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 