Mega churches, ever been member?

[farouk]

Ms B:

Yes, good point indeed.

Take care.

God has shown that HIS church will never be a 'mega-church'.


Matthew  7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  

 7:14   Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  

You have a point there, Brother.

[lightshineon]

 No, not super mega, large churches, which I find better than very small Churches IMHO, but, as long as the word is balanced, and adds up, they are all people seeking to worship the king.

[BAH-BLAH]

God has shown that HIS church will never be a 'mega-church'.


Matthew  7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  

 7:14   Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  

wow, this is one of the most vaguely backed assertions I have ever seen made using scripture.

again, wow....talk about mining scripture to fit opinion....this takes the cake as they say

[armywifenmom]

God has shown that HIS church will never be a 'mega-church'.


Matthew  7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  

 7:14   Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  

wow, this is one of the most vaguely backed assertions I have ever seen made using scripture.

again, wow....talk about mining scripture to fit opinion....this takes the cake as they say

Yeah, i defintely think that scripture is being taken outof context here

[3AM]

Yeah, i defintely think that scripture is being taken outof context here

Out of context ?

Jesus Christ said (If you believe Him).......
Matthew  4:4   But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

[Dexter]

I've had the privilege of being a member in both a small church and two mega churches in my life. I have to say all were wonderful and I am thankful for the enlarged vision God has granted me by rounding me into a well balanced Christian.

With the small church I was involved in the main vision was "stay small and raise up leaders and plant more churches"
Which was wonderful. I seen many couples raised up and sent out to start their own local church where God directed them.

Then when I was a member of the mega churches the vision was "The larger we are the more we can do for Christ".
And they did A LOT for the Lord. Plenty of ministries to benefit from and serve in, to reaching out to the community and supporting lots of missionaries also.

If you join a mega church or a small church my advice is to find out about the home bible studies and get involved with one. It will give you the opportunity to know people one on one instead of just going to church service and seeing different faces each time. In this way, you become a part of the church instead of just going to church.

More Wealth and Riches in your life!

Dexter

[3AM]

If you join a mega church or a small church my advice is to find out about the home bible studies and get involved with one. It will give you the opportunity to know people one on one instead of just going to church service and seeing different faces each time. In this way, you become a part of the church instead of just going to church.

There is much truth to what you say.

In a smaller church it is easier to help someone else...because resources are not spread too thin.

In a larger church setting, people get lost in the shufffle, and indivdiual help is often lacking.

[Dexter]

You can get "lost" in any church big or small if you do not build relationships.
Also I would suggest getting an accountability partner of the same sex.


Dexter

[3AM]

 By their very nature....a mega-church.... does not...have the saving truth of God.

In other words, they do not teach a person the truths, of the Plan of Salvation.


Just look at the Roman Catholic church...now, that is the world's largest mega church.

[Dexter]

What is the definition of a mega church in how you understand it?

[3AM]

What is the definition of a mega church in how you understand it?

I think a mega church has too many people in it basicly, to provided individual attention to a person's needs.

How many people in a mega church gets individual attention by the Pastor ?

The more people, the harder it is to really get to know to each and every person.

Does that make sense ?

[BAH-BLAH]

By their very nature....a mega-church.... does not...have the saving truth of God.

In other words, they do not teach a person the truths, of the Plan of Salvation.


Just look at the Roman Catholic church...now, that is the world's largest mega church.

Friend we must be misunderstanding each other or something. i still dont follow at all what you meant by the scripture, nor your follow up.....it just doesnt make any sense to me at all in the context of a large church or a small one.

Then this about the Catholic church being mega....maybe you dont realize we are talking about ONE church building with lots of people, not a mega denomination.

I couldnt disagree more that they dont teach the Word of God in very large churches. Sure, some are off into prosperity stuff and Im not into that stuff...but most are VERY effective communicators of Gods salvation. The thing is, smaller churches have equally likelihood to get off kilter, especially in charismata, tons of smaller so called "full gospel" churches out there that are not teaching salvation, but rather engage in a form of holy spirit worship...thats primarily one problem that IS more prevalent in small churches.

it goes both ways, but you wont find scripture to affirm either. Unless, like someone said, folks will talk about the "small churches in the NT"....but were they really? They were a church for an entire city/region....that the population was small is not relevant, if anything they modeled the mega church model.

[3AM]

Friend we must be misunderstanding each other or something. i still dont follow at all what you meant by the scripture, nor your follow up.....it just doesnt make any sense to me at all in the context of a large church or a small one.

