Megachurches Offer Community, Hope, and a New Way to Worship

A nonbeliever explores the rise of large, contemporary Protestant congregations in Des Moines

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:10am

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A journalist embarks on a 'pilgrimage' to several megachurches in the Des Moines area, exploring why these large, contemporary Protestant congregations are drawing crowds, especially among younger generations. Through conversations with pastors and congregants, he discovers that megachurches offer a sense of community, a message of hope, and a vibrant, music-driven worship experience that appeals to those seeking a different kind of church experience.

Why it matters

Megachurches represent a significant shift in how many Americans, particularly younger generations, are engaging with religion and spirituality. Their rise speaks to a desire for a more dynamic, immersive, and community-oriented approach to faith that contrasts with traditional church models. Understanding the appeal and impact of megachurches provides insight into evolving religious and cultural trends.

The details

The journalist visits three prominent megachurches in the Des Moines area: Lutheran Church of Hope, Reach Church, and New City Church. He observes their modern, amenity-filled facilities, high-energy worship services featuring live music and multimedia, and the churches' emphasis on building community, providing social services, and welcoming diverse congregants. Pastors explain how megachurches are attracting younger people seeking a more relatable, less judgmental approach to faith and spirituality.

  • The journalist attends a funeral service at Lutheran Church of Hope on an unspecified date.
  • He later meets with Lutheran Church of Hope's Lead Pastor Jeremy Johnson during the week.
  • The journalist visits Reach Church and speaks with Pastor Cullen Allen on an unspecified Sunday.
  • The journalist visits New City Church and speaks with congregant Terry Pauley on an unspecified Sunday.

The players

Mike Housholder

The senior pastor at Lutheran Church of Hope who delivers a sermon incorporating sports and current event references.

Jeremy Johnson

The lead pastor at Lutheran Church of Hope who discusses the church's rapid growth and appeal to younger generations.

Cullen Allen

The pastor at Reach Church who explains the church's shift in focus to reach the 'disconnected' in the city of Des Moines.

Terry Pauley

A congregant at New City Church who has attended the church for 6-8 years and discusses its welcoming, diverse community.

Claudette 'Deenie' Little

A minister at New City Church who preaches a sermon on 'uncommon unity' during the journalist's visit.

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What they’re saying

“Who's going to walk along side of you in the depth of despair? We do mission to tell others that Jesus will walk with you … You were made for compassion. You were made to have compassion for people who are broken. You were made for a life of caring. The legal immigrant and refugee needs someone to walk alongside them with compassion.”

— Mike Housholder, Senior Pastor, Lutheran Church of Hope

“For starters, I think people are exhausted from being judged by performance and comparison. And I think people are looking and they're searching and they're finding that Jesus doesn't compare you based on everybody else.”

— Jeremy Johnson, Lead Pastor, Lutheran Church of Hope

“Because of that truth of Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead, we have healing … we have freedom … we have blessing … we have abundance … we have wholeness … we have favor … we have prosperity … we have strength … we have protection … we have his presence … we have direction … we have peace … and we could go on and on and on and on.”

— Cullen Allen, Pastor, Reach Church

“We're not trying to reach people who have it all together in life. If you feel like you're hurting or you're struggling, hey, this is the place for you. We all struggle. So we're not looking for perfect people. We're looking for people who want hope.”

— Cullen Allen, Pastor, Reach Church

“I think with everything going on in the world, people are longing to find some kind of hope. People are turning to faith and coming together. All the preachers are good here. And it is those churches that are open and friendly to all types of people that are going to succeed. That is what this church is.”

— Terry Pauley, Congregant, New City Church

The takeaway

The rise of megachurches in Des Moines reflects a broader shift in how many Americans, especially younger generations, are seeking community, meaning, and spiritual fulfillment. These large, contemporary congregations offer an alternative to traditional church models, providing a more immersive, music-driven worship experience and a focus on social services and outreach. While the journalist remains a nonbeliever, he is struck by the sense of warmth, acceptance, and purpose that draw people to these megachurches, suggesting they are meeting a real need in their communities.