The Lord’s Church...

The Lord’s Church...

In a Mega-Church World

It is the LORD’S church

Matt 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. NKJV

It is the LORD’S church

Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. NKJV

Let us agree for this evening:We will consider the church to which we belong:

– Is it the church we find in the pages of our New Testaments? – Is it a church whose builder and maker is man?

2 Cor 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. NKJV

Let us agree for this evening:We will consider the church to which we belong:

– Is it the church we find in the pages of our New Testaments? – Is it a church whose builder and maker is man?

1 Thess 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. NKJV

A Mega-Church World

What is a “Mega-church?”

It is a church whose normal membership is greater than 2000 members.

A Mega-Church World

What is a “Mega-church?”

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Mega-Church Trends in the US

A Mega-Church WorldWe have no objection to size

– A church may be large (Acts 2:41, 47)– A church may be small (Matthew 18:20)

A Mega-Church World

We have no objection to size

"In our society growth equals success," says Scott Thumma, faculty associate at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. "And religious growth not only equals success but also God's blessing on the ministry." Forbes Megachurches, Megabusinesses. Luisa Kroll, 09.17.03

A Mega-Church World

1. Calculated Movement

Helping churches grow is a business in itself. There is even a publicly traded company, Kingdom Ventures (otc: KDMV - news - people ), whose sole mission is to help faith-based organizations get bigger. Forbes Megachurches, Megabusinesses

Luisa Kroll, 09.17.03, 12:00 PM ET

http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/compinfo/CompanyTearsheet.jhtml?tkr=KDMV

http://www.forbes.com/markets/company_news.jhtml?ticker=KDMV

http://www.forbes.com/peopletracker/results.jhtml?startRow=0&name=&ticker=KDMV

A Mega-Church World


If that doesn't help, they may steer folks to a new book they are about to publish: PastorPreneur, which is hitting Christian book stores this month. The book teaches pastors to think like entrepreneurs; for instance, encouraging them to set up strategic partnerships with nonchurch groups and to use event marketing to draw in new members. Forbes Megachurches, Megabusinesses Luisa Kroll, 09.17.03

A Mega-Church World


For a lesson in marketing, religious leaders would do well to study the success of Bill Hybels and his Great Barrington, Ill.-based Willow Creek Community Church. In 1975, he and members of his student ministry went door to door asking residents what kept them away from church. Hybels then crafted his services to address their concerns, becoming one of the first pastors to use video, drama and contemporary music in church and encouraging a more casual dress code. "Hybels really showed that churches can use marketing principles and still be authentic," says Michael Emerson, a Rice University sociology professor who has studied megachurches.

A Mega-Church World


...Willow Creek, which has a staff of 500 full and part-time employees, is renowned for its conferences and seminars that teach other churches how to market themselves as well as for its "buzz" events, featuring well-known personalities such as country singer Randy Travis, NASCAR Champion owner and former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and Lisa Beamer, widow of Sept. 11, 2001, hero Todd Beamer--all intended to attract nonchurch goers. Forbes Megachurches, Megabusinesses Luisa Kroll, 09.17.03, 12:00 PM ET

A Mega-Church World


For a fee, Rick Warren will teach his 40 Days of Purpose, A Churchwide Spiritual Growth Campaign where he advertises such thing as: “Exponential Thinking,” “Concentrated Focus,” and “Catalytic Events”

In the Lord’s Church...

A faith not in the marketing ideas of men but in the preaching of God’s word.

1 Cor 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. KJV


A faith not in the marketing ideas of men but in the preaching of God’s word.

1 Cor 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. NKJV

In A Mega-Church World

2. Churches become social clubs

At Saddleback Church you will find clubs for:

BasketballGolfRacquetballBird WatchingHikingRoad CyclingBowlingMen's SoccerRoller Hockey

Bridge MotorcyclingRunningClassic CarsMountain BikingSoftballFlag FootballPilatesSurfing

College-Age MinistriesPost-college Age MinistriesAsian small groupsArt ClassesDecorating Ministry


A devotion to the works the Lord gave His church.

Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, NKJV

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, NKJV



1 Cor 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come NKJV



Eph 3:10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, NKJV


3. “Vibrant” worship meant to entertain

“Lakewood makes sure to put on a grand show. It has a 12-piece stage band, a lighting designer to set the mood and three large projection screens. The technology will be even more spectacular when it moves into its new home in the former Houston Rockets' stadium ‘We really want it to feel like a concert,’ says Duncan Dodds, Lakewood's executive director. Something is working: Church attendance has grown from 6,000 in 1999 when Osteen became pastor to 25,060 today.” Forbes Megachurches, Megabusinesses Luisa Kroll, 09.17.03, 12:00 PM ET



“Lakewood Church is widely recognized for its powerful and inspiring worship services… The Creative Arts Ministry is here to support and enhance all the ministries of Lakewood Church with quality dramatic, video and musical production… Lakewood's Drama Team is offering a FREE acting workshop for all interested parties 18 and older.” Lakewood Church Website, www.lakewood.cc



“We are currently developing a Dance team to complement our dramatic presentations. Presently we are looking for experienced and trained dancers…. The Creative Arts Ministry is offering a beginner dance class for anyone 18 and older interested in improving their dance skills. This class offers instruction in ballet, jazz and lyrical styles. This class is free of charge.” Lakewood Church Website, www.lakewood.cc

In the Lord’s Church...Worship for God

– God is the only object of our worship (Matt. 4:10)– Not all worship is good worship (Matt. 15:9)

Acts 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. NKJV


4. Multiple worship options meant to fit the person

Saddleback Church, Lake Forest CA:“Try One of Our Worship Venues! We have something for everyone! One of our few "traditions" at Saddleback is to keep trying new ways to tell the good news of God's love. What is a worship venue? It's a live feed of the message on a large bright LED screen. It's live bands with different styles than in the Worship Center. It's a smaller, more intimate atmosphere for worship. AND you can even bring your coffee with you into the service!” Sadleback Church Website, www.saddleback.com


4. Multiple Worship options meant to fit the creature.

1. Worship Center:You’ll hear the familiar musical sounds of Saddleback and enjoy live teaching that is videocast to our other venues.

2. Tent 3:Hear Gospel music that moves your heart – and likely your feet too! This big, Gospel choir worship experience includes a videocast message

3. Tent 2:This venue has guitar-driven, rock-style worship in a concert-like setting that you can FEEL! So rev it up in worship, and then get ready for the videocast message.



4. Room 404: Get away to the islands for a time of worship, complete with hula and island-style music. Laid back and relaxed, the "full body" worship with our hula ministry leads into the videocast message. At a potluck "luau" right after the service on the first Saturday of every month, you’ll enjoy food, fun, fellowship, and hula lesson

5. Tent 2:If you are a single adult who enjoys current Christian radio hits, this service is for you. Each Saturday following the videocast message, get to know other singles at a special event



6. Plaza Room:Enjoy a small, traditional church feeling as you worship with hymns, choruses, and favorite songs of the faith, all at a lower volume! The message is videocast on big screens for great viewing.

In the Lord’s Church...Vibrant worship meant to praise the Creator not the creature.

– In Spirit and in Truth– Un-Authorized worship is not pleasing to God


5. One Charismatic Leader

•Joel Osteen at Lakewood, Houston

•Rick Warren at Saddlebrook, CA

•Bishop T.D. Jakes at The Potters House, Dallas

•Dr. H. Edwin Young at Second Baptist, Houston

•Bill Hybels at Willow Creek Community Church, Ill

•Pastor Bob Coy at Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale, FL


5. One Charismatic Leader

“The Presbyterian form of church government, which is typical in Presbyterian and Reformed churches, puts the decisions of church policy in the hands of a select group of elders (the "presbytery") who are appointed in various different ways, depending on the church. These elders are over the pastor, who in turn is over the congregation. The problem here too is that this system puts the God-appointed leader, the pastor, under some of those he is supposed to lead.” Calvary Chapel, FL Website, http://www.calvaryftl.org


5. One Charismatic Leader “Calvary Chapels are organized differently... Basically, at Calvary Chapel we believe that the pastor is responsible for the church, responsible to hear from God, and responsible to feed and love His people faithfully. Elders are appointed in the larger churches to help the pastor care for the spiritual needs of the congregation, as are deacons to help the pastor care for the material needs of the church.” Calvary Chapel, FL Website, http://www.calvaryftl.org

In the Lord’s Church...Elders (also known as pastors, or bishops) leading and shepherding the flock among them.

