Top 5 evangelical denominations with the most new temples in Brazil in the last decade

From 2010 to 2019, Brazil saw substantial growth in the number of evangelical temples, with five denominations opening the majority of these.

The Assembly of God led with an impressive 115% increase, resulting in more than 9,300 new temples.

Also prominent among these rapidly expanding groups were the Christian Congregation of Brazil and Maranatha Christian Church, achieving 92% and 35% growth respectively.

Like the Assembly of God, these churches often serve remote regions and urban outskirts, focusing on social assistance for underserved communities.

The neo-Pentecostal Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the World Church of God’s Power also significantly expanded their reach with 90% and 72% growth respectively.

Known for promoting prosperity theology, these denominations typically target urban centers, promising financial betterment for their followers.

Here’s a quick look at these top-growing denominations:

Assembly of God: 9,348 new temples (+115%)
Christian Congregation of Brazil: 3,445 (+92%)
Universal Church of the Kingdom of God: 2,515 (+90%)
World Church of God’s Power: 2,310 (+72%)
Maranatha Christian Church: 1,530 (+35%)

These findings were part of a study by Victor Araújo of the University of São Paulo.

While the study also revealed growth within the missionary segment of evangelical churches, this was less pronounced.

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics data indicates a rise in the evangelical population from 2.7% to 22.2% between 1940 and 2010.

EVANGELICALS IN BRAZIL

Evangelical churches in Brazil have been gaining influence and members since the late 20th century, playing a significant role in the country’s social, political, and cultural landscapes.

Historically, Brazil has been predominantly Catholic, but data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has shown a growing proportion of Evangelicals in the population.

Many Brazilian Evangelicals belong to Pentecostal denominations, like the Assembly of God and the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, which emphasize a direct personal experience with God.

The Evangelical movement has also become a political force, with representation in both local and national government through the Evangelical Parliamentary Front.

Alongside their spiritual missions, these churches often provide social services in underserved communities, further cementing their influence in Brazilian society.