Then this about the Catholic church being mega....maybe you dont realize we are talking about ONE church building with lots of people, not a mega denomination.

I couldnt disagree more that they dont teach the Word of God in very large churches. Sure, some are off into prosperity stuff and Im not into that stuff...but most are VERY effective communicators of Gods salvation. The thing is, smaller churches have equally likelihood to get off kilter, especially in charismata, tons of smaller so called "full gospel" churches out there that are not teaching salvation, but rather engage in a form of holy spirit worship...thats primarily one problem that IS more prevalent in small churches.

it goes both ways, but you wont find scripture to affirm either. Unless, like someone said, folks will talk about the "small churches in the NT"....but were they really? They were a church for an entire city/region....that the population was small is not relevant, if anything they modeled the mega church model.

Because of a lack of persecution concerning Christians.....that is the reason large churches abound.

When in past ages it was a death sentence to be a Christian, churches were small.

"There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today.

The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12.
Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber?

The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition.

The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles.

It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world.

Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled".  

(From the book: "Great Controversy", by E. G. White)

[farouk]

3AM:

Some good comments there.

There is a verse in the Bible which says, Woe, when all men speak well of thee. Huge numbers of approving ppl are not healthy, at least, in this life.

Friend we must be misunderstanding each other or something. i still dont follow at all what you meant by the scripture, nor your follow up.....it just doesnt make any sense to me at all in the context of a large church or a small one.

Then this about the Catholic church being mega....maybe you dont realize we are talking about ONE church building with lots of people, not a mega denomination.

I couldnt disagree more that they dont teach the Word of God in very large churches. Sure, some are off into prosperity stuff and Im not into that stuff...but most are VERY effective communicators of Gods salvation. The thing is, smaller churches have equally likelihood to get off kilter, especially in charismata, tons of smaller so called "full gospel" churches out there that are not teaching salvation, but rather engage in a form of holy spirit worship...thats primarily one problem that IS more prevalent in small churches.

it goes both ways, but you wont find scripture to affirm either. Unless, like someone said, folks will talk about the "small churches in the NT"....but were they really? They were a church for an entire city/region....that the population was small is not relevant, if anything they modeled the mega church model.

Because of a lack of persecution concerning Christians.....that is the reason large churches abound.

When in past ages it was a death sentence to be a Christian, churches were small.

"There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today.

The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12.
Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber?

The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition.

The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles.

It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world.

Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled".  

(From the book: "Great Controversy", by E. G. White)

[BAH-BLAH]

3AM:

Some good comments there.

There is a verse in the Bible which says, Woe, when all men speak well of thee. Huge numbers of approving ppl are not healthy, at least, in this life.

Friend we must be misunderstanding each other or something. i still dont follow at all what you meant by the scripture, nor your follow up.....it just doesnt make any sense to me at all in the context of a large church or a small one.

Then this about the Catholic church being mega....maybe you dont realize we are talking about ONE church building with lots of people, not a mega denomination.

I couldnt disagree more that they dont teach the Word of God in very large churches. Sure, some are off into prosperity stuff and Im not into that stuff...but most are VERY effective communicators of Gods salvation. The thing is, smaller churches have equally likelihood to get off kilter, especially in charismata, tons of smaller so called "full gospel" churches out there that are not teaching salvation, but rather engage in a form of holy spirit worship...thats primarily one problem that IS more prevalent in small churches.

it goes both ways, but you wont find scripture to affirm either. Unless, like someone said, folks will talk about the "small churches in the NT"....but were they really? They were a church for an entire city/region....that the population was small is not relevant, if anything they modeled the mega church model.

Because of a lack of persecution concerning Christians.....that is the reason large churches abound.

When in past ages it was a death sentence to be a Christian, churches were small.

"There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today.

The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12.
Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber?

The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition.

The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles.

It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world.

Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled".  

(From the book: "Great Controversy", by E. G. White)

Yea thats easily applicable

200 approving people...thats OK....er....or....is it 100, or no....must be 50....or what about 2000 people?

Come on folks you let preference on subjective things inform your opinion here.

[3AM]

satan understands the advantage of large churches.

He has greater control over the Christian world thru large churches, than small ones.

Think about it !

[Dexter]

I praise God for both large and small churches that are preaching His word! Both have their purpose.
Let's rejoice that we live in a Country that allows freedom of religion. There are many Countries that do not and they have to have secret meetings to even worship together.  We are a blessed nation and I pray we continue to be grateful weather we worship in a mega or small church.

