What Does the Term "Big Church" Mean?

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Every so often a news outlet runs a story on megchurches or "big churches." The word megachurch is more commonly used to describe this type of congregation, but either term applies to a church building capable of seating several thousand worshipers at a time.
What is a Big Church or Megachurch?

A megachurch is usually a large, non-denominational congregation that is led by a pastor.

How Many People Attend Sunday Services?

Megachurches often have more than 2,000 members of a congregation. Some congregations have nearly 20,000 members. The church buildings rival sports stadiums in size.
Megachurches in the United States

There are well over 1,000 such churches operating in the United States.
Who Has More Big Churches?

Non-denominational Protestant congregations make up the largest number of churches in the United States, but Evangelical big churches have narrowed the gap.
Famous Pastors of Megachurches

Rick Warren, author of "Purpose Driven Life," and Robert Shuler, host of the "Hour of Power," have conducted services inside their own megachurches.
Disadvantages of a Megachurch

It's not possible for a congregation of several thousand members to know each other as well as people who attend more traditional smaller churches.