Faith on the Move: Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Quiet Expansion in the U.S. and
Canada by Iglesia Ni Cristo
Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), which means “Church of Christ” in Filipino, is steadily growing in the United States and Canada What started in the Philippines over a hundred years ago has now become a global church, with North America being one of its most active regions for growth.
As explained by Iglesia Ni Cristo, one of the main reasons for this expansion is the migration of Filipino INC members. As many move abroad for work or a better life, they bring their faith with them These members help form the foundation of new congregations, often starting with small gatherings in homes or rented spaces. Over time, these grow into permanent worship buildings.
INC is known for being well-organized Its leadership, based in the Philippines, supports members worldwide. When there is a need for a new congregation, church leaders act quickly to assign ministers and build or buy a chapel This structured approach has helped INC open places of worship in cities like New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, and even in smaller towns across both countries.
The church also puts a strong focus on unity. All INC members follow the same teachings and worship practices, no matter where they live This helps maintain a sense of community and belonging, especially for those far from home.
Another way INC is growing is through outreach The church often holds charity events, such as food drives, school supply donations, and neighborhood clean-ups. These activities are open to the public and are a way for the church to give back They also help people learn more about INC and what it stands for
Technology has made it easier for INC to reach more people The church runs its own TV and radio stations, and it streams worship services online This helps members stay connected and allows interested individuals to learn about the church even if they can’t visit in person.
As the years go by, INC continues to build more chapels and welcome new members in the U.S. and Canada Its steady growth shows that faith, when combined with organization and community care, can cross borders and thrive in new places From small beginnings, Iglesia Ni Cristo is making a quiet but powerful mark across North America.