How to build a mega-church: 10 tips from the pastors

by Todd Hebert

Mega-churches are big business, no question about it. But, how does one go about building a church with thousands of members? Here are tips straight from the pastors of the 10 largest mega-churches in America.

1. Tell Jokes
Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church (Houston Texas).
Average weekly attendance: 43,500*

2. Be extremely humble, or at least pretend to be
Ed Young Sr. of Second Baptist Church (Houston, Texas)
Average weekly attendance: 23,659

3. Use comic props
Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church (Alpharetta, Georgia)
Average weekly attendance: 22,557

4. Be pals with Bono
Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church (South Barrington, Illinois)
Average weekly attendance: 22,500

5. Cohort with the devil
Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.tv (Edmond, Oklahoma)
Average weekly attendance: 20,823

6. Make it a rock concert
Charles Blake of West Angeles Church in Christ (Los Angeles, Caliornia)
Average weekly attendance: 20,000

7. Cartoons and rope swinging
Ed Young Jr. of Fellowship Church (Grapevine, Texas)
Average weekly attendance: 19,913

8. Be so sincere, it almost hurts
Rick Warren of Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, California)
Average weekly attendance: 19,414

9. Try to appeal to the youth
Bob Coy of Cavalry Chapel (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Average weekly attendance: 18,000

10. Add an “ah” syllable to every word for emphasis. i.e: God-ah, Jesus-ah
T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House (Dallas, Texas)
Average weekly attendance: 17,000

*Attendence numbers according to Outreach Magazine’s 2008 list of the top 100 largest churches in America.

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April 10, 2009 at 9:35 pm

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pst Ben Raph September 21, 2009 at 5:14 am

thank GOD for the life the ministers who yielded lives to God. We here in nigeria will also like to populate heaven and depopulate hell with God on our side and supports from people like you by sending matterials that will enhance our performance. Thanks and remain raptureable.
Pst.BENJAMIN RAPH ENI.

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pastor bright nudoakor July 26, 2010 at 5:36 am

i like what God is dONG the live of the man of GOD.I WILL LIKE TO RECIEVE MORE TEACHING OF HOW TO BUILD MY CHURCH

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