According to the findings, widely held beliefs about such churches “could not be farther from the truth.”

“I am absolutely convinced that megachurches have blossomed, at least in part, because they have responded creatively to the new needs and interests of people in a new cultural reality,” said Scott Thumma, Professor of Sociology of Religion at Hartford Seminary, who led the project. “There is much to learn from megachurches—and it isn’t all about being big.”

Researchers also noted that the megachurch trend is continuing to grow, with many denominationally-affiliated churches rapidly growing over time.

“The increased numbers of megachurches we found is shocking, and it seems there are many more on the way,” they wrote. “We see no indication of this trend slowing.”