Churches in Des Plaines

Active churches in Des Plaines

1492 Henry Avenue, Des Plaines
christchurchuccdesplaines.org
75 sermons · 6 days ago
588 Dara James, Des Plaines
brentwoodbapt.org
1 sermon
675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines
trinitydesplaines.org
1 sermon
668 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines
fumcdp.org
1 sermon

Types of churches in Des Plaines

Non-Denominational Churches in Des Plaines

These congregations emphasize modern worship, practical teaching, and robust kids programs. Many gather in renovated storefronts or multipurpose spaces along Rand Road, Golf Road, and near downtown around Lee and Miner. They draw commuters working around O’Hare and the Metra line, with small groups meeting in apartments near Metropolitan Square and along River Road.

Des Plaines Catholic Parishes

Long-established parishes anchor neighborhoods near the Des Plaines River and Central Road. Weekday Masses often align with commuters catching the UP‑NW train at Des Plaines or Cumberland. Ministries in English, Polish, and Spanish serve multigenerational families, with festivals and outreach tied to local schools and nearby forest preserves.

Historic Mainline Protestant

Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian congregations often worship in mid‑century or earlier sanctuaries near downtown and quiet residential streets. They emphasize traditional liturgy, choirs, and service projects that support food pantries and senior programs along the Rand Road corridor. Many host preschool and recovery groups, making the church building a weekday community hub.

Orthodox & Eastern Christian

These congregations serve Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean families in Des Plaines and nearby suburbs like Niles and Morton Grove. Expect icon-rich sanctuaries, Byzantine chant, and feast calendars that sometimes follow the Julian tradition, with services offered in English alongside Slavic, Arabic, or Greek. Cultural festivals and Lenten food sales are common, drawing neighbors from the Touhy and Oakton corridors.

