At Least 51 People Dead After Monstrous Oklahoma Tornado, 120+ Injured

Stunning New HD Video Captures Massive Debris Cloud Engulfing Deadly Twister

Faith

America’s Most ‘Megachurch-Oriented’ City Might Surprise You

Jan. 29, 2013 7:32am

We already told you about the nation’s most “Bible-minded” cities — localities in which individuals have a high rate of Bible readership and belief in the the holy book’s sentiments and central themes. Following the release of the aforementioned results, the Barna Group, a research firm, has also shared data about the nation’s most “megachurch-oriented” cities.

While Christian megachurches have experienced a great deal of growth in the U.S., only 10 percent of self-identified Christians attend a house of worship that qualifies under this label (generally these churches are known for having large-scale congregations). With so many definitions of these massive houses of worship floating around, Barna specifically defined these churches in its research as institutions that have 1,000 congregants — or more.

Barna Group Releases the Most (and Least) Megachurch Oriented Cities in America

Photo Credit: AP

In examining these institutions, which may, in fact, be relatively foreign to the vast majority of Christians, the Barna group came to some fascinating conclusions in pinpointing which U.S. cities are the “most and least megachurch-oriented.” Based on its results, researchers drafted a list of cities that have the highest proportion of Christians attending megachurches. A recap of the results is somewhat surprising — especially the city that was found to have the largest proportion:

The research shows that Las Vegas, NV has the highest concentration of megachurch attenders among the Christians who reside in the market (29% of all Christians who live in the region attend a church of at least 1,000 attenders). The second-ranked market was Baton Rouge, LA (27%). Two Florida cities made the top of the list, including Tampa-St. Petersburg (21%) and Orlando (18%). Texas also contributed two cities to the rankings: Dallas, Fort Worth (19%) and Houston (19%). The New Mexico corridor of Albuquerque, Sante Fe (19%) also places in the top seven cities.

The bottom three markets included Madison, WI, Toledo, OH, and Salt Lake City, UT. In each of these three markets, only 1% of Christians reported attending a megachurch.

Considering that the national average is 10 percent, Las Vegas’ 29 percent is noteworthy — but so are at least six other cities that fall above that average. Here’s a ranking of the top seven cities, below:

Barna Group Releases the Most (and Least) Megachurch Oriented Cities in America

Photo Credit: Barna Group

It’s important to note that the level to which a city is “megachurch-oriented” has little to do with the level of faith and religion that is embraced within its boundaries. In fact, if you compare the “Bible-minded” cities to those listed above, you’ll find that none of the localities in the top seven for being megachurch-friendly are found among the most likely to adhere to and revere the Bible. Plainly stated: The two indicators are not mutually-exclusive.

Las Vegas, for instance, ranks number one for most “megachurch-oriented,” but it is 86th when it comes to being “Bible-minded.” And Orlando is 7th on the former list and 64th on the latter. Culture is, quite obviously, a factor that impacts city rankings in both lists.

(H/T: Christian Post)

–

Related:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (42)

  • pilgrim249
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 5:17pm

    God’s ways are not man’s ways.

    God chose Earth, a tiny speck in His vast universe, as the place where His creative beauty would be displayed, and as the place where the redemptive battle of the ages between good and evil would be fought.

    God chose Israel, the smallest of nations, as His chosen people, and as the very heartbeat of human history.

    God chose Bethlehem, “too small to be included in the cities of Judah”, as the birthplace of the Messiah; and out of that tiny village came forth the salvation: of Israel, of the entire world, of the entire universe.
    ——-
    In choosing the herald of the coming Messiah, the Lord did not place John the Baptist in the greatest temples, but in the desert, by the River Jordan.

    You will not find the true voice of God in expansive TV ministries or busy mega-churches—You will find it in loving fellowships lead by humble, faithful pastors.

    Report this comment

    pilgrim249  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 2:05pm

    Simply attending church services on Sunday will fail to get anyone back to the presence of the Father. Only those who follow Christ’s teachings seven days a week along with church attendance will qualify.

