Fastest-Growing Megachurches in 2008
Kent E. Fillinger and Ben Simms reported growth data from megachurches and emerging megachurches, highlighting the fastest-growing congregations in 2008 and across longer time spans. The article also summarizes average attendance, Easter attendance, baptisms, state-by-state representation, and overall growth trends.
- The Crossing in Quincy, Illinois, led 2008 growth at 27%.
- Parkview Christian Church and Christ’s Church of the Valley led longer-term growth categories.
- Across all 117 churches, 63% grew while 37% stagnated or declined.
By Kent E. Fillinger and Ben Simms
Fastest-Growing Churches in 2008
- The Crossing, Quincy, IL, 27%
- Crosspointe, Cary, NC, 22%
- Compass Christian, Colleyville, TX, 22%
- Central Christian, Mesa, AZ, 22%
Fastest-Growing since 2003
- Parkview Christian Church, Orland Park, IL, 183%
- Real Life Ministries, Post Falls, ID, 172%
- Crossroads Christian Church, Grand Prairie, TX, 101%
Fastest-Growing since 1997
- Christ’s Church of the Valley, Peoria, AZ, 477%
- Northside Christian Church, New Albany, IN, 371%
- Central Christian Church, Henderson, NV, 307%
What is “AVERAGE”?
The 54 megachurches’ average size: 4,116
The 63 emerging megachurches’ average size: 1,419
All 117 churches’ average size: 2,664
Total attendance of all 117 churches on an average weekend: 311,636
Total attendance for Easter 2008: 515,717
Total baptisms for all of 2008: 21,384
State by State
Number of churches reported in each state:
- 16—Indiana
- 12—California
- 10—Ohio
- 8—Arizona, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida
- 5—Colorado, Missouri
- 4—Nevada, Kansas
- 3—Idaho, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington
- 2—Georgia, Oklahoma, Wisconsin
- 1—Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee
- 27 states have a megachurch listed
Growth Percentage Overview in 2008
- 1 church grew more than 26%
- 20 churches grew 11 to 25%
- 15 churches grew 6 to 10%
- 26 churches grew 1 to 5%
- 7 churches were stagnating between 0.4 and -0.4%
- 21 churches declined 1 to 5%
- 9 churches declined 6 to 10%
- 5 churches declined more than 11%
Overall
63% grew and 37% stagnated or declined
The average 1-year growth rate was 2.8%
The 54 megachurches grew 3.5% in the past year
The 63 emerging megachurches grew 2.2% in the past year
Author: Kent E. Fillinger
Kent E. Fillinger serves as president of 3:STRANDS Consulting, Indianapolis, Indiana, and regional vice president (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan) with Christian Financial Resources.
