As we dive into the world of megachurches and decide if they are healthy for Christians or not we should first ask ourselves what is a megachurch? Where do they come from? From there we will look at the statistics; what denominations are usually involved with mega churches, are mega churches growing? We will also see what deems as pros and cons of megachurches, including personal experiences of Flat Irons Church from Lafayette, Colorado. What can be considered a megachurch? According to the Hartford
Rather, the pastoral retreat in the form of megachurches fleeing the city ameliorates, for many evangelicals, the confusion of living in a fallen world. John N. Vaughn, a consultant who offers his services to aspiring church pastors, lauds megachurches for their ability to identify spiritual warfare in urban areas, distance themselves from such strife, and worship in a safe, serene locale. As Vaughn would have it, megachurches remain inaccessible to “gang members [and other] power groups
The Mega Church in America Missionary or Miscreant The size of the Christian megachurch is manifested in its title, which demonstrates that this typically prodigious and resplendent edifice sustains a weekly attendance of at least two thousand congregants; and that the majority of the mega churches are of the Protestant persuasion, of which its doctrine is basically the antithesis of Catholicism’s authoritarian structures, as well as the other major religions of Islam, Hinduism and Old Testament
a structure to function efficiently. A great disconnect and uncomfortable feeling could occur if a structure is created for one purpose but used for another purpose. For example, the dimensions and structures of the rooms are very important for megachurches. These structures require large open areas to accommodate the large crowds. However, at the same time, the interior needs to feel warm, welcoming, and comforting to serve its purpose of bringing people together in a space that should have a sense
in America is based on increased diversity and the open communication of all ideas. While there is certainly a focus on expressing one’s own beliefs in our society via social media, there also exists a greater tolerance for how others believe. Megachurches invite newcomers through their doors by taking into account their needs and polling what will please them. Modern religion has definitely run parallel to the world of marketing. In the 1980’s, the market place became much more competitive with
Over the years, writers such as Bill McKibben have raised up their voices to give their personal opinion on polemic topics that involve Christianity. McKibben is a writer, educator, environmentalist, and currently a scholar at Middlebury College in Vermont. He served as an editor of important articles for the Harvard Crimson, and, in 2005, he wrote “The Christian Paradox: How a Faithful Nation Gets Jesus Wrong” (264). All of his background information gives the impression that McKibben is an educated
beginning to gain popularity in today’s society, often taught in megachurches, is Prosperity Gospel. Prosperity Gospel, also called the “Health and Wealth Gospel” by Scot McKnight’s internet article “The Problem for the Prosperity Gospel,” is the belief that if humans adhere to God’s will, then He will in turn bless them with prosperous lives (McKnight). This prosperity often comes in the form of health and wealth according to many megachurches that preach this gospel. In times of economic strife, the prosperity
Growing up in the south, I am very familiar with the classic “bible-banging, ultra-conservative, hardcore Christian.” Jacobs visiting one of the megachurches was very interesting to me, since I have grown up surrounded by them. Tennessee has the most megachurches per capita in the United States, and there were two right down the road from me in my small town. When Jacobs was describing his experience in a megachurch, I recalled many similar experiences
Wheaton College, I was surprised to discover—in place of the diverse body of competing doctrines and life experiences that I had anticipated—a homogenous student body composed of two-thousand teenagers who were also nondenominational, also raised in megachurches, and also floundering to find a “church home” in the city with America's greatest number of churches per capita (Tully and Roberts 2008). In the three years since, I have sought to better understand the factors that impacted my drifting, and the
faith. These postmodern churches are a result of attempts at conformity. Some believe they have potential to bring more people to Christ and more depth to the superfluous image of Christianity presented by megachurches. Others, such as myself, disagree with the superficial lavishness of megachurches and believe that these attempts by postmodern churches to remedy such inevitably compromises the
Introduction Religious institutions have always been a fundamental piece of American culture, and their influence is evident in many aspects of American life. Especially during the 20th century, the spread of Christianity became more competitive as churches vied against one another to draw in new members. This was particularly evident in the development and growth of conservative Protestant groups. Protestant leaders responded to this competition for followers by developing radically new methods
involvement levels there is also a decline in church attendance, this is according to Conley. This proves that the value of religion is being compromised. It seems as though, religions are being commercialized, an example of this would be megachurches. Some of the megachurches are even broadcasted on television; consequently, promoting the different types of church attendance. My family experienced a change in church attendance as well as many other people that I know. As a child, my family went to church
Church attendance is slowly dwindling in all the churches, even in your megachurches and the Word of God is not being sought as it should. Without the basic knowledge of “what is sin”, “who commits sin”, “where does sin come from”, and how to get rid of sin” it is resulting in much dishonor among people and rebellion against
Religion has been a point of contention throughout America’s history, beginning as a refuge for the religiously persecuted to, in many ways becoming the persecutor. However, one thing has remained consistent is that America is considered by many to be a de facto Christian nation. This is due to these institutions’ intertwined histories and the strong parallels that can be drawn between Christian and American ideals. It is for these reasons that televangelism emerged and thrived for much of modern
spread support for Republican candidates (Pelosi). Activists like Falwell are far from unusual, consider the work of Reverend Rick Scarborough—leader of the Patriot Pastors—who also allies his supporters to gain sway in political fields (Pelosi). Megachurches, radio shows, talk shows, and various other forms of media spread religious messages into a supposedly secular domain. Consider the billboards shown in the documentary, urging drivers to “vote for values” and “vote biblically”, ideally, these
America and the institution of religion have long complexly intertwined histories, but no religion is more intertwined, nor has played a greater role in the foundation of America and its ideals than Christianity. The relationship between American nationhood and Christianity is so strong that it continues to seep into American culture and legislation centuries after its founding. It is for this reason that the modern evangelical Christian practice of televangelism emerged and thrived for much of modern
I am wary if the modern day Christian church embodies a full appreciation or understanding of the genesis of the Christian church. There is certainly a reverent acknowledgement that Jesus, a native of the slums in Nazareth, emerged as a great and impactful spiritual leader. There is an equal recognition that Jesus didn’t live a life of splendor and privilege, yet he had tremendous influence on hundreds and perhaps thousands of followers during his day. But the narratives that record the ministry
Many Christians have the urge to cling to their custom and obligations, so as to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and to live their lives as he did. In the Gospel of John 4:23, Jesus has provided a clear definition of the deeds that pleases him as he mentions ". . . the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him". In this light, Contemporary Christian Music, which is commonly denoted as CCM, is a popular music that features
Let's tax the churches! All of them, in a non discriminatory way that doesn't consider faith or level of political engagement. In our nation, there are often calls for the federal government to revoke the tax exempt status of churches. The most common arguments made for taxing churches are that exemptions deny the government important sources of revenue to pay its bills, and that many churches abuse their tax exempt status by violating IRS guidelines that prohibit them from engaging in political