity of 80,000 people. It is located in Kubwa, Abuja, and serves as the headquarters of Prophet Joshua Iginla’s ministry.
This massive auditorium is known for its prophetic programs that attract thousands of international visitors. With modern architecture and sound systems, it remains one of the most remarkable megachurches in the world.
4. Temple of the Glory of God – Ivory Coast
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Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
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Capacity: 70,000
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Founder/Leader: Pastor Mohammed Sanogo
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Year Completed: 2017
The Temple of the Glory of God is the largest church auditorium in Francophone Africa, seating 70,000 worshippers. Located in Abidjan, it was established by Pastor Mohammed Sanogo and his Christian Missionary Ministry.
This cathedral is a symbol of the growing Christian revival in Ivory Coast and French-speaking West Africa. Its massive dome structure and excellent design make it one of the most impressive Christian auditoriums in the world.
5. Faith Tabernacle – Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel)
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Location: Ota, Nigeria
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Capacity: 50,000
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Founder/Leader: Bishop David Oyedepo
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Year Completed: 1999
The Faith Tabernacle was the world’s largest church auditorium when it was completed in 1999. With a seating capacity of 50,000, it has held that record in the Guinness Book of World Records.
It is located within Canaanland, a 10,500-acre Christian city in Ota, Nigeria, which includes Covenant University, Faith Academy, and a publishing house.
Bishop David Oyedepo’s vision for Faith Tabernacle was to build a church that could gather people from across the world for worship and revival. Even today, it remains one of the most visited megachurches in the world.
6. Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters
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Location: Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria
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Capacity: 30,000
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Founder/Leader: Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi
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Year Completed: 2018
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry Headquarters in Lagos is one of the most beautiful church auditoriums in the world. Seating 30,000 worshippers, it is a modern facility built with glass architecture and advanced technology.
Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, known for his holiness teachings, built this headquarters to serve as the global center of the Deeper Life movement, which has branches in over 100 countries.
7. Salvation Ministries Old Headquarters
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Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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Capacity: 30,000
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Founder/Leader: Pastor David Ibiyeomie
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Year Completed: 2010
Before the Hand of God Cathedral, Salvation Ministries’ old headquarters could seat 30,000 people. Even though it has now been overshadowed by the new mega-auditorium, it is still one of the largest church buildings in Africa.
8. The Apostolic Church Lagos National Temple
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Location: Lagos, Nigeria
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Capacity: 25,000
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Year Completed: 2011
The Apostolic Church National Temple in Lagos is another gigantic Christian auditorium, with a seating capacity of 25,000 worshippers.
It was built to serve as the national headquarters of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, one of the oldest Pentecostal movements in the country.
9. Church of Saint Sava – Serbia
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Location: Belgrade, Serbia
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Capacity: 20,000
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Founder/Leader: Serbian Orthodox Church
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Year Completed: 1989 (still under interior construction)
The Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the world. With a seating capacity of 20,000, it is located in Belgrade, Serbia.
This church is unique because of its Byzantine-style architecture, marble interiors, and golden mosaics. Unlike African megachurches built for evangelical revival, Saint Sava is more of a historical and cultural monument.
10. Yoido Full Gospel Church – South Korea
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Location: Seoul, South Korea
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Capacity: 20,000
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Founder/Leader: Pastor David Yonggi Cho
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Year Completed: 1973
The Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul is one of the most influential Christian churches in the world. It seats 20,000 worshippers, but its influence extends far beyond Korea.
Founded by the late Pastor David Yonggi Cho, Yoido introduced the concept of cell fellowship, which has spread globally. At its peak, the church had over 800,000 members, making it one of the largest congregations on earth.
