Mega-Churches: Neither the Problem nor the Solution, but a Mirror
Here is an interesting article from Christianity Today, online. Which you can read here. Here’s a snippet that offers some common-sense observations. While the trends in the mega-church might be on a larger scale, similar challenges are facing medium and small congregations:
At some point cultural adaptation itself needs to be adapted—back into gospel culture. For instance, African churches found it necessary to tolerate polygamy and other cultural practices in the first generation of missionaries. But by the second and third generations, maturing Christian disciples were undermining polygamy. In corporate America, it may be necessary to use the ethos of marketing to gain the gospel a hearing. But after a generation, shouldn’t megachurches begin shifting away from business and consumer language in the way they conceive of their work? In none of Paul’s prayers for his churches does he highlight “innovative growth strategies” that “multiply impact.” His language is radically un-businesslike and inefficient. One example: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Eph. 1:17). Unfortunately, the latest Leadership Network study shows that the language of business and consumerism persistently frames the megachurch worldview. . . . While the megachurch has some unique dynamics, most medium-sized and smaller churches in America are not that much different in demographics. It’s not as if no young people attend smaller churches, or as if every member of a smaller church is an active volunteer! And many a smaller church chases after “strategies and programs” that can “meet spiritual needs” and “multiply effectiveness.” As it turns out, the megachurch is like a megaphone. It is not so much an aberrant form of church as a large, flashing icon of the American church. It’s no secret that too many evangelical leaders are captivated more by business culture than biblical culture, spending more time absorbed in strategies and effectiveness and relatively little time in prayer. No, it doesn’t have to be an either-or situation, but let’s face it, it often is.
Good thoughts. In some times and places, very large congregations will form. These shouldn’t be condemned if they retain their proper focus on word and sacrament ministry. I have been a member of such a congregation and I know that it has some peculiar challenges (such as maintaining a proper communion discipline) and some peculiar opportunities (such as a full menu of interesting Bible studies each Sunday, several led by pastors).
I think the greater problem is that average size and smaller congregations believe that they can become “mega” if they just get the music and ministry mix just right. They think that their smallness is a sign of failure, and they run to throw out liturgy, hymnody and closed communion in a vain attempt to grow huge. Anyone who objects is accused of not being “missional”. Older members are seen as an obstacle to reaching the preferred younger members. Christians are burdened with guilt that they are not doing enough, working hard enough, that without this busy-busy “evangelism,” they cannot possibly be the true church.
We will always have a few very large congregations. These should be a treasured part of our church. We will always have a large number of very small congregations. These should also be a treasured part of our church.
Absolutely. As you said, “It’s no secret that too many evangelical leaders are captivated more by business culture than biblical culture, spending more time absorbed in strategies and effectiveness and relatively little time in prayer.” That’s what I can’t stand about most institutional churches.