Mega-Church....WHat's the problem?

Question

why do people frown upon mega churches and the pastors of the mega- church? Where does it say that your ministry can only be but so big?

now KL,
you have a great point! JOel Olsteen is tooo politically correct for me; BUT i know if i was to throw some other big names in the ring, the comments would be totally different

matastic,
i do NOT doubt that joel osteen cares for his flock, he appears to be very loveable, but does he preach the repercussions of denying the father (hell)? i do not want to make this about just him, because it definitely is not. thanks for your answer. and yes, i have attended both small and mega-church

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with a huge church; I think the problem comes is what it takes for many churches to get to that size, if that makes sense.

Sometimes churches are huge because they tell people what they want to hear, are seeker friendly, look more like the world than like Christ, etc. I think that this is what people are afraid of. I really don't like to 'call out' Christian leaders but if you'll look at Joel Osteen's theology and how big his church is, you'll see that the fear of megachurches is sometimes merited. On Larry King he denied that people had to believe in Jesus to be saved. Now he later publicly repented for that, and I'm very glad. But it seems like his ministry and some other ministries like his are more interested in telling people how to 'have their best life now!' than telling them how to be a suffering servant like the Lord Jesus Christ.

Answer 2

I feel like people are looking at the swelling of the ministry instead of the growing of one!!!We must all grow in the the Word,Will and Ways of God as a church "family!" I do agree with the Doc that all mega churches doesn't know all of their flock!!!But, with a mega church it takes a lot to finance and run than a small church.There are more expense.I do not frown on the mega churches, but, for me personally, I'd rather be part of a church that's growing in the Lord and not just swelling!!!

Answer 3

The church is to become your second family. A mega-church has lost that. You should know, by name, everyone in your "family". People don't know anyone anymore. It has become too much of a production, too Hollywood. My pastor comes over for dinner sometimes. Does a pastor of a mega-church even know his parishioners names?

Answer 4

those of you that knock Mega churches..have you ever attended or support them ? ? ?
It's VERY easy to do so if you have no knowledge or experience.
Yes I do attend Lakewood Church and Pastor Joel Osteen is a person that cares for the people !

God Bless !

Answer 5

A megachurch is a large Protestant church, generally defined as having around 2,000 or more worshippers for a typical weekly service. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megachurch

I kind of smile when they are discussed. There are over 3,000 families in my Catholic parish which is a little larger than average. http://cara.georgetown.edu/bulletin/index.htm

In 2006, there were 18,584 Catholic parishes in the U.S. serving 64 million Catholics. That an average of 3,400 Catholics per parish. About 80% of the Catholic parishes in the United States would be defined as megachurches.

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

Sometimes mega-churches can be misleading. Ask yourself the question: what if I was bum, and I walked in and sat down in the front row? What would happen?

Now we know two scenarios can happen.

Answer 7

Sell the Church and give all the money to those now can't pay their mortgages and everyone go to the Priest house for dinner every night on him for a change!

Answer 8

Mega churches are good, less heating and A/C costs. Probably less constructon cost as well compared to building several smaller churches.

I'm all for a cost-effectiveness.

Answer 9

Because it kind of looks more like a theatrical production?

Answer 10

Money, Power, Greed.