A popular church in Atlanta, USA, known as 2819 Church, has recorded a massive surge in both online and in-person followers, drawing widespread attention on social media.
According to a report by CNN, about 6,000 people attend the church’s Sunday services, with some congregants travelling up to 15 hours to be there.
The church’s digital footprint is even larger, with over 87 million viewers on YouTube and outreach spanning more than 50 countries.
On the platform, the church currently boasts over 1.5 million followers with just 492 videos.
2819 Church is led by Pastor Phillip Anthony Mitchell, whose ministry’s rapid growth has turned the church into a major social media phenomenon.
Speaking to the American broadcaster, Pastor Mitchell explained that the church’s name is drawn from Matthew 28:19.
The verse, according to the New International Version (NIV), reads:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
“2819 was taken from the scripture Matthew 28:19,” Mitchell said. “I think it is a revival happening in America and all over the world. People come here following a message of hope and encouragement.”
He added that the church is intentionally designed to be welcoming to everyone.
“We want to pray in an atmosphere that is not stuffy. Everybody can come from all walks of life and still feel comfortable,” Mitchell said.
CNN also spoke to several congregants who described the lengths they go to attend services.
One said, “I get up at 3:00am every Sunday.” Another described the long queues outside the church, saying, “We wait in line for other things in life, this is worth it. It is refreshing.”
Another congregant added, “It feels like family. When you get here, you feel the spirit. We drove from Ohio.”
Social media users have also weighed in on the church’s growing numbers.
Instagram user Jade Dovette wrote, “Nobody says anything when people line up in advance for concerts and product stores, but this is somehow unbelievable?”
Another user, Julia, commented, “It’s Jesus! That’s why people are queueing to be preached to.”