Some of the characteristics of megachurches (protestant churches with average weekly attendance in excess of 2000) in the US are changing, according to new research published by Leadership Network and the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Megachurches are leading the way with:
- multi-ethnic congregations
- planting new congregations and starting satellite locations
- creating worship resources and music materials
- organising hands-on missions trips
- producing Christian education literature
- organising pastor training conferences, and
- serving the local community.
Particular areas of change included growth without more seats. Rather than seeking to build larger buildings, megachurches are using multiple venues. They are devoting more resources to internal training programs for ministerial candidates. They are increasing their emphasis on the importance of small groups. They are increasing their commitment to social justice and community service.
The average megachurch income reported in the research was $6,500,000. The typical megachurch spends 47% of its budget on staff salaries, 22% on operations and buildings, 12% on program support and materials, and 13% on missions and benevolence. The average megachurch has experienced a growth of 50% in the past five years.