Philip Anthony Mitchell is the founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church in Atlanta, GA, the fastest-growing church in America. According to a recent magazine profile, they’ve gone from 200 congregants in 2023 to more than 6,000 today.
His church is notable for people arriving as early as 5:30 in the morning to secure a seat to hear the fiery preacher, who has made a name for himself as a firebrand who doesn’t shy away from preaching about sin, repentance, and the Great Commission. (His church is named after Matthew 28:19.)
Along with his duties as lead pastor, he also has a side project: the Street Preachers Podcast, which he does with Celebration Church pastor Tim Timberlake. According to the promo material:
Street Preachers is a raw, unfiltered podcast from Philip Anthony Mitchell and Tim Timberlake—two bold voices committed to making sure everyone hears the Gospel of Jesus. From street corners to stages, they bring truth with conviction, passion, and power—because revival doesn’t wait for a microphone. It starts wherever the Word is spoken.
To get the message out, they have taken their podcast on the road, hitting major cities throughout September and October with nearly sold-out live shows.
However, Mitchell and Timberlake have recently come under fire from critics for charging $69 for general admission and another $200 for VIP tickets, the latter of which includes reserved seating, a copy of their book, and a meet-and-greet. Some of the aggrieved are saying charging a fee to attend their show is akin to charging for the gospel, something the bible prohibits.
During his sermon today, which has since been deleted from their channels but of which we have a copy, Mitchell responded to his critics, calling them a “brood of vipers” and blasting them for their immaturity and financial illiteracy.
Mitchell begins by explaining that, first of all, the year before, they held an Access rally at State Farm Arena, which people attended for free and which cost them almost $2 million, and that they didn’t even take an offering. Furthermore, he announced that they are holding a similar rally on October 10 for 80,000 people, which will also be free and will likewise cost them millions.
Now, I also have a podcast I’ve never talked about on this platform because my podcast is separated from 2819. It is my own ministry outside of the church with my partner Tim Timberlake.
Now we have decided to go on a tour to take the gospel to cities and because that’s not funded by 2819, and it’s not funded by Celebration Church, Tim and I gotta do that with our own pockets. It’s why there is tickets. We have to pay for venues and security and productions and staff from our own pockets.
For all you ignorant people, and for all of you that want to tear me down in public for having a $60 ticket, and a VIP for me to,-all right-
Mitchell reveals that a miracle happened at one of their previous meetings after he prayed for healing for a baby boy, and then asked, “And you want to complain about a 60 ticket?”
So hate on! How do I respond to all of your hate and your ignorance? I pray for you and tattoo it to my heart. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven.’
If we was money men, we would charge you more than that! How do you expect us to put on a tour and get to these cities? Where are going to get the money from? That’s not funded by my church. We gotta come out of our own pocket to make it to these rooms. Brood of Vipers!
Editor’s note. Of course, Mitchell is completely justified in his frustration.
