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

Jun 26, 2025

Eric Geiger, lead pastor at Mariners Church and author of 'Simple Church,' dives into the evolving landscape of megachurches. He discusses the challenges they face, including changing demographics and shifting spiritual expectations among congregants. Geiger highlights the risks of charismatic leadership, urging a more collaborative approach to ministry. He also shares insights on Mariners Church's innovative strategies to engage with their community and adapt to future trends, emphasizing the importance of meaningful transformation in congregational life.

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ANECDOTE

Anonymity Challenge at Mariners

Mariners Church benefits from being well known and feels safe for newcomers to visit anonymously.
The challenge is encouraging those visitors to move from anonymity into community involvement and relationship building.

INSIGHT

Teaching Shifts Across Generations

Therefore, megachurch teaching that once attracted baby boomers with practical life tips now doesn't resonate with millennials and Gen Z.
Today's younger generations want straightforward scripture teaching, not watered-down life hacks.

INSIGHT

Risk of Charismatic Leadership Model

Churches built around a single charismatic leader are frail long-term because they rely on one person's gifting.
Strong churches instead develop systems and communities of gifted people, equipping many to lead and serve.

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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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