In the U.S., “church corporations” are a form of legal entity that many religious organizations adopt to manage their affairs more effectively. A church corporation allows a religious group to function as a non-profit organization, handling its finances, property, and other legal matters in a structured way.
Churches in the U.S. can incorporate under state laws, typically as non-profit corporations. Incorporation provides legal protection to individual members and leaders from personal liability for debts or legal actions involving the church.
Incorporation also helps a church own property, enter contracts, and handle lawsuits under the church’s legal name rather than individual members.
Churches are generally considered tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. They are exempt from paying federal income taxes, state income taxes (in most cases), and local property taxes. Churches must apply for 501(c)(3) status, although many automatically qualify for it without formal application. However, formal application can offer clearer benefits in fundraising and transparency.
As non-profit corporations, churches are typically governed by a board of directors or trustees. These individuals are responsible for overseeing the financial and legal operations of the church. The structure of the church’s governance must comply with state laws where the church is incorporated, but churches have flexibility to structure their leadership as they see fit.
While churches are not required to file an annual Form 990 (the form most other nonprofits file to disclose financial details), they are expected to maintain good financial records and adhere to all relevant laws to maintain their tax-exempt status.
Church corporations are also required to operate for charitable, religious, or educational purposes, and their financial practices must reflect this.
Incorporation protects pastors, church leaders, and members from being personally liable for legal claims against the church.
As a legal entity, a church corporation can continue to exist even if its leadership changes, ensuring stability in operations.
Incorporation gives churches legal standing to conduct business, own property, and engage in legal proceedings.
Some church groups resist incorporation, fearing that it may lead to increased governmental interference in religious affairs.
Critics argue that church corporations might focus too much on administrative and legal structures at the expense of their spiritual mission.
Church corporations in the U.S. serve as a way for religious organizations to legally and financially manage their operations, benefiting from limited liability and tax-exempt status while navigating the responsibilities of non-profit governance.
The largest church corporations in America are typically connected to religious organizations with significant membership and financial resources.
The Roman Catholic Church (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – USCCB)
Around 61 million Catholics in the U.S.
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the U.S. and operates through the USCCB. It owns vast real estate, schools, hospitals, and charities.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)
Around 6.7 million members in the U.S.
The LDS Church is known for its extensive real estate holdings, investments in media, and a vast financial portfolio, including businesses and properties. It operates as a centralized corporation based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
Around 13 million members
SBC is the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. with thousands of affiliated churches and extensive operations in education, publishing, and missions.
United Methodist Church (UMC)
Around 6.3 million members in the U.S.
One of the largest mainline Protestant denominations, the UMC operates hospitals, schools, and charitable organizations worldwide. It is organized into various conferences, which hold substantial assets.
Episcopal Church
Approximately 1.8 million members. The U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church owns a significant amount of property and operates schools, hospitals, and social programs.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Around 3.3 million members. The largest Lutheran denomination in the U.S., with considerable assets, including educational institutions and real estate.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Around 1.1 million members. Known for its congregational governance structure, it operates many universities and charitable organizations.
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Approximately 1.2 million members in the U.S. The Seventh-day Adventist Church runs a network of hospitals, schools, and media outlets. It is also involved in humanitarian work.
These church corporations often manage significant assets, including real estate, educational institutions, and media ventures, giving them a large financial footprint across the U.S.
The richest U.S. churches
The wealthiest churches in the U.S. are primarily based on estimates of their revenue, property value and assets, and operate extensive ministries, schools, and media programmes.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Salt Lake City, UT)
Estimated assets: Over $100 billion
While technically not a single church in the same sense as others listed, the LDS Church has vast financial resources through tithing, investments, real estate, and other business ventures. It has some of the largest financial holdings of any religious organization in the world.
Lakewood Church (Houston, TX)
Pastor: Joel Osteen
Annual budget: Over $90 million
Lakewood Church, one of the largest in the U.S., is known for its televised sermons and large congregation, attracting over 40,000 attendees weekly. It also owns a former sports arena in Houston, which seats around 16,000 people.
Gateway Church (Southlake, TX)
Pastor: Robert Morris
Annual budget: $90 million
Gateway Church is another major player in the world of mega-churches, with a large congregation, multiple campuses, and a wide-reaching media ministry.
Life.Church (Edmond, OK) Pastor: Craig Groeschel
Annual budget: Over $70 million
Life.Church operates dozens of locations across multiple states and is known for pioneering digital outreach, including the creation of the YouVersion Bible App.
Willow Creek Community Church (South Barrington, IL)
Pastor: (Formerly) Bill Hybels, now led by a team
Annual budget: $70 million
This influential evangelical church is known for its sprawling campus and large social service efforts.
Elevation Church (Charlotte, NC)
Pastor: Steven Furtick
Annual budget: Over $60 million
Elevation Church is known for its energetic worship style and extensive use of media. It has a large congregation and several campuses.
Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA)
Pastor: Rick Warren
Annual budget: Over $50 million
Founded by Rick Warren, Saddleback is known for its global ministry efforts, its mega-congregation, and Warren’s bestselling book, “The Purpose Driven Life”.
While these churches have large congregations, their capital comes from a combination of tithes, donations, real estate holdings and media. Their financial influence also allows for expansive outreach and charitable work.