Dream City Church has developed into a highly adaptable organization that skillfully combines politics, religion, and volunteerism to create a brand that appeals to people outside of Arizona. Originally founded as the Phoenix First Assembly of God in 1923, it has evolved into a cultural icon that unites worshippers, public leaders, and celebrities under one roof. The sanctuary itself is unique in its ability to blend grandeur and intimacy, evoking the atmosphere of a sports arena or concert venue with its circular balconies and expansive capacity.
Dream City Church has greatly increased its influence in the last ten years. Attendance increased to more than 22,000 per week under the direction of Luke Barnett, who took over from his father Tommy Barnett in 2011. This increase was more than just a statistical achievement; it was a change in the way contemporary churches respond to evolving demands. Dream City has significantly expanded its reach by utilizing media, technology, and large campuses, effectively reaching both local communities and online audiences.
Its social mission was anchored by the Dream Center, which was established in 1994. Initially centered in Los Angeles, the outreach program has since spread to cities both domestically and overseas, providing disaster relief, food, housing, and addiction treatment. These initiatives have been incredibly successful in changing people’s lives and establishing the church as a center of compassionate action rather than just a place of worship. The Dream Center became a lifeline for families facing homelessness, addiction, or poverty because it was so effective at bringing together resources and volunteers to meet pressing needs.
Dream City Church – Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dream City Church (formerly Phoenix First Assembly of God) |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Founder | John Eiting |
| Location | 13613 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Denomination | Pentecostal, affiliated with Assemblies of God USA |
| Senior Pastor | Luke Barnett (since 2011) |
| Former Pastor | Tommy Barnett (1979–2011) |
| Weekly Attendance | Around 22,500 (2013) |
| Multi-Site Presence | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and additional campuses |
| Social Programs | Dream Center outreach, supporting homeless, addicted, and vulnerable |
| Notable Events | Trump rally 2020, ReAwaken America Tour, Celebration of Christmas shows |
| Website | https://www.dreamcitychurch.us |
The church’s political affiliations have also drawn attention in recent years. Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, organized a Donald Trump rally there during the 2020 pandemic. The event brought attention to the church’s unique role in fusing political theater with religious devotion, but it also caused controversy over health claims made about air purification systems that were later retracted. Dream City paid a particularly poignant tribute to Kirk after his untimely death in 2025. Pastors compared his short but significant life to that of Christ, and the sanctuary was crowded with people wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats—a scene eerily reminiscent of a prayer-infused campaign rally.
Pastor Luke Barnett and his father Tommy discussed Kirk’s bravery during that memorial service, highlighting the distinction between biblical sacrifice and contemporary activism. It was an instance that demonstrated how religious communities frequently conflate cultural commentary with spiritual leadership. The speeches served as both tributes and calls to action for many in attendance, inspiring them to carry out Kirk’s mission. Dream City is not the only place where politics and religion are combined, but its size makes the effects particularly long-lasting.
However, controversy is not the only thing that defines Dream City Church. With lavish sets, choirs, and drama, its yearly Celebration of Christmas production is one of Phoenix’s most attended events. Families go as part of their holiday custom, just like they might go to Disney or Broadway productions. The way the performances use spectacle to spread the gospel is especially creative; they attract audiences that might not otherwise enter a church. It represents an approach that, in comparison to conventional outreach techniques, has been noticeably quicker at bridging gaps between religious and secular audiences.
Dream City is unique because it can serve as a church, a public area, and a cultural influencer all at once. By striking a balance between tradition and adaptation, the Barnett family has created a legacy that feels remarkably adaptable. While Luke Barnett embraced new platforms, such as online streaming and political partnerships, Tommy Barnett, who was well-known for his fiery sermons, laid the groundwork. Like entertainment or political dynasties that transfer power over decades, the church’s growth has been remarkably stable due to this generational continuity.
Megachurches such as Dream City are laboratories of influence in the religious life of America. They work on social issues, experiment with media, and frequently become targets of criticism. However, they are especially powerful in influencing both public opinion and personal devotion because of their ability to organize thousands of people each week. With its political connections and outreach, Dream City is a prime example of this dual role in a way that is both remarkably similar to platforms driven by celebrities and distinctively rooted in religion.
The future of Dream City appears bright. The church is well-positioned to continue to be a major force thanks to its numerous campuses throughout Arizona, online services that reach audiences around the world, and outreach initiatives that are expanding abroad. It will probably remain a platform for the intersection of politics and spirituality in the years to come, as cultural discussions heat up. Its supporters find that this combination works incredibly well to give voice to those they believe are underrepresented. It challenges its detractors’ understanding of the boundaries between ideology and faith.