    Report this comment

    mcsledge  
  • ChrisDiamond
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:49am

    Christiaity is tax-free big business. In my experience, the smaller churches tend to do more with the tithes and gifts reveived (percentage wise) than the mega churches. I know of one up-and-coming church in my area where my friend was a deacon. According to my friend, they took in just over $4 million in 2011, and spent just over $16,000 on efforts to help people in the local area. They also did prison ministry and standard outreach, but this was volunteered time and cost almost nothing. They spent $39,000 on advertising, $1.5 million committed to building their bigger, luxurious church, and the rest to utility costs, phone service, internet service (hosting, web design and site maintenance) and the rest to salaries. My friend had an issue with the pastor making more than $150k per year, with a free house and a ‘company’ vehicle in the form of a loaded Lincoln Navigator. He flew 1st class and attended conferences all over the world (in such exotic locales as Fiji, Maui, Barbados, Acapulco) on the church’s dime to do ‘God’s good work’, and dressed like a Fortune 500 CEO.

    I know that not all churches are like that. I know not all pastors of successful churces are like that, but enough of them are to substantiate the claim that, generally speaking, churches are profit machines for the charismatic.

    Report this comment

    ChrisDiamond  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:57am

      It was similar in the church I had attended, Chris. Pastor living in a gated community. Got so big he “needed the security”. Extravegant decor and building design [unnecessary if your goal isn't about your image]. A few outreaches, but I would bet most of the income went to the church and pastoral staff. On top of that, they had an army of FREE workers who “volunteered their time” to keep the church going.

      I get it, though. In a world where it is hard to meet and make friends, these churches are a great way to make friends and contacts [business]. You have the typical clicks of “richer people”, . . . the “odd people, who are pushed together so others feel good that they are having christian fellowship”, . . . two Starbucks. . . .

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
    • ChrisDiamond
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:54pm

      @DEAVONREYE

      You know, my favorite story comes out of a different church. I heard from at least 15 people who went to the senior pastor (and owner of the corporation, 8 acres of prime land the church(es) sit on, the two facilities valued in excess of $30 million, and without a red cent of debt) for counseling or assistance… What they really needed to do was to believe in the LORD, and to make a show of that good faith in a $100-$250 ‘Seed of Faith’. This was, of course in addition to the tithing he preached about incessantly, and the encouragement to go above with a 15% offering as a half-sheckel. Oddly enough, about 10% of the 900-member congregation are multi-millionaires, and one of them bragged that he tithed 15% when he sold his company for $30 million, in addition to all his tithes he faithfully paid on his way up. I was there and heard that testimony.

      But yes, the place is a social club for people who want to associate with money, expand their businesses (networking is huge and pushed there… only do business with your brothers and sisters in church etc), and brag that they are members of the gargantuan church with walls built of rock imported from Israel (which you could sponsor, of course, and get your name plate put on the rock for just $XXX dollars each)… Meanwhile, they pay $100k a year to sponsor an orphanage overseas with 30 children in it. Things that make you go, “Hmm…”

      Report this comment

      ChrisDiamond  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 1:24pm

      I hear ya. It is BIG business, for sure. And I’m not sure about the churches you went to, but the one I ended my church going days at had a pastor who nearly MADE people do what he wanted [tithing, bible study, etc] by qualifying many of his sermons with, “…and if you are not doing these things, . . . you are probably not a christian…”. Something along those lines. He really enjoyed his power.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
  • donnell_las_vegas
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:34am

    I called Glenn’s show yesterday when he announced that there are certain ‘bible’ cities that should attract ‘like-minded’ Christians. Let me start with this: We are a Christian family. My husband and I are both USMC Veterans–God, Country, Corps, Family is how we live our life. We teach our kids values, character, love and compassion. Most of all, we teach them about FREEDOM and what that freedom means to this nation. When I called, I emphasized that our job as Christians is truly to SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST. We have some major churches in Las Vegas–life changing churches like Canyon Ridge (who recently brought Tebow here) and Central Christian. These are churches who devote much of their time reaching out to people who NEED and WANT a relationship with Jesus. Many think they are unworthy and many, if they walked into a Catholic church, would be ostracized. Our church is COME AS YOU ARE–emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Although a huge church, small groups are an essential part of the make up of our church. Our church offers classes and holds an event each week for those with addictions (12-step). Mega Churches ARE THE ANSWER to getting conservative and faith-based values out to the community. We are saved by grace through faith–we REALLY need to reach all those who seek a relationship with God. Godspeed and Glenn–come on to Vegas. It’s really NOT what you think it is. Godspeed and Psalm 144–especially to those serving in harm’s way.

