ABSTRACT

Examining the structure of megachurch worship services and reports from church members about what they find compelling about their churches, this chapter explores how megachurch rituals generate and maintain high levels of emotional energy within participants. The megachurch ritual cycle shows how each element of the church organization contributes to the collective effervescent energy that speaks directly to participants' desire for transformation, assurance, and community and is pivotal for the success of the megachurch model.