[JamesP81]

I shouldn't criticize, but I've never been overly fond of the 'megachurch' phenomenon or, frankly, some of the teaching that comes out of them. It almost has the feel of some kind of a fashion fad, except for theology instead of clothes. Maybe I'm off base here, it's just how I see it. There's too much emphasis on this corporate style church leadership, and I don't know how good that is for a church in general. I also don't care for the fact that I can go to a lot of these smaller churches modeled on churches like Lakewood and hear teaching from a myriad of books, most of which aren't necessarily bad books, moreso sometimes than I hear it from the Bible.

One of the things I love about my church is that when my pastor preaches, he preaches from the Word, 100% of the time.

[Alex Murphy]

There's too much emphasis on this corporate style church leadership, and I don't know how good that is for a church in general.

I agree wholeheartedly. Churches should not be run like businesses. Members should not be treated (or courted) like customers.

[Coldwater Creek]

We attend Bellvue Baptist in Memphis. A mega mega church.

The pastor preaches the Word.

Maybe because there are so many small groups that one can belong to it does not feel all that large.

Also, Memphis is a "small town" where if you have lived any length of time at all you know tons of people and most are related to someone that you know.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Maybe I'm off base here, it's just how I see it.

You aren't off base at all. Be extra thankful for your church. A Scripture driven church is more rare than you might think. And don't apologize for being discerning. It's important that people speak up. You maintain the right tone while you share your concerns. It's hard, because really we are justified in being appalled at some of the nonsense going on. But if we are angry, no one listens to us. So I think you have a great attitude. Just don't think yourself off base. You are right on target.