The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

The dramatic population growth of the East Valley has been mirrored by the expansion of a new type of church, dubbed by some "Mega-Churches." These large, mostly Protestant churches include features and conveniences not often found in smaller-scale, traditional congregations and are a noted development in the Phoenix area. Often serving brand-new suburbs and communities, these churches sometimes tend to view their members as customers in larger spiritual marketplace.

The group that eventually became the Living Word Bible Church first began meeting in Apache Junction in the far East Valley, with a membership of 80. Within a year the church tripled in size and relocated; a year later membership size doubled and the church moved again, this time into Mesa. The church continued to expand and moved to a new, purpose-built church in 2001.

Activities and Schedule

The church sponsors a full program of services, geared for specific groups. For times of weekly services, please refer to the website, http://www.Living-Word.com. There are special services for High School and Junior High students, and for elementary schoolchildren. There are weekly meetings for Women's Bible Study Groups and Men's Bible Study Groups as well as special programs for marriage counseling and parenting.

Every Sunday morning the church stages "King's Kids," a special children's program that takes place in a castle-themed dome modeled after "Main Street" in Disneyland.

Description

The church occupies an 82,000 square foot facility divided into three domes and joined by a massive foyer. One dome contains a 2,000 seat sanctuary while a second is designed as a children's themepark. In addition, there is a gymnasium, bookstore, coffee shop, and broadcasting center.

According to Robyn Richardson of Living Word, in November 2006 the church will host the 'Faith Explosion 2006 Conference', celebrating 20 years of Living Word Bible Church.