    Report this comment

    donnell_las_vegas  
    • DissenterKnight
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:58am

      Preach it, sister!
      We are to be salt and light to the world. Salt, as a preservative, is useless unless its placed in direct contact with the meat it is meant to preserve! We must be among the world, but different.

      Report this comment

      DissenterKnight  
    • LVQT
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:50pm

      A big GF to ya, Donnell!! Good Post.

      Report this comment

      LVQT  
  • tckid17
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:13am

    Mega Churches are so big and they’re impersonal. People can attend and put on a good face like they are committed and following. They try to make it personal by having group leaders but it has a more cosmetic than actual feel. Kind of a non-commital committment.

    Report this comment

    tckid17  
    • Bikkiboo
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 1:24pm

      I joined a church like this. I was anonymous for awhile and went only on Sunday. I was drawn to the messages – they seemed to be just for me, so, I decided to join a small group and be active with the church’s library. I found that others felt that messages were just for them too. We had a truly gifted pastor, and I learned more about Christianity and my walk with the Lord in the 10 or so years I went there than I had in my whole life. When I moved away, I wished I could have packed the church with me. I tho’t this church might have been a cult at first too, since it had grown so fast, but I listened carefully and studied their materials and found their purposes more in line with the Bible than the main-stream churches I had been in. I wish I could go back there.

      Report this comment

      Bikkiboo  
  • L.B.Stephens
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:06am

    Most “Christian” church’s, be they large or small, teach the trinity doctrine and the immortality of the soul along with hell-fire torment.

    Are those teachings scripturally endorsed? Or are they teachings of men?

    Report this comment

    L.B.Stephens  
    • WhiteFang
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:32am

      L.B. Stephens,

      Jesus taught the truth to his disciples and he helped them to see and identify false teachings.
      He said in Mark 7:6-9; He said to them: “Isaiah aptly prophesied about ​YOU​ hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honor me with [their] lips, but their hearts are far removed from me.7It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.’8Letting go the commandment of God, ​YOU​ hold fast the tradition of men.”

      So, your questions: Are those teachings scripturally endorsed? Or are they teachings of men?

      They are definitely teachings of men!

      Report this comment

      WhiteFang  
    • donnell_las_vegas
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:56am

      We don’t learn that. We learn that if you accept Christ as your God and Savior, you are Saved by Grace through Faith. Easy as that.

      Report this comment

      donnell_las_vegas  
  • hi
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:31am

    The study makes me feel better that there are genuine Christians even in the most liberal cities. Our church is planting a church in Europe. I can’t wait to see what happens. They need Christ so badly there. I bet it grows quickly.

    Report this comment

    hi  
    • TheCalmOne
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:20am

      Why do you think it would grow quickly in Europe? They have been exposed to Christ for 2000 years and are just further down the track of letting him go than the US is. They used to have mega-churches in Europe a thousand years ago that were the embodiment of Christianity at the time. Cathedrals. Most of them are still there, of course, but they are often more tourist attractions nowadays than places of worship.

      Report this comment

      TheCalmOne  
    • donnell_las_vegas
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:55am

      You are 100% correct. I grew up in a strict Russian Orthodox (stricter than Catholic) household. I never read the Bible or applied Christ’s teachings. I’m still not anywhere near perfect, but this mega-church in Vegas has helped shaped my life and my children’s lives so that they are firm in their faith. Yes, even in Sin City. We have compassion and love for everyone here, regardless of their status or present situation. Hugs!

