Why did you write this book?
[Scott] We wrote it to clear up the misunderstandings about what megachurches are, how they are a diverse phenomenon, and yet how they are distinctive from smaller congregations. Generally there has been too much talk about megachurches with too little reference to actual data and research about them.

[Dave] After answering lots of questions from people who are not part of megachurches, including reporters, church leaders, professors and the like, we decided to write a book based on research and observations that clarified the current state of megachurches. From what we've seen, the popular picture painted of megachurches in the press was wrong in many key areas. Our book is an attempt to clear up those "myths" that circulate about these churches.

These churches have profoundly influenced American religious life and yet there are almost no books written about the phenomenon as a whole. There are quite a number

What is new about your research?
Our research began when Leadership Network and the Hartford Institute for Religious Research at Hartford Seminary conducted national studies of megachurches in 2000 and again in 2005. This past year, for the book, Scott has analyzed the data in relation to what we know about churches of other sizes to see exactly how megachurches are different, as well as mining the 2000 and 2005 studies for new learnings. We anticipate completing additional national surveys in 2008 and 2010.

[Dave] The new research shows the diversity of the megachurch movement. These churches are not all alike. We subdivide the movement into four streams: Old Line/Program-based, Seeker, Charismatic/Pastor-centered, New Wave/Re-envisioned. These streams are descriptors based on the research and observation of the types of megachurches in existence today.

What are some of the big surprises about megachurches?
[Scott] I was quite intrigued to see such a large percentage (nearly two-thirds) of megachurches striving to be multi-ethnic and multi-racial. Another surprise was that, at a time when many church observers argue that younger generations have turned away from megachurch models, we found evidence of many young people engaged in these churches.

What can church leaders learn from your book?
[Scott] Many of the traits that affect the growth and prosperity of megachurches are really based in a different approach to contemporary ministry—an approach that can be incorporated into any size congregation.

[Dave] Leaders have to realize that small churches, medium-sized churches and megachurches are really different forms and organizations from one another. The type of leadership needed in each setting is quite varied. Megachurches are very intentional about the process of integrating people into their churches through many means: special classes, discovery sessions and the like to encourage people to connect. If you lead a small church, you must be deliberate in how you provide new options that will reach a new set of folks with the gospel.

Who is the book for and why should they read it?
[Dave and Scott] The book is for all persons interested in the megachurch phenomena. Megachurch leaders will profit from reading it because it helps them understand their own churches in a larger context. Leaders of smaller churches will enjoy reading it because it shows megachurch practices that are different from their own. Consultants, reporters and academic readers will see the important statistics and observations as critical to building their own frameworks and understandings of larger churches in the context of the entire American religious scene.

What's one thing you've learned from your experience with megachurches?
[Scott] One of the most basic and yet profoundly significant lessons from the