Podcast Episode #173
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One of the most popular posts every year at ThomRainer.com is the annual listing of the largest churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. While we don’t typically talk about specific denominations here on the blog or podcast, today Micah Fries joins us to discuss the SBC 500—a new list of the largest 500 churches in the SBC—and what we can learn from them. For the complete SBC 500 list, visit ThomRainer.com/SBC500.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Megachurches are not only reaching people for Christ, but they are increasing in number as well.
- Southern Baptists are becoming a more urban denomination because the American population is becoming more urban.
- We are seeing an intentional push toward diversity in leadership reflected in the megachurches of the SBC.
- Of the top 20 largest SBC churches, 20% are predominantly non-anglo churches.
- The number of non-anglo churches in the SBC has increased by 66% over the past 15 years.
- The average tenure for senior pastors in the top 20 largest churches in the SBC is just under 22 years.
- Big churches are dependent on big population areas. You can be an effective church without being a big church.
The four main takeaways we found when analyzing the SBC 500 were:
- The South—and particularly Texas—is the epicenter of SBC megachurches.
- Non-Anglo churches and megachurches are on the rise in the SBC.
- Revitalization works have led to great growth among some traditional churches in the SBC.
- Pastoral tenure is vital for long-term significant church growth.
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Feedback
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has anyone here experienced other pastors, church’s, church leaders being extremely harsh on the presumed megachurch methods of growth. I’ve heard people go as far as to outright condemn some of these huge megachurchs for promoting Christianity as a consumerism based product surrounded by light shows, dance and song, coffee shop and a short ‘talk’.
It’s also interesting to see that Elevation church in NC isn’t on this list.
Bob –
All reports come from the churches. That’s the only way we get the information.
Thom, as a United Methodist I would love to see you take a deeper dive at some point in the future into the topic of tenure as it relates to long-term church growth. It would be helpful to compare it to our philosophy of itinerancy and the beginnings of pushback by clergy to that philosophy.
Thanks!
That’s a really good idea, Lyn. I’ll pursue that in the next couple of weeks.
Please forgive ahead of time for saying so but I’m bothered that this is even a podcast topic. I’m even more bothered after listening to it. Is this how we now view success as the body of Christ by making the Lifeway version of the Forbes 500 list?
James
See Mark’s comment right below this one. THAT’S EXACTLY WHY WE NEED THESE LISTS—TO LEARN FROM THEM.
Dr. Rainer, Have you ever considered getting some of the leadership from these large churches on and interviewing or taking emailed questions for them? They are obviously doing something right in including many people, having tiers of leaders, sharing responsibility, handling pastoral care, etc.
Mark –
I have indeed interviewed many of these leaders. We try to keep in touch with a variety of churches, large and small, to give you updated information on ThomRainer.com and the Rainer on Leadership podcast. A good number of the pastors whose churches are on this list have really helped us.
Thanks.
Whether we agree with the mega-church concept or not, they do work. The methods of evangelism and church out reach have changed dramatically in our society. All mega churches began as a small(er) church, and have experienced growth for many reasons. One is they chose to be different. I really believe that if all churches had the mindset of some of our most evangelizing mega churches, we all may see dramatic growth. The bottom line is, it starts with prayer and church members with a deep desire to reach the un-churched.
I appreciate your heart, Scott.
First time on your site and what a blessing…. Much of what I have read I totally agree with and have thought about before…. The mega church offers things a small church cannot in the same ways…. The smaller churches serve a great service also…. No doubt you agree… Being a Gideon speaker has given me a great opportunity to visit and develop relationships I cherish…. Christ’s church is a blessing to God no matter the size…. Thanks for the great site to read and learn from….. Blessings to you
Thanks for the list. Interesting to look at geography.
Quick comment – I often wonder if it would be better to measure attendance by ‘households’ rather than by individuals. My wife and I have five children so together we are 7 individuals in attendance on Sunday morning every week – yet we are 1 single household. I share this because it gets to the theology of church ministry, who really is ‘God’s flock that is under our care’? I mean – directly, not indirectly, under our care as pastors and elders.
When it comes to my family of 7, it would seem like I as the husband and father am the only person directly under the care of the pastors and elders. My wife and children are directly under my care and I alone will give account to God for them. Children’s ministries, youth ministries and women’s ministries are all great and bring benefit but none of these leaders are directly responsible for my wife and children. I need the help and training that comes from my local church to do execute my God given responsibility.
So – back to the measurable idea. Does anyone keep track by households? Should this be encouraged?
Always enjoy and find interesting the listing of the top 500 churches you put out each year. Will you be putting out the 2016 list?
Dr. Rainer, I am writing my doctoral dissertation on pastoral transitions. Part of my research is to contact our flagship churches and ask if they have a transition plan in place. Will you be posting a 2016 top 500 list? If not, is there a way I could get a copy of that list? Thank you for all you do. Joel
I notice that FBC Dallas has consistently not made the list of the 500 largest SBC churches. On FBC Dallas’ website they report an attendance of 13,000 people. That should place them just under Thomas Road Baptist (a former BBFI church that became SBC years ago) and whoever holds the number 7 spot. If FBC Dallas openly publishes its attendance numbers why would it not be on this list?