Thinking about gonig a mega-church for a while.....

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The mega that I have had some contact with does many good things for the community and I believe it has a Christian message. Frankly I think it is good at drawing in the unchurched. Then after a period of time many want to move on to something with more depth.

I have heard, and believe, that most of its members are ex-Catholics. Most were poorly catechized and state that they “want to get away from all that doctrine stuff.” So they join churches without knowing their stands on abortion, chastity, salvation, etc. But it has good shows and a Starbucks.

A few years back Catholics were leaving to join the tiny churches for the fellowship. Now they join mega churches for the entertainment. I believe that the success of the megachurches has inspired more of them. Now there are too many of them competing against one another. And they survive on one leader who will not be there forever. Some are starting to struggle to survive…
 
Agree with others in regards to poor catechesis…alot about being nice…or in high school, they give them college level academic study of faith, with history…and the kids are needing a real relationship with God.

I am studying Communion and Liberation, a movement started in Italy with high school students. It is a Catholic movement, and has been highly endorsed by John Paul II and Pope Benedict.

Its essential construct is that encountering the living Christ is a historical event, a living event in reality. Our modern, secular culture is so dehumanizing we don’t realize it. So because we are dehumanized, it is very hard to find Christ in this world. You have cyberspace and all the subtle messages and not so subtle, against organized religion anywhere. So to become Christian, is not only this event of one’s encounter in Christ, but also one’s encounter with one’s true self. This type of language means something to young adults, but it appeals more to those with college level education who can understand this form of catechesis.

It would be interesting to try Communion and Liberation with our teens as it was done with Italian teens, in spite of sounding more intellectual.

‘Religious Sense’, by Fr. Giussani…

Religion teachers are not teaching teens at their developmental level…where they need a fundamental sense of right and wrong to keep them close to God and out of trouble, but professionals are so afraid the teens will become judgmental…so there is alot of skirting around absolute values.

Alot of young people are nihilists…believe in nothing. Alot of our young were damaged or had their faith destroyed by secular newspapers reporting regarding clergy sex abuse. What they don’t realize is that sex abuse in the secular world is 100 times that anywhere in public schools, and there is no editorializing in the same newspapers.

I am going to buy several books being offered by CAF here on relativism. I see it come up on CAF by individuals supporting compromise of faith for the absolute in Catholicism.

Young people do need music, their own small group or friend in catechesis, activities, and then reflection with good management to protect them from being hurt by peers. It takes alot of energy and work to do teen ministry. Some teens most enthusiastic about their faith in this form also approach maturation…and usually there is no bridge between the former enthusiastic model to a more quiet, reflective, and prayerful study of faith, they end up loosing their faith in the transition.

I think American Christianity has so many forces that destroy faith and our sacred unity. I think it is time the Catholic laity begin to bring up issues with what these ministers are teaching followers about our faith. I have someone close to me who joined one of these, it helped bring them into a personal and more emotional and affective relationship with Christ, but at the expense of seeing Catholicism as a man based religion, likewise our sacraments, with resolute closed minds of learning history and authentic teachings.
 
PaulDupre said:
I’ve been to those mega-churches (my younger brother is the “music pastor” for one of the largest mega-churches in New England). I think the reason people flock to them is that there is very little religion there (and no talk of sin), but lots of good free entertainment.

Every Sunday is a major production, with rock music, multi-media special effects, dancers, etc (all of whom are professionals on salary from the church). My brother’s church even has an artist who paints a huge religiously-themed mural during the service every week. By the end of the festivities the mural is complete. Very impressive.

I call it Christa-tainment.

Normally a show like that would cost $50 or $60 a ticket, but with the mega-church it is free. Can’t beat that. 😃
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There is a mega church close to where I live that is associated with the Missionary Church – they preach a tough message. No divorce, tithing, strict moral values, strictly pro-life. They are flourishing. Their minister is upfront about not being able to teach against alcohol from a Biblical standpoint, but he also makes it very clear that he has seen so many lives ruined by it that he has to advise against drinking. I’ve been very impressed with their message which is not anti-Catholic at all. He goes to India a lot and has wonderful things to say about his experiences with Mother Teresa. So not all mega churches are bad even if they are not Catholic. Here is their web site:

nmconline.net/

And here is the web site for the denomination:

nmconline.net/

The denomination claims its roots are Methodist/Anabaptist.

There are some people who would call my 10,000+ member parish a Catholic mega church. It’s bigger than most of the mega churches in the area.
 
Jack_Bauer said:
Talk about an empty walk of faith into a mega non-denom. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Literally. Empty faith yields shallow belief.
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:rolleyes:

My mom goes to a mega non-denominational church. She definitely does not have an empty faith nor does she yield shallow beliefs. Come to think of it, many of the people that are a part of that church are not like that.