Sermon clips from Des Plaines churches

47s
#JesusInReconciliation
“Suddenly, those words ring with a different truth. Jesus is not only present when everybody is getting along. Jesus is present when two sit across from each other, trying to figure out how to speak to each other. Jesus is there when someone finally says, what you did hurt me. Jesus is there when somebody has a courage to say I was wrong. Jesus is there when someone says, I forgive you, but things cannot simply go back to the way they were. Jesus is there when reconciliation is slow.”
71s
“but we are called to think differently. To think about, to discern what God's will is, what God would have us do, to figure out what matters to God and not just what matters to ourselves. This is not natural for us, of course. Our natural inclination is to think about our actions in terms of our own self interest. Fixing our attention on God is not something we can simply do all by ourselves. Notice that Paul does not say transform yourself, but rather be transformed. We do not transform ourselves and our minds but God works on us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can't work on us though unless we make space for it. While we can't hide away from the world forever, although we probably should all do less doom scrolling on our phones and binge watching TV, unless we are intentional, we will be conformed to the messages and values of the world.”
52s
“And here's what I want us to see. I want us to see a progression. And I'm just gonna go ahead and give you the point so that you see where we're going. In Daniel chapter one, Nebuchadnezzar is impressed with God's servants. In chapter two, Nebuchadnezzar is impressed with God. In chapter three, we see Nebuchadnezzar standing up for God. And in chapter four, we see Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging or accepting God. And that process took about thirty years. But I want to say this evening, it is possible to live in a pagan culture and to be a testimony for Christ without compromise. These young men are testimony to that.”
49s
“I began to realize that I was formed by those ritualized and memorized and repeated prayers from my youth. Despite the big gap, I had in me a capacity to pray with. So I wonder what formed you. Did you realize what was happening as you were being formed, as you are being formed? Is the spirit still forming you? Habits, disciplines take time to have their way in a person's life.”
39s
#ChristInTheRoom
“Christ is now waiting somewhere in the side of the conflict for us to finally get everything right. Christ is already there, in the room, at the table, in the conversation, in the silence, in the awkwardness, in the attempt to begin again. We spend a lot of time reminding ourselves that we are never alone when life is difficult. Maybe this passage also asks us to remember that we are never alone when relationships are difficult.”
42s
#JesusInConflict
“Conflict will happen. Families will disagree. Friends will hurt each other. Churches will have arguments. Jesus does not seem surprised by any of that. The question is now whether we will ever find ourselves in conflict. The question is, what will we do when we find ourselves in the middle of it? And the good news is that when we get there, we will not be there alone. Christ will already be there, right in the middle of it.”
84s
#LiveLoveGive
“Because Jesus is not calling us to spend our lives afraid of every difficult road, Jesus is calling us to live, to love while we can, to give while we can, to forgive while we can, to stand by side somebody while we can, to make this corner of the world kinder, gentler, and more just while we are here. Ask yourself, why have so many people mourn Dolly's passing this past week? Because of what she represented. She was not shy to put her faith on her sleeves, and she shared it by demonstration, not just by words. When the path grows uncertain and shadows gathered at our feet, our calling is not to grasp our control or beg for an easier way. Our task is to lay down our pride, tear down the blinders that keep us comfortable, and take our rightful place behind the one who leads us into life. To follow, to trust. And keep walking step by step until the dawn breaks through The darkness, and we find ourselves faith in the light we could not yet imagine.”
60s
#WhenJesusLeads
“How often do we find ourselves in Peter's shoes? Resisting the road, the love remains. We are happy to follow Jesus when Jesus seems to be heading where we are already wanting to know. Though when Jesus starts walking towards forgiveness, when we would rather hold on resentment, Jesus starts walking towards generosity, when we would rather protect everything we have, Jesus walks towards people The world has pushed aside. Jesus speaks truth when silence would be much easier. And suddenly, we find ourselves saying, Jesus, are you sure this is the road? How many of you have been there? Because the road of Jesus barely matches the one we would choose for ourselves.”
38s
#CostOfCompassion
“The cross Jesus talks about is what can happen when we choose a way of love in a world that does not always reward love. It is what happens when compassion costs us something, when justice asks us for something, when forgiveness stretches us, or when doing what is right proves harder than doing what is convenient. The road will test us. It will tear away the blinders we cling to and demand that we walk with eyes wide open, seeming what we would rather ignore.”
58s
“This is not natural for us, of course. Our natural inclination is to think about our actions in terms of our own self interest. Fixing our attention on God is not something we can simply do all by ourselves. Notice that Paul does not say transform yourself, but rather be transformed. We do not transform ourselves and our minds but God works on us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can't work on us though unless we make space for it. While we can't hide away from the world forever, although we probably should all do less doom scrolling on our phones and binge watching TV, unless we are intentional, we will be conformed to the messages and values of the world.”

Why Des Plaines churches are unique

As a gateway suburb near O’Hare and along the Metra UP‑NW line, churches in Des Plaines mirror the city’s international mix, with notable Polish, Latino, and Asian communities. Many congregations blend languages and traditions in worship and weekday programming to welcome new neighbors and long-time residents alike, offering multilingual worship services, ESL and citizenship classes, and culturally diverse congregations.
Family-friendly neighborhoods and strong public schools shape the rhythms of Des Plaines churches, which often emphasize discipleship close to home. Expect robust next‑gen ministry and relational gatherings tailored to busy households, including strong kids programs for young families, youth and teen ministries, and small group culture.
Set along the Des Plaines River and forest preserves, the city’s churches frequently serve as hubs for practical care—from flood relief and food security to support for airport and hospitality workers on variable shifts. That emphasis shows up in accessible formats and service options like community service and local outreach, flexible service times, and recovery and support groups.

Recent sermons from Des Plaines churches

Nearby cities: 5 churches in Elk Grove Township 10 churches in Arlington Heights 11 churches in Wheeling Township 10 churches in Elmhurst 9 churches in York Township