June 26, 2025

The Future of America’s Largest Churches: An Interview with Eric Geiger

30 minutes

The future of America’s largest churches (specifically megachurches—2,000+ weekly attendees) is a complex mix of momentum, innovation, and cultural headwinds. Eric Geiger from Mariners Church joins Sam on the show to discuss the reality facing large churches. Will they keep growing? Some will, but many are plateauing or entering slow decline.

What are the biggest challenges facing large churches today?

What is different now than in the 1990s and early 2000s when megachurch growth peaked?

Why do many large churches base their ministry strategies on charismatic leadership models?

How will the declining Baby Boomer population affect large church trends?

What is Mariners Church doing to prepare for the future?

Resources:

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Churchteams

Rooted

“Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link)

FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

Church Answers Central

The Hope Initiative

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By Thom Rainer

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