The Economics of Megachurches

The Economist: “Researchers have found that services like this one, at America’s biggest church, can leave people feeling like they are high on drugs. It is perhaps no surprise then that while most American churches are struggling to fill pews, megachurches—the 1,800 or so with Hollywood-style production and mesmerising crowds—are only getting bigger.”

“In the past five years Americans have flocked to the sprawling suburbs of the sunbelt where these churches thrive. When small churches shut during the pandemic, the big ones were ready to absorb their congregants. Today, although most churches have fewer than 100 members, 70% of people attend the largest 10%. The product that they sell is changing Christianity in America.”

“The megachurch business model is all about growth.”