No Responses to “Megachurches: Is Bigger Always Better?”

1. Dr. Michael L Brown
   April 5th, 2008 @ 12:18 pm

   On today’s show, we’ll tackle the subject of megachurches — in many ways, the polar opposite of the house church movement, and often disdained by those in the house church movement.

   Without a doubt, there are some problems associated with megachurches, and without a doubt, there is much good that comes out of megachurces. (The same can be said in terms of good and bad coming out of house churches and other church movements.) Some of my very good friends are megachurch pastors, and it really seems that it’s the Lord who has given them growth. And then there are other things that I see in some megachurches that grieve my spirit deeply.

   Today, we’ll try to identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of the megachurch movement. I invite you to join in the discussion here, and I encourage you to be as constructive as possible. If we tear something down, let’s be sure to build up something better.

2. genevieve La Boissonniere
   April 7th, 2008 @ 12:00 pm

   In trying to honestly identify some of the strenghs and weaknesses of the magachurch movement, I will hope to garde against be critical. My question is : As the magachurch build a Tower or a Altar? I believe some have build a Tower to themselves, as the men of Babel! but God saw that with this attitude they would become too dependent upon themselves and their own resources and abilities. In contrast, Abraham build an altar to honor God, to worship Him, and to give Him offerings. God didn’t honor and bless the men of Babel, but Abraham the man who was willing to walk by faith. Abraham wasn’t concerned with recognition, landmarks, or possessions, he humbled himself and dedicated his life to serving God, and he realized that everything was a gift from Him. The question for some megachurch should be: Who are you trying to be like? the men of Babel? or Abraham? walk not by sight, but faith, don’t seek to build monuments to yourself, but make your life an altar. As followers of Jesus Christ, those of us and specialy those in leardership, need to recognize that big buildings means nothing if the presence of God is not there, rather we are to offer everything to God, to worship Him, and to Seek first His Kingdom. Shalom. Genevieve.

3. Matthew Whitney
   April 9th, 2008 @ 4:58 pm

   I have been part of small churches (church plants and established churches) and had the privilege of being part of some of the largest churches in America that are in Atlanta, GA. I now go to a church in Cary, NC that has about 8000 in attendance. My family has been involved in home groups at every church we have been part of. The best church experience I have had has been at the larger church that has a strong emphasis on home groups. I have seen that most small churches stay small not because they are more committed or holy. I found that they stay small because of unhealthy patterns and people. It doesn’t matter if you have a strong leader. A church with unhealthy patterns and people will never grow until those patterns and people are corrected. This is very difficult because there is rarely anyone who has the authority to correct in a small church. If the negative behavior or pattern has been consistent in the church for at least a year, the problem is with the leadership. If the leadership is unwilling to be corrected and to correct they will never move the church beyond their current size. I believe that this is the mercy of God for the leaders and the community that this church seeks to serve.

   Being overly critical of mega churches is just another form of class envy. The virtuous church goer doesn’t need all of the bells and whistles of the mega church. Their self-righteous envy helps them to overcome the reality of their testimony (no people coming to Christ, the Kingdom of God not expanding, etc.). There is nothing wrong with wanting to worship in a place that I feel is safe for my children and will encourage me to not be just a Sunday morning Christian. Have you small church goers ever considered that 3-4 hour services (don’t get me wrong I love a long service where God shows up) reinforces a “Sunday Christian” mentality more than a mega church that has an hour service but a home group meeting that lasts 2-3 hours? I think you model what you really believe. I believe in the anointing of God and the move of the Spirit. But aren’t a lot of the long drawn out services a product of lack of planning and unfocused preaching. A prepared preacher is a mighty tool in the hand of God!

   Mega churches are a blessing and should not be disparaged so that others can feel better about themselves.

4. Marcus French
   April 9th, 2008 @ 10:22 pm

   Matthew,

   I would agree that churches in general need to be growing, but isn’t there a place for small or house churches as well? Is growth really a good measuring stick to use when judging a church’s health?

5. Matthew
   April 9th, 2008 @ 11:27 pm

   In response to any house church or mega church, let’s look at what Scripture shows us, especially in Israel’s history particularly after their Exodus from Egypt…

   The largest congregation we can say without a doubt was Israel (over 3 million in their meetings!). If any congregation saw signs and wonders it was Israel. If anyone had an incredible praise service it was Israel (imagine Miriam and the women with the tambourines dancing and praising God as they crossed the Red Sea!). And how about the leadership – Moses, a man who spoke with God face to face and was an oracle of God to Israel, speaking His words with authority. Yet, in the midst of all of this – very few from that particular generation made it into the Promised Land.

   It can be very easy to judge a church by its numbers. Or even by the miracles. Or even by the sermons that are preached on Sunday. Now all of these are necessary and great, but there is more. We have to ask ourselves what moves the heart of God? What is HE looking for when He sees His people? I believe it’s found in the very roots seen in Genesis as to why He even created man to begin with. To be in HIS image and His likeness – loving Him, and being a reflection of who He is, bearing His character and life. If that is the desire of the believers meeting in a house church or mega church, then keep on keeping on! Wisdom is justified by her children. And a tree is known by its fruit.

6. Matthew Whitney
   April 14th, 2008 @ 6:01 pm

   I agree that there is a place for small churches. I just don’t believe that not being a mega church should be a badge of honor and holiness. The size and growth of your church should be related to the growth and size of your community. If you are in a booming metropolitan area and aren’t experiencing any growth, you should probably step back and take a good look in the mirror. I would also ask whether you have a vision for planting churches.

7. Daniel C.
   May 5th, 2008 @ 11:41 pm

   Matthew said: This is very difficult because there is rarely anyone who has the authority to correct in a small church

   That definitely sounds like the statement spoken out of ignorance rather than actual knowledge. I can easily say the contrary about mega churches, after all many of the mega churches are run by pastors who submit to a board of friends and in some cases relatives. I think it was Jimmy Swaggart who before his fall had himself, his wife, his son and another friend as the board in charge of his ministry. Many times in these megachurches no one can even dare question a pastor’s decision much less correct them. After all look how good of a job they did in growing the church, surely there is no need to question there authority. In the same breath, I am sure there are some megachurch leaders with great accountability structure in place who are very very open to correction and constructive criticism. Matthew I don’t know what kind of negative experience you have had in a small church, but God has His place for everyone. My experience is the complete opposite of yours, I started in a huge church but my best experiences have been in small churches and small home groups.

   -Daniel

8. Jabez Hart
   July 16th, 2008 @ 4:19 am

   Whever two or three (or thousands) are gathered in my Name, there am I in their midst. Ecclesia is always an abiding reality.

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