Megachurch Resources
A New Decade of Megachurches: 2011 Profile of Large Attendance Churches in the United States
By Scott Thumma and Warren Bird
The latest national survey of megachurches from Leadership Network and Hartford Institute for Religion Research reveals interesting dynamics related to growth, vitality and leadership. This fourth survey in a decade shows that megachurches remain one of the most robust religious organizational expressions within North America. This present report describes the overall results of the 2011 study of 336 megachurches (out of 1,611 or a 21% response rate).
2010 Large Church Economic Outlook Report
By Warren Bird
North American Megachurches are holding steady during the "Great Recession"
Drawing from a survey of 253 large churches, this illustrated report highlights current trends and forecasts, all in light of the current economic downturn.
2010 Large Church Salary and Benefits Report: An Illustrated Leadership Network Research Study
By Warren Bird
Our every-other-year salary survey profiles over 250 large churches (with an average weekend worship attendance of at least 1,000 adults and children) on compensation issues.
New this year:
- Over 25 colorful graphics and tables
- Findings clustered by six sizes of churches, from 1,000 to 15,000 in attendance.
- Additional questions on several subjects, from church debt to church-related salary of senior pastor’s spouse.
What has been one large report in the past is now three separate publications: “2010 Large Church Salary and Benefits Report” (this report), “2010 Large Church Economic Outlook Report” and “2010 Large Church Finances and Staffing Report”
Teacher First: Leadership Network's 2009 Survey of Large-Church Senior Pastors
By Warren Bird
Megachurch pastors are a rare breed. They represent 0.3% of North America’s churches but they draw almost 10% of weekly Protestant worshippers. Most of these churches are growing, many by a respectable level of conversion growth. They are high-visibility congregations with widespread influence. In May 2009, Leadership Network conducted a survey of 232 megachurch pastors. This report reveals some interesting insights on their unique role.
Not Who You Think They Are: The Real Story of People Who Attend America's Megachurches
By Scott Thumma and Warren Bird
The National Survey of Megachurch Attenders drew 24,900 responses from 12 carefully selected megachurches across the U.S. Conducted January to August 2008, it is the largest national representative study of megachurch attendees conducted by any researchers to date. This report summarizes the initial learnings from the study.
Inside the World of Executive Pastors: Leadership Network's 2009 Survey
By Colleen Pepper
Executive pastors (also known as director, chief of staff, or church administrator) face unique struggles and challenges, often filling a role at the church's most strategic level.What does a "typical" week look like for an executive pastor? How does their role change with their church's size? What factors help them most in having a successful relationship with the senior pastor and with other staff? Where do they struggle most?
These and other findings come from a survey conducted in January 2009, which drew responses from 555 executive pastors serving in congregations where weekly attendance ranges from 100 to 23,000.
Changes in American Megachurches: Tracing Eight Years of Growth and Innovation in the Nation's Largest-attendance Congregations
By Scott Thumma and Warren Bird
America's largest churches have experienced considerable change in recent years, according to a recent study co-sponsored by Leadership Network. Their attendances have grown larger but their sanctuaries have remained the same size. Instead they've added services and more have gone multi-site. Virtually all use electric guitar, drums, and visual projection in worship, and they're continually adjusting their style in worship. They're also now placing a greater emphasis on small groups. An amazing 69% run internship programs for training future staff. These churches describe themselves as having a clear mission and purpose (94%) and holding strong beliefs and values (98%).
Innovation 2007
By Warren Bird
This 64-page glossy book with 104 diagrams and charts, 10 in-depth profiles of compelling trends and literally hundreds of facts and examples, is the single biggest compilation of ideas and insights about North American churches ever undertaken by Leadership Network. The project presents a unique catalog and analysis of today’s most promising church innovations.
Megachurches Today 2005
By Warren Bird, Scott Thumma and Dave Travis
The Megachurches Today 2005 survey is the most thoroughly researched study ever made of the Protestant megachurch movement in the United States. Since June 2005, more than 1,800 churches have been contacted by e-mail, phone and mail, with complete data for more than 400 qualifying congregations received, tabulated and analyzed.
