2009 Megachurch Statistics: Attendance, Baptisms, and Growth
Kent Fillinger highlights notable 2009 statistics from megachurches and emerging megachurches, including attendance, baptisms, church growth, and income. The piece uses memorable comparisons to show the size and scope of these congregations.
- More than 317,000 people attended 114 megachurches and emerging megachurches every weekend in 2009.
- Three churches grew 10 percent or more each of the previous three years, and each had โCrossโ in its name.
- Central Christian in Henderson, Nevada, reported the most baptisms in 2009.
By Kent Fillinger
Notable Megachurch Statistics from 2009
An average of 317,003 people attended the 114 megachurches and emerging megachurches every weekend in 2009. If these people extended hands and formed a human chain along Interstate 90, it would stretch from Chicago to Cleveland.
Likewise, if these 317,003 people stood on top of one another, the human tower would stretch 350 miles above the earth (the International Space Station orbits 200 miles above earth).
Three churches have grown 10 percent or more each of the last three years and โCrossโ is in all of their names: The Crossing, Quincy, IL; The Crossing, A Christian Church, Las Vegas, NV; and Crosspointe Church, Cary, NC.
Total baptisms at all churches: 27,258.
Most baptisms in 2009: Central Christian, Henderson, NV, 2,302.
Total income for all churches in 2009: $474.6 million (for baseball fans, thatโs equal to the combined payroll of the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox).
Kent Fillinger is president of 3:STRANDS Consulting (www.3strandsconsulting.com).
Author: Kent Fillinger
Kent Fillinger is President of 3:Strands Consulting, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Regional Vice President with Christian Financial Resources.
