[CARepubGal]

Crystal Cathedral: Ugh! Rick is not in the same category as that horror (I put Schuller and the Crouches in the Benny Hinn group of slime). My issue with Saddleback is this: Rick uses a business model rather than simply teaching the Word of God. i can go back for an MBA if I want to hear about business models and success being defined in worldly terms. And frankly, the one size fits all mentality paired with the coveyesque teachings (Covey is a devout Mormon) is a cause for concern.

Megachurches can be excellent John MacArthur has a church in Sun Valley, CA that is scripturally sound. Saddleback is a consumer focused business.

[Not A Snowbird]

Rick's teachings to the congregation and his teachings to other pastors and church leaders are two completely different things, and he does maintain that separation. On the one hand, he has a thriving church that is very successful in reaching the particular Orange County demographic that would otherwise be lost. On the other, he teaches his business model to other interested pastors and church leaders so that they can do the same thing. The are completely separate functions of Saddleback.

Again, I can only say that until one has visited Saddleback and really listened to what is said and done there, one cannot know what it's all about.