Churches in Kenya
Learn about the meaning of churches, types of Christianity, and registered churches in Kenya under the NCCK.
What Does "Churches" Mean?
The correct plural form of church is churches (not churchs). A church can mean either:
- A building used for Christian worship and religious activities.
- The Christian religious community as a whole or a specific body of believers united in faith.
12 Types of Christianity
Christianity is divided into various denominations and traditions. The twelve major types include:
- Roman Catholic
- Eastern Orthodox
- Oriental Orthodox
- Anglican (Church of England)
- Lutheran
- Reformed (Calvinist / Presbyterian)
- Baptist
- Methodist
- Pentecostal
- Adventist
- Anabaptist (e.g. Mennonites)
- Evangelical / Non-denominational
Each type has its own theology, worship style, and governance system, yet all center on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The 5 Main Church Families in Christianity
Globally, Christianity is often grouped into five main church families:
- Roman Catholic Church – The largest Christian church under the Pope in Rome.
- Eastern Orthodox Church – Includes churches like the Greek and Russian Orthodox.
- Oriental Orthodox Churches – Includes the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches.
- Protestant Churches – Includes Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and others.
- Pentecostal / Charismatic Churches – Known for lively worship and emphasis on the Holy Spirit.
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) is a fellowship of Christian communions and organizations united in faith and service. It promotes ecumenism, fellowship, and the holistic mission of the Church in Kenya.
Membership Categories
- Full Membership: Open to churches with at least 10,000 members and 5+ years of operation in Kenya.
- Associate Membership: For Christian organizations, fellowships, or groups promoting Christian activities.
- Fraternal Membership: For Christian institutions like universities or faith-based NGOs.
- Probationary Membership: For churches preparing for full membership.
Full Member Churches in Kenya
- Africa Brotherhood Church
- African Christian Church and Schools
- African Church of the Holy Spirit
- African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa
- African Interior Church
- African Israel Nineveh Church
- African Orthodox Church in Kenya
- Anglican Church of Kenya
- Church of Africa Sinai Mission
- Church of Christ in Africa
- Church of God East Africa (Kenya)
- Coptic Orthodox Church
- Episcopal Church of Africa
- Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya
- Free Methodist Church in Kenya
- Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya
- Friends Church in Kenya (Quakers)
- Full Gospel Churches of Kenya
- Kenya Assemblies of God
- Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Kenya Mennonite Church
- Lyahuka Church of East Africa
- Maranatha Faith Assemblies
- Methodist Church in Kenya
- National Independent Church of Africa
- Overcoming Faith Center Church of Kenya
- Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa
- Presbyterian Church of East Africa
- Reformed Church of East Africa
- Scriptural Holiness Mission
- The Salvation Army
- Zion Harvest Mission
Associate Members
- Bible Society of Kenya
- Christian Churches Education Association
- Christian Health Association of Kenya
- Christian Hostels Fellowship
- Fellowship of Christian Unions
- Kenya Ecumenical Church Loan Fund
- Kenya Students Christian Fellowship
- Kenya United Independent Churches
- Public Law Institute
- Scripture Union
- St Paul’s University
- Young Men’s Christian Association
- Young Women’s Christian Association
Fraternal Members
- African Evangelistic Enterprise
- Daystar University
- Trans World Radio
- Trinity Fellowship
- World Vision