ATLANTA — A remarkable shift has occurred at 2819 Church in Atlanta, where attendance has surged dramatically under the leadership of Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell. Over the past three years, the congregation has grown from fewer than 200 members to approximately 6,000 weekly attendees. Lines of young adults now form outside the church, with some arriving as early as 05:30 to secure their place for Sunday services.
The atmosphere at 2819 Church is vibrant and energetic, characterized by Christian rap music and enthusiastic volunteers urging attendees to join in the worship experience. Inside the sanctuary, however, the tone shifts to one of seriousness and introspection. Many congregants are drawn to Mitchell’s passionate preaching style, which he describes as unfiltered and direct, emphasizing the importance of personal transformation through faith.
“It is life or death for me,” Mitchell stated, likening his preaching to the front lines of war. “There are souls that are hanging in the balance.”
The church’s name references Matthew 28:19, a verse calling believers to spread their faith globally. As a nondenominational and theologically conservative institution, 2819 Church holds traditional views on issues such as marriage and abortion. Its rapid growth appeals to a diverse demographic, primarily comprising young Black adults, even as research from the Pew Research Center indicates that Americans aged 18 to 24 are generally less likely to identify as Christian or attend services.
Mitchell’s ability to connect with younger generations is attributed to his authenticity and willingness to share his own life experiences, including past struggles with drug use and mental health. He aims to address deeper spiritual issues, providing a counter-narrative to more generic, feel-good sermons.
“I’m still a little rough around the edges,” Mitchell admitted. His candid approach resonates with attendees who appreciate his genuine engagement with difficult topics. Churchgoers like Donovan Logan, 23, express a desire for sermons that challenge them rather than simply uplift. “If you don’t come to church and want to change, then that’s not the church you’re supposed to be going to,” he said.
The worship experience at 2819 extends beyond the messages delivered by Mitchell. Attendees describe the ambiance as transformative, with powerful music and a palpable sense of community. As congregants enter the darkened sanctuary, they are welcomed by dancing greeters and vibrant instrumental music, setting the stage for a deeply engaging service.
Mitchell’s journey to leading a thriving church was not without challenges. After spending a decade in ministry, he struggled with depression and eventually underwent a profound transformation during a trip to Israel. He changed the church’s name to 2819 in 2023 and has since focused on preaching spontaneously without prepared notes, a shift he believes fosters a more genuine connection with his audience.
Despite his success, Mitchell often grapples with feelings of inadequacy. “I shed a lot of tears because I feel often ill-equipped, undeserving,” he reflected. He remains committed to addressing the real-life struggles of his congregation, considering the various challenges they face.
As the church’s attendance continues to grow, logistical challenges have emerged. Recently, 2819 moved into a larger venue after outgrowing their previous location. For their first two Sundays at the new site, the church had to add an additional service due to overwhelming turnout. During an October prayer event, an estimated 40,000 people attended, exceeding the capacity of the State Farm Arena and a nearby overflow venue.
“We’re constantly tinkering. We’re constantly fixing things,” said Tatjuana Phillips, the church’s ministries director, emphasizing the ongoing adjustments made to accommodate growth.
In addition to large gatherings, the church fosters community through smaller groups known as “squads,” which provide a space for approximately 1,700 attendees to discuss sermons and support one another’s spiritual journeys. The church also maintains a significant online presence, engaging with around 75,000 viewers weekly.
As they wait in line for services, many congregants express that the connections formed at 2819 are as valuable as the sermons themselves. Ashley Grimes, 35, shared her experience of meeting numerous fellow believers in the queues, marking the beginning of lasting friendships.
On a recent Sunday, Mitchell reminded attendees that forgiveness and redemption are always available through faith: “God used failure to transform my life.” His message resonates deeply, reflecting the transformative power of community and belief at 2819 Church.
