Young Adults are Waiting in Line to Worship at This Fast-Growing Atlanta hurch

December 9, 2025

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell's Atlanta church, 2819 Church, has experienced explosive growth over the past three years, expanding from fewer than 200 attendees in 2023 to approximately 6,000 weekly worshippers. The nondenominational, theologically conservative congregation attracts predominantly young Black adults with Mitchell's raw, unfiltered preaching style that emphasizes biblical teaching without sugarcoating difficult topics about sin and repentance. Mitchell, who openly shares his past struggles with drug dealing and suicide attempts, delivers intense sermons without prepared notes, creating an emotionally charged worship experience that resonates particularly with younger generations seeking authenticity.

Who is affected

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell and his family (subject to public criticism and threats)
Approximately 6,000 weekly in-person churchgoers at 2819 Church
About 75,000 people who watch gatherings online weekly
About 1,700 people participating in small groups called "squads"
Predominantly young Black adults in the congregation
Church staff and volunteers managing rapid growth
An estimated 40,000 people who attended the Access prayer event
Specific individuals mentioned: Megan Ashley (Christian podcaster), Donovan Logan (23), Elijah McCord (22), Desirae Dominguez (24), Ashley Grimes (35), and Tatjuana Phillips (ministries director)

What action is being taken

Mitchell is preaching through the Book of Matthew without prepared notes onstage
The church is holding multiple Sunday gatherings (currently three regular services, with a fourth added when needed)
Staff and volunteers are managing logistical challenges including parking and crowd control
About 1,700 people are participating in small groups ("squads") to discuss sermons and support personal growth
Staff are engaging with approximately 75,000 weekly online viewers
Volunteers called "servant leaders" are praying over each seat before services
The church is "constantly tinkering" and "constantly fixing things" to address growth challenges

Why it matters

This story is significant because it demonstrates a counter-trend to declining religious participation among young adults in America. While Pew Research Center data shows that Americans ages 18-24 are less likely than older adults to identify as Christian or regularly attend religious services, 2819 Church is successfully attracting thousands of predominantly young Black adults through authentic, uncompromising biblical teaching. The church's growth suggests there is substantial demand among younger generations for direct, challenging religious messages rather than "feel-good" motivational preaching, potentially offering insights for other religious organizations struggling to connect with younger demographics.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint