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It probably isn't the time or place, but I really don't trust the whole concept of a mega church. I have never been in a large church because it becomes a cult of personality, rather than a community in Christ, at least in my experience. I went to a mega church in OC with a friend once, and they had Hollywood production values, a concert orchestra, rising stage lifts, and little actual discussion of the gospel. It was very entertaining. I could have purchased a copy of the service, complete with chiron graphics. However, that's not what I go to church for in the first place.

You have a point and I think that most FREEPERS understand what mega churches are all about. It is more for the socialization and theatrics than actual studying the word. I do believe that Tammy Faye's husband was the first to ruin the reputation of "mega churches". I think that a majority of the population hold at least a bit of skepticism with these novelty items called mega churches. I believe they are a phase and will lose their popularity over time when people begin to urn for that small church community again.

I don't believe megachurches are set up solely for their pastors' benefit, but there being the leader of such a large group of loyal people who have deep respect and admiration for you is bound to have its temptations. Just as in any position of power, the more you have, the more risks there are that you will abuse it.

My bet is, (if he's guilty), is that Ted Haggard felt almost invincible with thousands of people hanging off every word Sunday mornings. Couple that with some unfulfilled cravings and I suspect that he thought he would never get caught, or even if he did, he would be able to rely on the loyalty of his flock to keep it quiet.

Cunningham, Jefferson, Clinton, Foley, and now Haggard. He wouldn;t be the first, and won't be the last.

I know I will probably get heat to even post this, but I think a some of these large churches are set up just for the tax free lifestyle enjoyed by the preachers.

That's obviously true, especially in the case of churches that preach so-called "prosperity theology".

I read about a branch of a mega-church going up near where I live so, I checked out the pastor when he appeared on TV and looked at his church's website. I noticed that he seemed to be preaching mainly an economic/success message with just a few Bible verses thrown in occasionally. His church's website has links that go directly to his personal website where he sells books, CD's, etc. (and presumably pockets the profits thereof.) And what kind of church is called the "Champions Centre"?

My overall impression was exactly the same sentiment that you posted, that these guys are in it for the lifestyle.

Another thing I couldn't figure out is how this guy built up a mega-church when, based on what I saw on TV, he seems to actually have very little charisma.

Of course I am a cynical atheist. But I did all this research with my believing son, who felt the same way.

"I know I will probably get heat to even post this, but I think a some of these large churches are set up just for the tax free lifestyle enjoyed by the preachers."

A friend of mine did electrical work on Benny Hinn's Cota de Caza mansion, in Orange County.

He described it as being pretty lavish and very big. Cota de Caza is a gated community, with homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $15,000,000.

This is of course heresay. I tend to believe it, though.

I see these characters more as highly compensated actors and performers. Makeup, studio lights, TV cameras, etc.

Very big bucks at stake. Run it like a big corp. with the top peoples' compensation rubber stamped by a well compensated board of directors.

And avoid taxation as a tax exempt church. They have planes, so yaughts might nt be any stretch.

I'm in real estate, and a couple of times had contact with preachers. I was surprised at the high price range that they indicated.

Good gig if you can get it.