My Experience at Eagle Brook Church, Minnesota's Only Gigachurch

Eagle Brook Went from Megachurch to Gigachurch and is Attracting Folks by the Thousands

Eagle Brook is the largest congregation in Minnesota, located in the community of Lino Lakes about 20 miles from St. Paul. The church has grown from a megachurch to a gigachurch, holding 10 services each weekend. The average attendance on any given weekend is 11,000 worshippers.

By definition, a megachurch is said to have a weekly attendance of at least 2,000 people. The newest term, gigachurch, is given to those churches with a weekly attendance of at least 10,000. The largest gigachurch in the nation - and perhaps the best known - is Houston's Lakewood Church, pastored by the Rev. Joel Osteen.

So what are these megachurches and gigachurches all about? Until recently, I had never attended even a megachurch; now I've experienced a gigachurch.

I had the opportunity to experience - yes, it was an experience - a service at Eagle Brook recently, and I found it absolutely amazing. The first thing I noticed was the diversity. Very few people were wearing suits and ties or Sunday dresses. Some folks arrived in expensive vehicles and others arrived by public transportation. Some came alone, while others came with friends or as families. It was obvious there were wealthy people and poor people, all sitting in close proximity and worshipping joyously together. There were men and women, young and old (which surprised me a bit), as well as individuals of all races and many cultures. Those who wanted to remain anonymous and not be singled out or identified as a visitor were able to do so. Those who wanted to be welcomed and welcoming of others found it very easy. The atmosphere was definitely inviting and warm, but in no way intrusive.

The Christian rock music was playing when I arrived, as people milled around or just sat and listened. Although there certainly were some elderly people in the congregation that day, my elderly mother probably speaks for many when she says the music was too loud and she didn't know the songs. But as it goes today, Christian rock music is crucial to the megachurch or gigachurch experience.