As traditional denominations hemorrhage members (e.g., Southern Baptists down ~3M since 2006; mainlines halved or worse), non‑denominational evangelical churches with vague brands and warehouse venues surge. These congregations center on charismatic leaders and flexible identities, operating more like influencer franchises than accountable institutions. The model scales fast but weakens oversight, doctrine coherence, and inter‑church governance.
— It reframes U.S. secularization as institutional erosion replaced by personality‑driven religion, mirroring broader shifts from formal bodies to influencers in politics, media, and civic life.
Joel Kotkin
2025.10.15
40% relevant
The article argues progressive mainline Protestant bodies (e.g., Episcopalians, Presbyterians, UCC) are in steep decline while religious energy shifts toward more conservative expressions among youth; this aligns with the trend of legacy denominations losing ground to more dynamic forms of Christian practice.
2025.10.13
72% relevant
Apollo Quiboloy runs a personality‑centric, media‑amplified megachurch that operates outside traditional denominational accountability, mirroring the rise of influencer‑led religious brands the idea describes.
Tyler Cowen
2025.09.09
65% relevant
The 'AI Bible' YouTube channel functions as an influencer‑driven religious brand using AI visuals to tell scripture, aligning with the shift from denominational authority to personality/platform‑based ministry.
2025.09.01
100% relevant
Burge’s data on sharp denominational declines alongside the visible proliferation of non‑denom churches in strip‑malls with brand names like 'Ascend,' 'Journey,' and 'Village.'