By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
America’s megachurches are experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with millions of worshipers returning to church each week and many congregations reporting stronger attendance, increased giving and renewed optimism about the future.
A new report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research found that approximately 1,850 megachurches across the United States now welcome an estimated 10 million worshipers on a typical weekend—representing about one in every six Protestant churchgoers.
The study, based on surveys of 589 large Protestant congregations conducted in 2025, found that 67% of megachurches now report attendance above pre-pandemic levels. In addition, 84% said their congregations are stronger than they were before COVID-19, while 86% described their churches as thriving and expressed confidence about the future.
Researchers say many churches have rebounded by emphasizing discipleship, leadership development, digital ministry and community outreach.
“During the pandemic there was considerable speculation that large churches had permanently lost momentum,” said researcher Scott Thumma. “Instead, we found that most megachurches have demonstrated remarkable resilience.”
The report also found that financial giving has increased significantly. Median annual income among megachurches climbed from $5.3 million in 2019 to $7.4 million, outpacing inflation.
Researcher Warren Bird said America’s largest churches continue to serve as centers of innovation, often pioneering ministry strategies that later spread to congregations nationwide.
For many church leaders, the findings offer encouraging evidence that faith communities have not only recovered from the challenges of the pandemic but are entering a new season of growth, outreach and spiritual renewal.