Summary Table: Largest Church Auditoriums in the World 2025
Rank | Church Name | Location | Seating Capacity | Founder/General Overseer | Year Completed |
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1 | The Hand of God Cathedral | Port Harcourt, Nigeria | 120,000 | Pastor David Ibiyeomie | 2020 |
2 | Glory Dome (Dunamis International Gospel Centre) | Abuja, Nigeria | 100,000 | Dr. Paul Enenche | 2018 |
3 | Champions Royal Assembly | Abuja, Nigeria | 80,000 | Prophet Joshua Iginla | 2015 |
4 | The Temple of the Glory of God | Ivory Coast | 70,000 | Pastor Mohammed Sanogo | 2017 |
5 | Faith Tabernacle (Winners Chapel) | Ota, Nigeria | 50,000 | Bishop David Oyedepo | 1999 |
6 | Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters | Lagos, Nigeria | 30,000 | Pastor W. F. Kumuyi | 2018 |
7 | Salvation Ministries Old Headquarters | Port Harcourt, Nigeria | 30,000 | Pastor David Ibiyeomie | 2010 |
8 | The Apostolic Church Lagos National Temple | Lagos, Nigeria | 25,000 | Apostle Gabriel Olutola | 2011 |
9 | Church of Saint Sava | Belgrade, Serbia | 20,000 | Serbian Orthodox Church | 1989 |
10 | Yoido Full Gospel Church | Seoul, South Korea | 20,000 | Pastor David Yonggi Cho | 1973 |
Comparison with Historical Cathedrals
While the churches listed above are the largest modern church auditoriums, it is worth noting that historic European cathedrals such as St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) and Seville Cathedral (Spain) are among the largest religious buildings in terms of area and architecture. However, their seating capacity is far smaller than African and Asian megachurches.
Factors Behind the Growth of Mega Church Auditoriums
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Population Growth in Africa: Africa has the fastest-growing Christian population in the world.
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Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements: These emphasize large gatherings, crusades, and revival meetings.
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Technology and Architecture: Modern engineering makes it possible to build massive domes and auditoriums.
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Economic Growth of Ministries: Many megachurches fund their buildings through donations and partnerships.
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Spiritual Demand: The hunger for revival and mass gatherings drives the need for larger worship centers.
FAQs About the Largest Church Auditoriums in the World
Q1. Which is the largest church auditorium in the world in 2025?
The Hand of God Cathedral in Nigeria is the largest, with a seating capacity of 120,000.
Q2. Which country has the most large church auditoriums?
Nigeria has the highest number of megachurch auditoriums, dominating the global top 10 list.
Q3. What is the largest church auditorium in Europe?
The Church of Saint Sava in Serbia, with a 20,000 capacity.
Q4. Is St. Peter’s Basilica the largest church in the world?
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest in size (area), but not in seating capacity. Modern African megachurches are larger in seating capacity.
Q5. What is the oldest large church auditorium in this list?
The Yoido Full Gospel Church (South Korea), completed in 1973.
Q6. What makes Nigerian churches dominate this list?
Rapid Christian growth, revival movements, and strong Pentecostal leadership.
Q7. Do all these churches fill up every Sunday?
Not always, but during conventions, crusades, and festivals, they usually overflow.
Q8. Are these auditoriums only for Sunday services?
No, they host weddings, conferences, crusades, music concerts, and global Christian events.
Q9. How much does it cost to build a large church auditorium?
Costs vary from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on size and facilities.
Q10. Which is the most beautiful large church auditorium?
This is subjective, but the Glory Dome (Nigeria) and Church of Saint Sava (Serbia) are often praised for beauty.
Conclusion
The top 10 largest church auditoriums in the world (2025) show how Christianity continues to grow, especially in Africa. From the Hand of God Cathedral in Port Harcourt to the Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea, these megachurches are not just buildings—they are centers of revival, faith, and global influence.
While older cathedrals symbolize history and tradition, modern church auditoriums represent the future of worship, where millions gather in one voice to pray and celebrate their faith.
If you want to witness the power of Christianity in the 21st century, visiting any of these great auditoriums is an unforgettable experience.