Rick Warren's church needs more money, parishioners say 'amen'

The profitable industry of saving souls has apparently hit a speed bump. Pastor Rick Warren of the megachurch, Saddleback, sent out an urgent letter this week to all of the 22,000 members that $900,000 was needed to balance the budget. Citing lower contributions due to the economy, he has requested that the shortfall be addressed this weekend and reportedly the members have lined up to help.

Saddleback isn't the only megachurch able to raise money. Featuring huge stages, rock bands, jumbotron screens, buckets of and oodles of money, as well as the enormity of other facilities, pastor personalities and income -- over $8.5 billion a year all told -- these churches are impressive forces flourishing at staggering rates.