Details about this story

• Source: New York Times
• Date: November 23, 2007
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: Diana B. Henriques , Andrew Lehren
• Topics: Business , Religion
• Data Types: Federal Data
• Description/Excerpt: Among the nation’s so-called megachurches — those usually Protestant congregations with average weekly attendance of 2,000 or more - ChangePoint’s appetite for expansion into many kinds of businesses is hardly unique. An analysis by The New York Times of the online public records of just over 1,300 of these giant churches shows that their business interests are as varied as basketball schools, aviation subsidiaries, investment partnerships and a limousine service. At least 10 own and operate shopping centers, and some financially formidable congregations are adding residential developments to their holdings. In one such elaborate project, LifeBridge Christian Church, near Longmont, Colo., plans a 313-acre development of upscale homes, retail and office space, a sports arena, housing for the elderly and church buildings.
• Database or Graphic: Go to site (html)