[Jaime]

Christ's church on the day of Pentecost had 3000 members. Is that a mega church?

[JohnDB]

Christ's church on the day of Pentecost had 3000 members. Is that a mega church?

YEAH...that is a mega church...

everyone is so sure that everyone else is so wicked...or something other than their particular church (if they actually attend regularly) is wicked and sinful...

That is rediculous. Sure they are filled with people who still sin...but that is because they are people. duhhhhh...

We have eyewitness accounts that there exists intimacy and dedication to scripture in mega churchs just like there is in small churchs...as well as there are mega churchs that don't...just like small churchs that don't. (I Know of one burning bibles at the moment,,,and putting out a list of those they think will never be saved and the sins as to why on their website right now)

You don't have to be persecuted to be a Christian...but it helps. Count the cost...can you live a riskier lifestyle than you can now by living out your faith? If not...ok then fine...if you can then get to work.

No browbeating here...them lessons are long old, tiring, and proven to be not right most of the time. We live for the Good News/ Gospel...which is anything but "everyone everywhere is wicked except for me" type thinking.  

[yesult]

I went to two different ones for a total of 7 years. I think it cost be about 3 years growth on my journey overall (feel that's what God showed me afterwards.)

I could go on and on about why megachurchs are unhealthy and have done many posts on them in the past, (so don't want to now.)

Basically they don't pastor people because they can't. They claim they do but the numbers of actual pastors on team and people in the church don't tend to add up in your average mega church. And even if they do, you still don't get the kind of personal interaction from the leadership that a christian needs.

They leave the congregation to basically 'pastor themselves' through small groups. Which means it doesn't actually happen.

If a church leader is ethical, when a church gets to a certain size that moves beyond their ability to properly oversee it (which in reality is about 50, but it can stretch with help of lay and co-pastors to about 300 from what I've seen), they need to humble themselves and start splitting the church up under seperate pastors. If the church absolutly loves the first pastor, there can be some sort of arrangement put together where churchs meet in their own small church one week under the eye of someone who knows them (their own pastor) and then go to the other church on alternative weeks.

But in my experience, most mega church leaders have too much ego (and sorry I have to say that but it's true) to do something like that.

Once you stop pastoring your congregation, you arn't a pastor, and if you don't make sure it happens some other way (instead of just claiming it is, when it's not) you arn't deserving the position of leading a church because you've sold out.

And there are many more reasons, but initially that's probably the most obvious.

[3AM]

 Mega churches are the Biblical proof ....that they don't teach the WHOLE Gospel message.

Mega churches are based on popularity......and, God reveals that the Biblical concept of TRUE Christianity, will never be popular.

[farouk]

The Lord Jesus Himself spoke of His 'little flock'.

[phoebe]

Christ's church on the day of Pentecost had 3000 members. Is that a mega church?

Do we need to correct terminology?

"church" is all Christ-followers everywhere.

Maybe we should start using the term "Mega-Congregation".

[farouk]

Ms P:

Yes, there is a distinction between 'general assembly and church of the firstborn which is written in heaven' (Hebrews), and a local church. The difference is important.

[armywifenmom]

I'm suprised at some of the replies. I did not expect to read responses on mega churches being anti-christ[in so many words thats what some are saying]. Could i have a mod lock this since it's not benefiting anyone.

[Bon Voyage]

I'm suprised at some of the replies. I did not expect to read responses on mega churches being anti-christ[in so many words thats what some are saying]. Could i have a mod lock this since it's not benefiting anyone.

I don't think it would be appropriate for me to lock this forum because of things that are being said as of yet.

[BAH-BLAH]

Mega churches are the Biblical proof ....that they don't teach the WHOLE Gospel message.

Mega churches are based on popularity......and, God reveals that the Biblical concept of TRUE Christianity, will never be popular.

Who tells you this stuff? Do you base much in your life on gossip and inuendo? You must, or you have the gift of omnipresence, because these generalizations are incredible.

I love these claims..."God reveals TRUE Christianity (the unwritten portion of that being YOU found it...right?)

So, how many folks can gather then? Or can we even gather? What is it that measures mega vs not mega? 20, 500, 1000? instead of how it is done wrong, tell us how to do it right please?

[Bon Voyage]

Mega churches are the Biblical proof ....that they don't teach the WHOLE Gospel message.