– Titus 1:5– 1 Tim 3:1– Acts 20:17, 28– Ephesians 4:11– Philippians 1:1

In A Mega-Church World6. “Relevant” Teachings

You'll enjoy upbeat music and practical messages that help you deal with real life issues. Saddleback Church Website, www.saddleback.com


“Mr. Warren preaches in sandals and a Hawaiian shirt, and he encourages ministers to banish church traditions such as hymns, choirs and pews. He and his followers use "praise team" singers, backed by rock bands playing contemporary Christian songs. His sermons rarely linger on self-denial and fighting sin, instead focusing on healing modern American angst, such as troubled marriages and stress.” Suzanne Sataline, The Wall Street Journal, September 05, 2006


Using drama, multi-media, contemporary music, and a message that connects with people's lives, the ageless wisdom of Scripture is presented in a creative, yet straight-forward way. People who haven't attended church, or for some reason have quit going to church, are often surprised at how meaningful these services are.Willow Creek Community Church, Barrington Ill, http://www.willowcreek.org/


Teaching the whole counsel of God

Acts 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. NKJV



Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. NKJV



– All of the gospel is relevant, practical, meaningful

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV

In A Mega-Church World7. Doctrines of Appeasement

“Because of its size and influence, many Christians have asked exactly what Calvary Chapel believes and what makes us distinct. At Calvary Chapel, we have always been hesitant to answer those questions, not because we are unsure of our beliefs, but because we are cautious to avoid division within the body of Christ… When Christians move away from these foundational doctrines to those that are less essential, there is always a risk of setting barriers up in the church, something we at Calvary Chapel have no desire to do.” Calvary Chapel, FL Website, http://www.calvaryftl.org


“... It is not our purpose to cause division or discord in the body of Christ; rather, we long for unity among all of God's people, and we allow for a great deal of flexibility even within our own church… It has not been our intention to say that we are right and everyone else is wrong, nor has it been our intention to argue our position with any Christian believer. We are content to agree to disagree, and we desire to have nothing but love and fellowship with anyone who calls on the name of our Lord in truth and sincerity.”Calvary Chapel, FL Website, http://www.calvaryftl.org


“... In a broad general sense, Calvary Chapel is the middle ground between fundamentalism and Pentecostalism in modern Protestant theology. In fact, we believe that this is at least part of the reason why God has raised up this ministry. ..Over the years, however, fundamentalism, while it clung to the integrity of God's Word, tended to become rigid, legalistic, and unaccepting of spiritual gifts. Similarly, Pentecostalism became enthusiastic and emotional at the expense of the teaching of God's Word. Calvary Chapel is the balance between the two…”Calvary Chapel, FL Website, http://www.calvaryftl.org


Teachings that reprove, rebuke and exhort.

In A Mega-Church WorldDon’t get the idea that the mega-

churches are all sweet and fuzzy...

Some pastors learn how to make their churches purpose-driven through training workshops. Speakers at Church Transitions Inc., a Waxhaw, N.C., nonprofit that works closely with Mr. Warren's church, stress that the transition will be rough. At a seminar outside of Austin, Texas, in April, the Revs. Roddy Clyde and Glen Sartain advised 80 audience members to trust very few people with their plans. "All the forces of hell are going to come at you when you wake up that church," said Mr. Sartain, who has taught the material at Mr. Warren's Saddleback Church.


During a session titled "Dealing with Opposition," Mr. Clyde recommended that the pastor speak to critical members, then help them leave if they don't stop objecting. Then when those congregants join a new church, Mr. Clyde instructed, pastors should call their new minister and suggest that the congregants be barred from any leadership role.

"There are moments when you've got to play hardball," said the Rev. Dan Southerland, Church Transitions' president, in an interview. "You cannot transition a church ... and placate every whiny Christian along the way." Suzanne Sataline, The Wall Street Journal, September 05, 2006

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The Lord’s Church...

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