The YBPDLN Ping List is generally published infrequently but based on the exploits of the megachurch pastors posts can spike for a season. If you would like on or off of this list please FReepmail me.
*YBPDLN=Your Best Purpose Driven Life Now
Posted on 08/13/2014 8:42:46 PM PDT by Morgana
Lights. Camera. Religion.
Megachurches are more than just your regular pulpit and pew church. They’re larger, they’re packed, and they’re drawing in thousands of people.
Going to a megachurch is a rising trend in the United States. In 2011, a survey by Harvard Institute of Religion Research found that six million people — about 10 percent of churchgoers surveyed — attended churches with more than 2,000 attendees.
But more people are giving megachurches a chance. OnFaith’s Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller, who is Catholic, attended a megachurch to see what the draw was, and she was very pleased with her experience.
“I had never been in a church with a lobby, welcome desk, café, people at tables having snacks and soft drinks, and a staff of friendly team members smiling and opening doors,” Eidemiller wrote. “It felt like opening night at the movies. The dim sanctuary doesn’t even have an altar, but rather a stage with two large projection screens flanking the band. The rows of pews were the only thing that came close to suggesting ‘church.’”
So is that what big churches are really like? Here are 15 different megachurches from across the country that are too cool not to talk about.
Thanks to Sermon Central, a religious resources website, for providing many of the statistics.
(Excerpt) Read more at national.deseretnews.com ...
My parish has about 1,400 registered households, but nobody thinks of it as a “megachurch.”
The YBPDLN Ping List is generally published infrequently but based on the exploits of the megachurch pastors posts can spike for a season. If you would like on or off of this list please FReepmail me.
*YBPDLN=Your Best Purpose Driven Life Now
This must be dated information. Life Church has about 20 campuses with a combined attendance of 50,000 to 80,000.
A Mormon publication with a Catholic reporter singing the praises of nondenominational Protestant megachurches? How wild is that, lol?
And the thread was posted by a Catholic, too!
I’d rather my 800 seat church were full on a regular basis.
If you don’t go to church for theological reasons then why go?
Tell that to Joel Osteen, Rick Warren or any other apostate, and they'll laugh you to scorn.
To me a “Megachurch” is one where it’s more about the Pastor than it is about God. It’s not necessarily about the size.
I don’t go to study “religion”. I go to study the “Word” and have a personal relationship with G-d the best I can in this sin-infested flesh shell...: )
I helped plant a new church in my hometown. Our plan when we reach about 250 people is to spin off another church in the community. We haven’t reached that goal yet despite steady growth but we feel that the fellowship and accountability of a small church is important. That often gets lost in a large church.
““I had never been in a church with a lobby, welcome desk, café, people at tables having snacks and soft drinks, and a staff of friendly team members smiling and opening doors,” Eidemiller wrote. “It felt like opening night at the movies. The dim sanctuary doesn’t even have an altar, but rather a stage with two large projection screens flanking the band. The rows of pews were the only thing that came close to suggesting ‘church.’” “
She was amazed by the church. We do not have this in our church so I understand this is new to her. However as a former baptist I could tell her what she was seeing. It’s called Pomp and Circumstance.
One FReerer here said...
“I have known many people who attend a local “megachurch”, but none of them seem to stay for more than a few years. Yes, there is plenty of things going on, and they have a coffee shop, and classes for this and that.
They seem to be missing something, though.”
I could write a book on what’s missing. Is the reason I left. I’ll give you the main reason, I see though Pomp and Circumstance. It does not cut it for me. It never did.
Yes like I said too I have been to one of these megachurches. Oh the Pomp and Circumstance was out of this world. Yet no pastor to shake my hand afterwards and say “God Bless you Morgana” or “how are you doing Morgana” point here being the pastor knows my name, I’m not one of thousands lost in the shuffle.
So if this floats your boat by all means go to these churches. It figures with some people. Church is nothing more than a country club or social gathering. Enjoy your cappchino while your there. I personally enjoy the Body of Christ at the altar but that’s just me.
“I’d rather my 800 seat church were full on a regular basis.”
Tell your pastor to preach a pro life sermon and I’ll be there.
BTTT!
“To me a “Megachurch” is one where it’s more about the Pastor than it is about God. It’s not necessarily about the size.”
Dude that was the post of the day!!!!
It’s also about a church full of pomp and circumstance. They have to keep “amazing” the audience to keep them coming back. That just does not cut it with me.
At that point I would've walked out of his church and never set foot in it again.
“That often gets lost in a large church.”
Old Irish saying. “Big churches often have small devotions”.
If you're ever in Tucumcari, NM, stop by St. Anne's Catholic Church. My son & I attended Mass during our vacation last year. Fr. Anuta's homily on prayer was inspirational.
Our parish is St. Ann in Coppell, TX. It has over 30,000 members and over 100 ministries. Alas, less than 1/3 attend Mass regularly, otherwise, there'd be a need for 5-6 additional services on weekends (our church holds approx. 1500).
Established with less than 400 families in the early 90s, it's now the 6th largest Catholic parish in the US. It's been a privilege to contribute to that growth, but I prefer smaller gatherings. That's why I opt for my 6th grade class on Wednesday night vs. Sunday.
I have known the Groeschel’s for 20+ years and I can tell you they are true, quality followers of Christ. Craig absolutely does not teach a prosperity/name it claim it doctrine. He also lives a very meager lifestyle compared to “smiley” and other mega pastors. No million dollar homes and his wife home schools their multiple children.
However, even though my wife and I were involved in the starting of LifeChurch, we left several years ago. I just could not watch a simulcast sermon on a big TV screen, with the pastor miles away. I have no problems with those that do, but I just don’t care for it. I look at a screen all week at work. Don’t want to do it on Sunday as well.
Didn’t Pastor Coy at Calvary Orlando recently admit to sexual addiction and resign?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.