Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also be quite daunting especially when it comes to finding an English speaking church in Panama that feels like home. For a lot of us, religion plays a major role in our daily lives and gives us a sense of community and belonging. That’s why we have put together this guide—to help you find a church in Panama where you can truly connect with like-minded people and immerse yourself that much more in your new community.

If you’re looking for an English-speaking church in Panama, there are several options to choose from, catering to different beliefs and worship styles. Whether you’re an expat, traveler, or local, these churches offer a welcoming space for worship, community events, Bible studies, and outreach programs.

St Christopher’s Episcopal Parish

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Parish in Parque Lefevre has a simple yet beautiful setting. It offers a more traditional service perfect for those looking for a familiar, worship experience. This is a great church for older individuals who appreciate the classic liturgy. The church welcomes people from all over to gather for Sunday Mass at 7:30 AM in English and 10:30 AM in Spanish. Bible study classes are held on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM via Zoom, in English. The church also offers Episcopal camps for children and teens aged 11 to 18, providing a great learning experience for the younger generation.

CROSSROADS BIBLE CHURCH

Crossroads Bible Church, located on the corner of Omar Torrijos Herrera Ave, is an interdenominational church that welcomes people from all Christian backgrounds. The church family plays an active role in selecting leaders like pastors, elders, and deacons.

As a multicultural and bilingual church, Crossroads blends traditional and contemporary worship styles, attracting members from many different countries and cultures. Sunday services are held in Spanish at 8:15 am and in English at 11:15 am.

Crossroads is also home to Crossroads Christian Academy, which has been open since 1997. It is located on the same campus.

GAMBOA UNION CHURCH

Gamboa Union Church is located on Omar Torrijos Herrera Avenue as you enter Gamboa. The Church is led by Dr. William Wilbur, an English-speaking pastor who has served the community for 49 years. Non-denominational and rooted in the Apostle’s Creed, the church offers real-time Spanish translation for its services. Over the years, it has adapted to the evolving needs of the community and the canal area through various ministries.

Bilingual services are held every Sunday at 10:00 AM, featuring contemporary music in both English and Spanish. Bible study takes place on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM via Zoom, and a junior church program is available for children during the sermon. Pastor Wilbur also hosts Panama Today, a daily 30-minute English radio program airing Monday through Friday at 6:00 AM and 8:30 PM on Estero Vida 104.9 FM.

Balboa Union Church

Balboa Union Church, located on Calle Enrique Linares in Ancón, welcomes people from all different backgrounds. Every Sunday at 10:30 AM, they gather for a contemporary worship service where everyone is invited to join in. The church doesn’t currently offer formal Bible studies or structured spiritual growth programs. However, lay leaders are available throughout the week for one-on-one meetings, offering guidance and support for your personal spiritual journey. Although there aren’t yet programs for children, the church is working hard to bring these back. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can join the service live on Zoom (though sessions aren’t recorded).

ST. MARY’S PARISH

St. Mary’s Parish is on Calle Enrique Linares in Ancón. It is a Catholic church that welcomes people from all backgrounds. With services offered in both English and Spanish, the parish has a more contemporary worship style. Catechesis for children is held every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass. The Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program will begin in August 2025. The parish is also deeply involved in community outreach, organizing social events in partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Event details are shared during Mass. For those who can’t attend in person, services are livestreamed on YouTube in both English and Spanish on the St. Mary’s Parish YouTube Channel.

 PANAMA INTERNATIONAL (“PAINT”) CHURCH 

Panama International Church, also known as “PAINT” Church, is on the 2nd floor of Galerías Obarrio, at the corner of Vía España and Vía Brasil. Services are conducted in English with live Spanish translation.

With a contemporary worship style, PAINT Church offers a range of programs designed to support spiritual growth. Lifegroups meet weekly, either in homes or virtually, to study the Bible and connect with others. Additionally, there is a dedicated Children’s Service every Sunday, along with various family activities.

LIFEBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

LifeBridge International Church is a contemporary church on the 2nd floor of the World Trade Center building in Marbella. Founded by Glenn and Susan Herschberger with a small leadership team, the church was created to provide a space for expats to worship and connect. In 2017, Nate and Jendi Korpi took on the role of lead pastors and have been leading the church ever since. LifeBridge gathers every Sunday at 9:30 AM, welcoming individuals from over 20 countries. Services are conducted entirely in English, and there is a dedicated children’s activity area at the back of the church.

With More Churches Coming

In conclusion, Panama City has many English-speaking churches, making it easy for newcomers and expats to find a sense of community and spiritual support. The great thing about Panama is that we are always getting new English speaking Christians from all over the globe, meaning these communities are constantly expanding. In fact, there are even a few groups meeting outside of traditional church facilities that may one day have their own building.