Mega-Lessons

by John C. LaRue, Jr.

These facts and figures about megachurches, from a study by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research and Leadership Network, might explain why megachurches continue to experience fantastic growth rates.

The Study: In 2005, the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Harford Seminary and Leadership Network identified 1210 mega-churches for this study. Completed surveys were returned by 382 megachurches for a response rate of 32 percent. A copy of the full report can be obtained at http://hirr.hartsem.edu/.

85%
Describe their worship services as joyful, inspirational, or thought provoking.

Less than 10%
Follow a formal liturgy.

15%
Have been using the same worship style or format for the last five years.

1 in 3
Offer simultaneous worship services on their main campus with different worship styles at each venue.

1 in 4
Hold services at satellite locations.

13 years
Average tenure of the current senior pastor, far longer than the 5 to 6-year tenure of most pastors.

70%
Have a clear mission and purpose.

93%
Regularly contact first-time visitors …
– 77% by mail
– 70% by phone
– 38% by e-mail
– 29% in person

150
Number of attendees for every full-time paid ministry staff person.

10
Number of attendees for every volunteer or paid staff person.