Failing churches revitalized as megachurch outposts

PELHAM, Ala. (RNS) Five years ago, Living Word Church had dwindled to 40
members, had lost its founding pastor and was unable to pack more than
about 80 people into its 280-seat sanctuary and unsure of the future.
Now, it's part of one of the nation's largest megachurches -- and
could serve as a model for the thousands of small U.S. churches that are
closed every year.

"The story's pretty amazing," said the Rev. Layne Schranz, associate
pastor at Church of the Highlands, a Birmingham megachurch that attracts
an average of more than 13,500 across its six campuses.

After the merger, teams from Church of the Highlands spent six weeks
renovating the building, expanding parking and adding technology for its
heavy emphasis on video feeds. Highlands then sent a worship team to
lead weekly services at what was now the megachurch's Riverchase campus.
Video feeds of Pastor Chris Hodges' sermons were beamed in from the
main campus while a worship team led songs and prayers live.