[Velveeta]

I went to Willow Creek mega church once with a friend.
What a circus!
Very nice people, thousands of them!
I guess they're used to it and my friend was very proud of her affiliation and felt very comfortable there.

To me, it seemed strange that you have to register for tickets to get into your church.
And a gift shop at church (they call it a bookstore) was odd, IMO.
I did enjoy the services - kind of like going to a rock concert. LOL

Once was enough.

[ExSoldier]

One of the Elders in my church is also one of the board members for our local IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) shooting club. He is ALWAYS armed in the service with the full knowledge and approval of the Pastor with a 1911 45. I usually carry my Sig P245 into the service.

[all4one]

I had a similar experience while visiting with friends in South Carolina. My thoughts were similar. I am accustomed to seeing most of the same people sitting in the same pews each and every week.

One thing that I don't think I took into account with the closing of a Mega Church on Christmas day; would be that it would give the day off to what is probably a large number of administrative people who are needed to help run such a large operation. I still find it odd...but then again when I was a child department stores and such weren't open on Sunday's...so my outlook is old-fashioned.