Leadership Network has just released the results of a study of 232 pastors in megachurches around the United States (h/t John Meunier). Their criterion for being a megachurch is averaging more than 2,000 in worship. Since I’m in a megachurch now (even though we miss their average by about 150), I’m really interested in the results of the studies being released. Here are the basics.
- They think of themselves more as teachers and directional leaders than as pastors.
- Preaching tops the list of things they do best.
- They haven’t always worked in churches.
- Being an extrovert isn’t mandatory.
- Family stays at the top of their mind when it comes to prayers.
- They usually like the people they work with.
- They believe their top gift is leadership (77% of respondents reporting they have this gift). The second highest response is teaching (67%).
- They are actively involved in sports.
- They find worship at their church helpful for personal spiritual growth.
- They’re not thinking about quitting.
Top five magazines read by Senior Pastors of Megachurches:
Top five books recommended by Megachurch pastors (wow, I’ve read all of these…associate pastors in megachurches must all read the same books as their senior ministers. ha!)
- Simple Church by Thom Rainer
- Axiom by Bill Hybels
- The Reason for God by Tim Keller
- It by Craig Groeschel
- Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordiero
If you’re interested in these findings, I recommend you download the full study. It’s pretty good information for understanding today’s megachurch pastor. There is also a study of executive ministers in megachurches that is well worth a read.
See any surprises here?
mattjudkins.com 
Yea, I see a surprise. I was shocked that Blueprint for Discipleship wasn’t on the list of top five books that mega church pastors read… just kiddin’
On a serious note, I have only read the first of those five books… since you read the other four, would you recommend them?
Of the four, I highly recommend Tim Keller’s book. Keller is someone I really respect and admire.
Axiom is sort of leadership anecdotes by Hybels – not bad – borrow it and breeze through in an hour.
Cordiero’s book is about burnout in ministry – again, not bad, but it’s more of a situational read (i.e. read it if you’re about to burnout, and you’ll feel better about taking a vacation or a sabbatical).
Lastly, I want to preface this – I’m not a Craig Groeschel hater – I’m just not the biggest fan of his books. A few good thoughts here and there, but I wouldn’t buy it.
Even though you’ve read it, I might as well summarize the last one for anyone who hasn’t. Simple Church is good and challenging. Summary: church and discipleship are both complicated, but maybe they shouldn’t be so complicated, let’s simplify. It’s worth a read.
Matt – Thanks for taking the time to provide your evaluation of these four books… Based on your recommendation I am going to see if Bridwell has Keller’s book right now.