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Originally Posted by Jason
Good discussion between NOW and NOS, good points made by both. Overall, I'd have to side with NOS, because despite the fact that these mega churches are supposed to be "Reaching" the un-churched, the result seems to truly be Christianity without the cross.
I work with people who go to the local megas, have family memebrs who attend some. To me it is quite a perk, you can go to a big church, and be a Christian without repentance. Hey, if I want to continue to live my own way, but be caled a Christian, sign me up for that one. And, guess what, they sign up in droves. But are they being concerted, are they being born again, are their lives bearing the fruit of the Spirit, as a majority, no.
It is this type of "grace" Paul writes against in Romans 6:1-2.
PS-I lost alot of respect when Warren flip flopped on homosexuality last year during (or right after) the elections. |
Jason, you're right. People that attend larger Churches are less accountable, which in turn breeds a weaker commitment. I've attended large and small churches, and the smaller congregations are much closer and connected because they have to be. When fellowship is limited, so are your options if you get offended or struggle.
We have a woman who has been attending our Church for a few years now. She came from the bigger city, and a Church that offered more fellowship, music options, and a constant flow of visiting speakers. When she first came here, she did nothing but complain and her shallow spiritual perception was staggering.
When she found out she would have to stand on her own 2 feet, and carry a load she never carried before, she about fell apart.
But now, I've watched as she has slowly transformed into being more of a blessing in helping others instead of being such a taker.
As far as Mr. Warren going to the most unchurched populace in America, he's never been to the Pacific Northwest. This area is known for being the hardest place in the Country to build a Church. On the other hand, Los Angeles, California, is a far cry from being unchurched. I was saved in Southern California when I was in the Marines, and Churches of great size and numbers are there, and don’t even compare to the Northwest.
In the North, we deal with harsh and dark winters, and depression is rampant. Alcoholism, suicide, and many other deep problems plague this area for several months out of the year. LA, on the other hand, has one of the most temperate climates on earth, with little rain, and mellow winters.
Go ahead and Google Mega Churches in Washington State and then California. Out of 100 Mega Churches in the United States, 19 are in Southern California and Rick Warren's church has over 20,000 attendees. 14 of the fastest growing Churches are in California, and 10 of those are in Southern California.
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