The 2819 Church, which is located right near Greenbriar Mall, is growing in not only name recognition but visitors as well: On any given Sunday, attendees’ parked cars fill not only the church’s parking area but portions of Greenbriar Mall’s parking lot down the street as well.
Lines are common. So are white tees, fitted caps, Jordan sneakers, skinny jeans, and bonnets. At this church, come as you are means just that.
And that flexibility appeals to many of the young people who regularly visit the church, along with the sermons delivered by Pastor Phillip Anthony Mitchell, a passionate orator who himself has become an Internet sensation due to virtually every video posted by the church going viral: One of Rev. Mitchell’s video sermons, titled “Wisdom & Wonder-Going Through Storms”, included below, has amassed over 3.4 million views on YouTube.
The church draws its name from Scripture, specifically Matthew 28:19 (NIV) which states: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
The sound, energy, and laid back vibe at 2819 has drawn comparisons to a big weekly rap concert or indoor block party. That may be an accurate description since the volume of younger people who fill the church’s interior for each and every service attests to the fact that, unlike many churches, this one has found a way to connect with youth in a profound way, one that not only inspires them to watch the church’s services on YouTube but actually motivates them to come to fellowship–some only hours after they’ve left the club.
But some have criticized the church, which is viewed as theologically conservative. Some have said the church feels theatrical and carries the aura of a reality TV show.
Others have gone so far as to accuse the church of maintaining a cult-like atmosphere.
Pastor Mitchell, who himself was a troubled teen growing up in New York City, faced backlash last year when in an April sermon he urged Black parents, in response to police shootings of Black youth, to “Stop blaming white cops for the killing of black kids!”, adding, “Instead, teach your black children to be obedient towards authority!” The backlash and response by many in the community was swift.
The pastor would end up apologizing for his comments, acknowledging his own past and saying he knew his comments were “hurtful” to many in the Black community.
In 2026, the church continues its growth with attendance regularly topping 6,000 visitors, according to reports. And the church has been credited with drawing many younger Black people back to church even as polling shows people who are under 40 years old have been attending church at near-historic lows.