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The United States has over 60,000 Pentecostal and charismatic congregations. Pentecostal churches are especially strong in the South, Midwest, and in urban immigrant communities. Browse Pentecostal churches by state →
What to expect at a Pentecostal church
Pentecostal worship is typically expressive and high-energy. Services often run 90 minutes to two hours and may include:
- Extended worship — 30–45 minutes of contemporary praise and worship music, often with raised hands and movement
- Speaking in tongues — glossolalia, the practice of praying in an unknown language, may occur during worship or altar ministry
- Healing prayer — many Pentecostal churches practice laying on of hands and prayer for physical and emotional healing
- Enthusiastic preaching — sermons tend to be energetic, experiential, and evangelistic
- Altar call — an invitation at the end of service to receive prayer, salvation, or a Spirit baptism experience
Newcomers are warmly welcomed. Dress code varies — some Pentecostal churches are very casual; others, especially older or Holiness-tradition congregations, are more formal.
Major Pentecostal denominations
- Assemblies of God (AG) — the largest Pentecostal denomination in the US, with ~13,000 churches
- Church of God in Christ (COGIC) — the largest Black Pentecostal denomination, with ~6.5 million members
- Church of God (Cleveland, TN) — one of the oldest Pentecostal denominations, strong in the South
- International Church of the Foursquare Gospel — founded by Aimee Semple McPherson; known for balanced ministry emphases
- United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) — "Oneness" Pentecostals who baptize in Jesus' name only
Pentecostal vs. charismatic
Pentecostal churches are historically rooted in the 1906 Azusa Street revival and typically belong to Pentecostal denominations. Charismatic Christians hold similar beliefs about spiritual gifts but remain in mainline Protestant or Catholic denominations. Many non-denominational megachurches are charismatic without calling themselves Pentecostal. Learn the full difference →
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to speak in tongues to attend?
No. Speaking in tongues is a common experience in Pentecostal churches but is not required for attendance or membership in most congregations.
Are Pentecostal services too intense for newcomers?
Many first-time visitors feel surprised by the expressiveness. Pentecostal churches are used to welcoming newcomers — you are free to observe without participating in anything that feels unfamiliar.