Ep. 625: Inside America’s Megachurches

For more than two decades, if you wanted to know what was really happening inside America’s megachurches, one name has consistently risen to the top: Dr. Warren Bird. Along with sociologist Scott Thumma, Bird has conducted the most comprehensive longitudinal research ever undertaken on the nation’s largest Protestant churches. Their latest study for the Hartford Institute for Religion Research is called “Megachurch Resurgence.” It reveals a surprising story: after the disruptions of the pandemic, America’s megachurches aren’t simply surviving—they’ve staged a remarkable resurgence, with new findings on attendance, finances, church planting, diversity, leadership, and the future of large congregations. Today we’ll unpack what those numbers mean—and why they matter for the broader American church. And, we have a link to the complete study here.

Warren Bird is one of the nation’s leading researchers on church leadership and congregational trends. He earned his Ph.D. in the sociology of religion from Fordham University, has authored or co-authored more than 35 books and dozens of major research reports, and has spent years helping church leaders understand what makes healthy ministries flourish. His partnership with Scott Thumma has produced the definitive series of megachurch studies dating back to 2000, making him one of the most respected voices on this important and often misunderstood corner of American Christianity.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. I’m your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

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