For the first time since
Outreach magazine has compiled its annual report of the largest churches in America, all 100 churches were listed with 7,000 weekend attendants or higher.
With seven churches reporting attendance averages of exactly 7,000, "The Outreach 100" this year included 103 churches.
Topping the fifth annual list again this year was Lakewood Church (left) in Houston with 43,500 attendants, followed by Second Baptist Church in the same city with 23,659 and then North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA., with 22,557.
Among the top 100 fastest-growing churches in the country, Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL, was ranked No. 1 with a growth of 72 percent – or 3,418 attendants – over the last year. The Bible Belt megachurch was also the youngest church to qualify in the largest churches list, standing at No. 71 with 8,168 attendants.
Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., ranked second in the fastest-growing report with a numeric growth of 2,094 and a percentage increase of 122.
Triumph Church in Detroit, Michigan, followed with a growth of 2,000 attendants, which was a 200 percent jump.
And with ever-expanding flocks, many have utilized the multi-site model – one church, multiple campuses – with some having as many as 11 campuses.
Rather than labeling it as a trend, Stetzer sees multi-site as "the new normal."
"I think more churches and pastors are familiar with it and have seen how helpful going to multiple sites has been for churches who wanted to manage their growth," he said.
Nevertheless, Stetzer pointed out that pastors can still learn from larger churches.
"Nothing can replace the work you do in your own church, your own community, among the lost in your own neighborhood," he said. "A pastor has to have a passion and a fire to reach, teach, and disciple those near. But we can also learn from others – many of whom were small churches themselves a few years ago. "
On the Web: Complete list of "The Outreach 100" at outreachmagazine.com
Visit: Top 100 Largest and Fastest-Growing Churches in America
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Posted By: Minister Celeste Kelley
Tuesday, September 30th 2008 at 9:05AM
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