      Report this comment

      donnell_las_vegas  
  • YOURSENSEI
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:18am

    This is what you must know:

    Take it form a true genius.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN2_sjzVAd0

    It is so.

    Report this comment

    YOURSENSEI  
  • jnfomo
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:11am

    Megachurches or microchurches, all need to beware of the new ideological trend teaching replacement theology, progressive dispensationalism, or supersessionism. This old doctrine teaches that the Church has replaced God’s plan for Jerusalem, and rejects God’s Eternal promises to the House of Israel, which is essentially rejecting the Bible. It is frightening how widespread this doctrine is reaching with its anti-biblical principles.

    Report this comment

    jnfomo  
    • FSM_47
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:38am

      Largest churches in Albuquerque are Calvary Churches. They are organized to preach the words of the Bible.

      Report this comment

      FSM_47  
    • Yahtalmid
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:58am

      FSM_47 – Not true. They teach Chuck Smithism. Anyone who steps outside of that and actually teaches the Bible loses their dove.

      Report this comment

      Yahtalmid  
  • DeavonReye
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:08am

    I was one of the main bass players for the last church I attended [when I was questioning why I was even there. . . but remained because I still enjoyed the people and playing the music]. This was a few years ago. Three services on Sunday morning, . . . about ~8,000 people. I was already having issues with being there [hypocrisy], but the final reason I left was because one of the music dept. leaders told me, . . . “You play the music great, . . . but you need to move more. We can have someone train you in how to move when playing. If you can’t do that, we can’t use you in the main sanctuary.” I called the next day to have them take me off the roster and never went back.

    Having said that, . . . THAT wasn’t why I stopped being “a christian”. Just the “final straw”.

    Report this comment

    DeavonReye  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:21am

      …….the “final straw” in my church attendence, that is.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
    • Yahtalmid
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:26pm

      Just a reminder, Deavon. The church is not the Body. Not a single one of the modern ‘churches’ is mentioned in the Bible. They are more like country clubs than representatives of the Body of Christ. We can be believers without attending. Just take in His Words and do them, meaning the opposite of hypocrisy.

      I’ve had similar experiences with church and music teams. I play drums and guitar, and your description resonated with me. Some of the most ungodly behavior is exhibited by the people in front looking the most holy. Just don’t let them turn you off to God and His Word. He’s not the hypocrite.

      I thought this research was hilarious. It is obvious to me that the bigger the group the less “Bible minded” they are. They have to be. Truth is not comfortable, so they have to water it down to get big. I crack up whenever they are looking around for the Beast or the woman riding the Beast and look everywhere but the mirror.

      Report this comment

      Yahtalmid  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:45pm

      As I said, it wasn’t the church that “turned me off from god”. What did that was a relatively long term research on the topic of “why DO I believe this?” . . . and the evidence I uncovered that caused my “de-conversion”. Those thoughts were rattling around in my brain when I was active in that church, . . . and towards the end, I was detached from anything the pastor was trying to promote. I could see the error and fallacies in each service. There WAS a few nice things said, sure, but overall, I was already on the way out. Most of my research took place after that point in my life.

      The church denomination was Assemblies of God, BTW. They are about as “bible literal” as you can get. I could just see past their piousness.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
  • jman-6
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:29am

    A little honesty is in order here. The study should be called ‘The Emergent Church’[Laodicea] vs ‘The Church of Philadelphia.[True church]

    Report this comment

    jman-6  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:07am

    You hide out in a mega church…I like the smaller non-denominational. More involved. jimho

    Report this comment

    SamIamTwo  
  • whywonder
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:57am

    What happened to christians? I basically follow the sermon on the mount. I cannot believe that jesus died so we could all have a bunch of stuff made in china…prosperity gospel is not a philosphy, it is a lifestyle. Whether you like it or not we are our brothers keeper.

    Report this comment

    whywonder  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:32am

    As I recall that church started out with 12 disciples. But the point I was making was about modern American churches since that is what the article is about.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
  • media-bias-steals-elections
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:31am

    There is only one body of Christ? What is the purpose of this article, to deliver news about participation, speculate on the number of Christians, inspire new memberships, divide perceptions about once body of Christ into smaller weaker parts, or ignore the fact you can be part of the body but not attend a brick and mortar institution?