Mega churches are based on popularity......and, God reveals that the Biblical concept of TRUE Christianity, will never be popular.

Who tells you this stuff? Do you base much in your life on gossip and inuendo? You must, or you have the gift of omnipresence, because these generalizations are incredible.

I love these claims..."God reveals TRUE Christianity (the unwritten portion of that being YOU found it...right?)

So, how many folks can gather then? Or can we even gather? What is it that measures mega vs not mega? 20, 500, 1000? instead of how it is done wrong, tell us how to do it right please?

3AM is a Seventh Day Adventist and believes their doctrine.  Naturally, he would not agree with an evangelical type "mega-church."

To 3AM the vast majority of churches do not teach the full gospel message.  In order to meet that criteria, your church would have to be Seventh Day Adventist.

[Dexter]

I'm suprised at some of the replies. I did not expect to read responses on mega churches being anti-christ[in so many words thats what some are saying]. Could i have a mod lock this since it's not benefiting anyone.

I second that motion Army

[banished]

My college student belongs to one of those Mega churches, and I visit when he plays the keyboard.  I think it's a good thing!  Getting the young people into a traditional church would turn out like the 70's and 80's when they completely abandoned Christianity for Rock Festivals.  Now they can do their Rock stuff inside and get a watered down version of Christian preaching. There are things that the young people don't want shouted into their faces, like blood, sin, hell, etc.  When we walk into that place we are greeted by massive tables of donuts, Baguio, sweet rolls, and coffee.  There is also a Starbucks lounge inside the entrance where we sat down and reviewed the Bible Verses for the sermon for that Sunday. Opposite the main auditorium there was a small chapel for the old folks where organ music and hymns were sung.  Truthfully, I enjoyed the Praise and Worship Service, and as a Charismatic I was allowed pray in the Spirit.  All theology was out the window, and everyone was praising Jesus without any restraints.  As a true blue Catholic I would say that the Mega Churches are the only real competition that the Catholics have.

[3AM]

Do we need to correct terminology?

"church" is all Christ-followers everywhere.

AH...and there is the rub !

How many churches in the world are followers of what Jesus said to do ?

The vast majority of the Christian world observes Sunday, as a day of worship, when Jesus Christ never said to do such a thiing as that.

The true followers of Jesus Christ will do, as HE did.......

1 Peter  2:21   For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 
 

[JohnDB]

Do we need to correct terminology?

"church" is all Christ-followers everywhere.

AH...and there is the rub !

How many churches in the world are followers of what Jesus said to do ?

The vast majority of the Christian world observes Sunday, as a day of worship, when Jesus Christ never said to do such a thiing as that.

The true followers of Jesus Christ will do, as HE did.......

1 Peter  2:21   For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 
 

This is the precise junk that needs to be removed from this thread...

This is a denomination specific comment that is inapropriate for the general forum...

This website is called GRACEcentered Christian Forums...not the SDA Mandatory forum....meaning we have to extend grace to people who for some reason don't get basic principles of Christianity like you haven't yet there 3am

[Jaime]

Christ's church on the day of Pentecost had 3000 members. Is that a mega church?

Do we need to correct terminology?

"church" is all Christ-followers everywhere.

Maybe we should start using the term "Mega-Congregation".

Mega Buiding would be closer!

The "churches in Corinth, Thessalonica, Ephesus etc had no church building, but could by some definition be considered Mega
churches. City wide congregations are what is referenced in scripture other than groups only large enough to meet in someone's home (a first century care group, if you will)

[banished]

I'm suprised at some of the replies. I did not expect to read responses on mega churches being anti-christ[in so many words thats what some are saying]. Could i have a mod lock this since it's not benefiting anyone.

Hello armywifenmom.

This is a another example of what the reformation has done to Christians. Politics-politics-politics!  I read through this thread and it seems like everyone missed the point that we belong to Jesus as a group, and not individually like the World tells us. Every time I hear a Protestant give his testimony about his personal relationship with Jesus, I can't help but remember that we celebrate the Holly Catholic Mass as a community. As a Catholic, when I pray in the Spirit with one of those Protestant Mega Congregations it's awesome.  It's not me praying individually, but the body of Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit praising and worshiping Jesus.  The sound of living waters. The sound of Heaven.

[farouk]

b:

What you say is unhelpful.

The Reformation brought an emphasis on the Bible which people could read freely for themselves, instead of having to rely on a hierarchy to tell them what it was supposed to mean.