ATLANTA — A Surge in Attendance at 2819 Church

Since Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell shifted his focus away from merely growing the congregation about three years ago, attendance at 2819 Church has exploded. Now, lines of young people snake outside the church, with some arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. to ensure they grab a spot for Sunday services.

The music—Christian rap and contemporary tunes—fills the air like it’s a lively block party, while volunteers, armed with megaphones, cheer on the now roughly 6,000 attendees each week, a dramatic rise from fewer than 200 in 2023. But once inside the sanctuary, the mood becomes more serious.

Many flock to 2819 to witness Mitchell’s engaging style and unvarnished preaching that directly addresses the Bible without holding back.

After his emotional prayers and songs often leave many in tears, Mitchell, dressed in an all-black outfit, moves around the stage, sometimes reflecting quietly or shedding tears before diving into his fiery sermon.

His messages, straightforward and filled with calls to worship God and improve one’s life, frequently go viral. A recent prayer gathering attracted far more attendees than could fit into State Farm Arena, leading some to fly in just to participate.

Mitchell’s preaching is dynamic; he cries, screams, strides across the stage, and gestures emphatically. He underscores the urgency of leading others to faith before they face death, or as he puts it, Christ’s imminent return.

“For me, it’s a matter of life or death,” he shared, likening preaching to the front lines of a battlefield. “There are souls at stake… It could be someone’s last chance to hear the gospel.”

Named after the Bible verse Matthew 28:19, which commands believers to “make disciples of all nations,” the church identifies as nondenominational and holds conservative theological views, like opposing abortion and advocating for traditional marriage.

The congregation’s growth has united diverse groups, chiefly young Black adults. This demographic’s presence stands out, particularly since individuals aged 18 to 24 in the U.S. are often less likely to identify as Christians or attend services, according to the Pew Research Center.

Sharp Sermons and Moving Worship

Warren Byrd, a scholar on rapidly growing churches, attributes their success to effective leadership and divine support. He describes Mitchell as someone who “speaks the language” and connects with youth in ways other pastors struggle to achieve.

Those attending the church feel Mitchell’s messages resonate deeply. He skillfully unpacks scripture and openly shares his own journey, which includes a background in drug dealing, funding abortions, and battling suicidal thoughts.

“I still feel a little sketchy, you know? A bit crazy,” confessed Mitchell, maintaining traces of his New York accent.

Many congregants desire more than just motivational talks; they appreciate Mitchell’s approach as a contrast to more comfortable, light-hearted preaching common in America.

“I preach without diluting it, without avoiding tough subjects,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of spiritual maturity and the need for Jesus to effectively deal with sin’s consequences.

“I think there’s a generation drawn to that authenticity and truth,” he noted. “As a result, we’re seeing lives fundamentally changed.”

Christian podcaster Megan Ashley, who brought friends back to faith, recounted how convincing they found him, with one stating, “I believe him.”

Donovan Logan, 23, pointed out that while harsher messages might hurt feelings, “that’s the purpose of church. If you’re not here to change, it may not be the place for you.”

Elijah McCord, 22, reflected on how Mitchell’s sermon on sin hit home in Atlanta and expressed appreciation for the pastor’s call to wait until marriage for intimacy.

“He discusses sin and repentance biblically, showing the hope of the gospel,” McCord said.

Many insiders believe the allure of 2819 extends beyond just Mitchell; it’s an entire worship experience.

As the congregation enters the dimly lit auditorium, they pass others mingling joyfully. Before the official start of what the church calls an assembly, prayers and spirited instrumentals fill the air, setting an emotionally charged atmosphere with raised hands and cries of praise.

“The worship is electric. The Holy Spirit feels so present, it’s tangible!” exclaimed 24-year-old Desirae Dominguez.

Mitchell Feels ‘Not Ready’ to Lead 2819

Mitchell, who spent a decade in preaching largely without success, eventually faced down depression. A transformative trip to Israel shifted his perspectives; there, he encountered God and other believers. In 2023, the church’s name was changed to 2819.

Steering his sermons around the book of Matthew, he believes God directed him to speak without pre-prepared notes. Even with a theological education, self-doubt sometimes creeps in due to his past.

“I’ve shed so many tears because I often feel unworthy,” he admitted. “If I were God, I wouldn’t have called me for this. Sometimes, I still can’t comprehend why my messages resonate.”

As he readies to preach, he thinks of those struggling with broken relationships and mental health, noting how they may not realize there’s a loving father waiting for them.

Outside the pulpit, Mitchell is more reserved, emphasizing that he and his staff exist to serve.

His online presence has brought unwanted scrutiny and occasional threats, with critics sometimes branding him as self-righteous or overly harsh. He publicly apologized earlier this year for remarks deemed insensitive regarding police brutality.

Criticism weighs on him at times, leaving him regretful. Yet, he finds solace in the idea that enduring such challenges deepens his understanding of Jesus.

Staff Constantly Adapting to Growth

Recently, the church secured a new building and opened a third school after outgrowing its initial venue. Early Sundays at the new site saw such high attendance that an additional gathering was spontaneously arranged.

The recent Access prayer event, which drew around 40,000 participants, overwhelmed the venue, packing State Farm Arena and a nearby convention center while leaving many outside.

“We’re always adjusting. Constantly fixing things,” noted Tajuana Phillips, the church’s ministry director.

According to Byrd, logistical hurdles like cramped parking and busy staff are common in fast-growing churches.

Amid all this, however, 2819 promotes community through small groups or “squads,” allowing roughly 1,700 people to engage with the sermon and support personal growth. Additionally, staff liaise with about 75,000 individuals weekly who tune into online services.

Long waits in line also foster new friendships, as Ashley Grimes, 35, shared how she formed bonds with many fellow believers she now considers family.

On Sundays, these new friends can be seen making their way to the auditorium as volunteers, dubbed servant leaders, pray in the pews before Mitchell speaks.

Recently, he reassured the crowd that no matter their past, they could lean on Jesus. It’s worked for him; he concluded, “God used my failures to transform my life.”