So, can anyone tell me about these megachurches?

Question

I know what they are, but was wondering about what goes on in them...thanks!

Answer 1

ech they scare me... too many people being brainwashed

Answer 2

Megachurches are just like any other church except when it was their turn to build they said "Super Size me!" They are often built to hold hundreds maybe even more than a thousand people at one time. They also have a lot more structure. For example, one church in Orlando Florida allows the pastor only so much time to speak. When his time is up they flash a red card and he's supposed to stop. This is to help regulate traffic and congestion of that service moving out and the next one coming in. Also, they tend to provide more services that can sometimes be more modern. This would include detailed and complicated youth programs, nurseries, couple retreats and programs. I've even heard of some churches offering a snack bar and video game room (on a personal notes: wtf is that about?) Anyway check out this month's National Geographic for more info. They have a piece of Orlando Florida and go quite into detail about how religion has become a monopoly there.

Answer 3

Being a member of a rather large church myself, I'll see if I can give you some insight:

First, the choir comes out to fill the choir loft, the orchestra having taken their seats some moments before. A small group of choir members called the Praise Team leads the congregation in songs called "praise choruses". Then we have a song that is called the "Choir Special". After the completion of the Choir Special, the choir exits the choir loft and the pastor begins preaching.

Baptisms, you ask? Those don't take place at every service, but they are scheduled as soon as possible and take place in the early part of a service.

As for the noise level in the church I go to: Well, we're a bunch of Baptists (mostly white), so the cops aren't going to be getting that many noise complaints about us. The singing, especially if the congregation is participating, is quite enthusiastic. We have video screens to display the words to the songs, in case you're wondering by this point, "Why don't they use hymnals?"

Anyway, after our pastor finishes his sermon, he then invites people to the altar (In Baptist churches, this is known as the "invitation". In some other Protestant churches, the term "altar call" is used.). Prior to dismissing for the afternoon, we view videos in lieu of announcements. The pastor then has someone say a closing prayer and we leave.

Answer 4

Most Megachurches are a form of Bible based faith in which the Pastor of the specific church leads everyone in what would be a formal Bible study. There is no tradition or doctrine followed by them because they are strictly Bible based and I may add that they really make the Pastor a rich man, both spiritually if he is doing it for the right reason and monetarily.
So if you are searching for a Bible based faith alone, then you can go to any one of them that you feel calls your heart.
For a more complete Church service I recommend one that is sacramentally and traditional based with Bible as an integral part and the Eucharist the center. Without this the experience is incomplete.

Answer 5

Well I do not go to a mega church, I go to a small church, family like--and I have been to a mega church before, and I am not the one to judge, but I just do not prefer them--most of the time the worship is more like a concert, and it is distracting---I cannot truly worship the Lord in that kind of enviornment. But many christians like that type of worship...as long as they are worshipping in spirit and truth--that is what matters most.
But I also prefer biblical studies, on each book of the bible opposed to topical teachings which a lot of churches do. I have been to some good topical sermons though---but if I am sitting through a sermon and we only open up our bibles to a few verses, then I know that is not the church for me. I want to dig deep into the word of God!

Answer 6

I just attended Southeast Christian in Louisville, they draw 9-10,000 members on Sunday. Bascally they operate as their own ministry, they help most communities they are in and send out missionaries. They financially support themselves through membership giving and encourage members to become involved in small groups. These range from groups divided by age to groups of singles, divorcees, stay at home moms, etc... The small group sort of becomes it's own mini-church. Their also rooted in "gift based ministries" whereby they attempt to find what your spiritual gifts are (all of us have some) and what your passions are and plug you into an appropiate ministry of the church. There not for everyone but can be very effective.

Answer 7

the ones i've been in do have very "modern" worship music, almost concert like (which has its positive side and negative side, its about how YOU like to worship). many times, the preaching is very funny, etertaining, but still has good scriptural basis.They are usually a good place to go, but it can be hard to get to know very many people there unless you commit yourself to get involved in small group studies (but then you run the risk of getting "clicky" so try to be a part of several groups)

Now, what do you mean "what goes on in them?" are you asking is there speaking in tongues, or snake charming, or what? You can find just about anything if look hard enough (and the faith to back it up), but my experience with mega churches is that you will find lots of kind people and good teaching. But if you want more closeness, try the smaller church.

Answer 8

Bussiness, read 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Answer 9

Megachurches, the domain of Mammon.

Answer 10

I think they typically are focused on emotional highs rather than serious study. People tend to worship the leaders who are dynamic.

It is like going to a concert or Disneyland for me. It would be easy to disappear into a crowd there. Depending on the thoughts works and dees of others. You would have to hook up with a small group for real support and debate.

I'm sure it works for some, but not for me.

Answer 11

I live down the street (within 1 mile) from World Harvest Church, which has 12,000 members.

What goes on in there (and yes, I went prior to my atheism):

A lot of music...I mean a LOT of music. Most of it is praise and worship.
A lot of dancing and shaking in the aisles.
A whole lot of talking in tongues.
Every time I went, Parsley preached on tithing (no lie). He even called out members of his choir who hadn't been tithing!
They tried to charge me $5 to watch my kid during service.
They sold a whole lot of stuff.

On the plus side, my dad was a member there, and when he passed away, they were very nice. They came to see my mom, sent flowers and food and even sent singers to his funeral to do his favorite songs.

Unfortunately, the bad outweighed the good. Oh and do not attempt to drive down the road when church lets out. Those people will kill you tearing out of the church parking lot!