    Are we speculating on weakness or strength?

    Interesting story, thank you!

    Report this comment

    media-bias-steals-elections  
    • donnell_las_vegas
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:35pm

      I called the show yesterday (didn’t get on air, but did talk to the person taking the call) about cities that are ‘like-minded’ and bible-oriented. I wanted to emphasize that our job as Christians is to never settle in our current situation, regardless of the city we live in. We need to always find that ‘lost coin’ or that ‘lost son’ and bring them back to the Word of God. I just called to say that Mega Churches CAN be the answer to the Conservative values we need to deliver to our youth. I have 3 teenagers–they KNOW they are pro-life, pro-Constitution and pro-American (no apologies). Our mega church has helped shaped these values by exposing my children to not only worship music, but also to situations in Las Vegas that has made them see the bigger picture of connecting people with God. My concern: The message of faith-based values needs to be crystal clear and stronger. Sometimes these churches like to beat around the bush and not tell it as it is. For instance, voting. Some will say ‘vote your faith.’ That’s too obscure. They need to say, “this party X” supports pro life, “this party Y” doesn’t. I agree with you–just putting this information out there and not taking action on it, can be an Achilles heel. Blessings!

      Report this comment

      donnell_las_vegas  
  • RVTechNomad
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:27am

    Broad is the road that leads to salvation and most people will find it……not. The great harlot christian church system will keep growing but sudden judgement will come. “Come out of her, my people” is the call to the few. Is God calling you out? Then fear not, The Lord is with you.

    Father, have mercy on us today and lead us on the narrow path to you. Forgive us and feed us your true bread, the bread of life.

    Report this comment

    RVTechNomad  
  • DougHuffman
    Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:47am

    If there are mega-church places, are there micro-church areas. Long distance bicycle touring in the American South, I learned that the presence of a cross was a much better indication of a church than the sign or architecture. I saw obvious car-washes converted to ‘church’ by the erection of a cross.

    The congregation is the Body of Christ. Mega-churches pimp the congregation’s wallet.

    Report this comment

    DougHuffman  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:07am

      All churches start out as micro churches. Some grow, some don’t. If one church has huge growth over a couple of decades and becomes a “mega church” and one stays small, which one do you think the Holy Spirit is working in the most? You paint mega churches with far too wide of a brush.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • walnutportconservative
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:08am

      Funny you mention the cross. I attend a church which is quickly passing the 850 mark and when our new facility is completed (spring 2013) we will climb to mega status, just through curiosity. I noticed the cross was taken down from in front of the sanctuary to make way for a media screen. When I questioned it, I was admonished for even questioning the move. What I have experienced is major cost of administration, a wider spread congregation, but just because we are wide… are we deep?
      The mega church just seems questionable to this brother of the cross.
      We do have great leadership, and far be it from me to get in Gods way by questioning again. Those leaders are held to a higher accounability. And so I pray for them often, as we are instructed to do in the Word.
      The goal is to get the horse to the trough.

      Report this comment

      walnutportconservative  
    • DougHuffman
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:19am

      Gonzo, forever impeached, “All churches start out as micro churches.” Scilicet: the Roman Catholic Church. Better a broad tar-brush than a broad eraser of sense.

      Report this comment

      DougHuffman  
    • revron
      Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:53am

      WPC,
      I hear where you are coming from, but if removing the physical symbol of the cross is deemed offensive, does wearing a cross around my neck make me a committed Christian? I am more concerned whether or not the message of the cross is still being preached? Is the removal of the physical cross isolated, or symbolic of crossless christian teaching?

      Because something is big doesn’t make it bad. I wish I could impact more people. The question is why are they successful. Are they catering to the men’s demands for entertainment, or they successful because the Holy Spirit has anointed their efforts?

      Good and bad examples abound; Robert Morris is an example of success through anointing.

      Report this comment

      revron  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love