Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Over 1 Million Served - What to make of the Mega Church?
I just watched the movie Jesus Camp. That's worthy of a whole entire post on its own, and I'll get to that another day...but one thing that stood out for me is the whole issue of the Mega Church.
In general, churches throughout North America are struggling. Attendance is declining. Financial viability is shaky.
And then there is the mega church.
It stands in stark contrast to all of the above - huge arena like settings attracting masses of people with professionally turned out worship services and celebrity pastors with rock star like status. And it doesn't stop at Sunday worship - most mega churches also offer a full slate of social activities.
The attraction seems logical - get a professionally packaged Christian experience, on demand. So, what's wrong with that?
Well, it's kinda the Christian equivalent of ordering "the happy meal" at McDonalds. You can just show up and order. The friendly staff will be there to serve you, no worries that somebody may have to actually get involved in running a ministry - that's what we pay for - right? And if you don't show up, who's gonna notice? You think the pastor's gonna know who YOU are...he's got 1,000 people in the audience and a book signing to get to after the service...
Yeah, I'm a bit cynical on the whole mega church...but whadda YOU think?
In general, churches throughout North America are struggling. Attendance is declining. Financial viability is shaky.
And then there is the mega church.
It stands in stark contrast to all of the above - huge arena like settings attracting masses of people with professionally turned out worship services and celebrity pastors with rock star like status. And it doesn't stop at Sunday worship - most mega churches also offer a full slate of social activities.
The attraction seems logical - get a professionally packaged Christian experience, on demand. So, what's wrong with that?
Well, it's kinda the Christian equivalent of ordering "the happy meal" at McDonalds. You can just show up and order. The friendly staff will be there to serve you, no worries that somebody may have to actually get involved in running a ministry - that's what we pay for - right? And if you don't show up, who's gonna notice? You think the pastor's gonna know who YOU are...he's got 1,000 people in the audience and a book signing to get to after the service...
Yeah, I'm a bit cynical on the whole mega church...but whadda YOU think?
# posted by KRI @ 8:50 PM 