Is going on mission trips to not only spread the gospel but to devote time, energy, and skills to help those who are suffering all over the world empty faith? Is helping set up a group of people who minister to and help homeless children and their family shallow? Is constantly praying, fasting, and putting all your faith and trust in the Lord an empty faith? No, my mom does not have an empty walk of faith and through her works and faith in God it shows.

Some of the most faithful and serving people I have ever met attend these types of churches.
 
Kristin234 said:
:rolleyes:

My mom goes to a mega non-denominational church. She definitely does not have an empty faith nor does she yield shallow beliefs. Come to think of it, many of the people that are a part of that church are not like that.

Is going on mission trips to not only spread the gospel but to devote time, energy, and skills to help those who are suffering all over the world empty faith? Is helping set up a group of people who minister to and help homeless children and their family shallow? Is constantly praying, fasting, and putting all your faith and trust in the Lord an empty faith? No, my mom does not have an empty walk of faith and through her works and faith in God it shows.

Some of the most faithful and serving people I have ever met attend these types of churches.
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I wonder if your reference is to Willowcreek. It is the church that I have had some experience with. They do a lot of good things there and the church is an excellent example of Christianity.
 
I like the idea of mega-churches, but it’s just not my style. I have never attended one, but have read many accounts. There are none in my area.

I have a problem with “non-denominational” generally, since to me, this means the whole thing either has not been thought through fully, or else serious theological matters are ignored or papered over.

I like the detail.

Church entertainment sounds fun, but at the end of the day, it’s the Holy Eucharist that does it for me.

To be sure, this points to the following needs of the church:
-Fellowship. The leadership of the church HAS to stop ignoring this issue. It’s an issue.
-Marketing. People need to know the Catholic Church is an ongoing thing.
-Doctrine: “Dogma” shouldn’t be a dirty word; Catholics need better instruction on what the Church is all about.
 
Jack_Bauer said:
Talk about an empty walk of faith into a mega non-denom. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Literally. Empty faith yields shallow belief.
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I took my children to North Point Community Church in the affluent northern suburbs of Atlanta a year or two ago just to observe what Evangelical Christianity was like.

After the service, I asked my twelve year old, “So, what do you think?” She replied, “It’s a big self-help group.”

-Tim-
 
I’ve gone to a “Fort God” with my ex-husband (who is Seventh-day Adventist!). This place had loud music, dancing, a coffee shop, indoor basketbal court, raquetball court, etc. I did some digging and found out this “non-denominational” church has ties to CBN (Pat Robertson and the “700 Club”). I was honestly creeped out when people around me started to whisper “in tongues.” I’m not being judgmental; for some reason it just raised the hairs on my neck! :eek:

At any rate, I have to laugh whenever, and this keeps happening, someone says, “Oh, you would love my church! The pastor wears jeans and runs up and down the aisles! There is contemporary Christian music [loud rock-style!],” etc. Over the years I’ve gone to synagogues, Buddhist meditation centers, Anglican, Catholic services regularly. Obviously I like quiet, liturgical worship! 👍

I know some good, real-seeming Christians who attend these mega churches. I do understand the concerns that there is no substance. This place I went to had a sermon that was very “trendy” and filled with catchy anecdotes and patting-on-the-back. I know this place has good ministries in the community, but it certainly wasn’t for me.

It didn’t help that the Bible study I attended the associate pastor was very judgmental toward other faiths and denominations (namely Buddhists and Catholics!). The last straw was his tirade about how Satanic “Star Trek” is. At that point I had to excuse myself. It didn’t help that several of the regular study members were bragging about what good Christians they are and how “stupid” some other people are. My ex-husband and I left and sat in the car for a few minutes, gobsmacked! He turned to me and was like, "Holy cow, what a bunch of back-slappers! Do these people even open their Bibles???’

Yeah, that can happen anywhere, but I see it more in Evangelical Protestant groups.

My personal belief is that God made different styles of worship because He made all of us different, with different personalities and likes. I’m glad my brothers and sisters enjoy their more… lively services. I:thumbsup:

Cara
 
Kristin234 said:
:rolleyes:

My mom goes to a mega non-denominational church. She definitely does not have an empty faith nor does she yield shallow beliefs. Come to think of it, many of the people that are a part of that church are not like that.

Is going on mission trips to not only spread the gospel but to devote time, energy, and skills to help those who are suffering all over the world empty faith? Is helping set up a group of people who minister to and help homeless children and their family shallow? Is constantly praying, fasting, and putting all your faith and trust in the Lord an empty faith? No, my mom does not have an empty walk of faith and through her works and faith in God it shows.

Some of the most faithful and serving people I have ever met attend these types of churches.
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I attended a non-denominational mega church while I was Mormon and before I became Catholic. They had small groups, prayer groups, etc. They did a lot of service in the community. The services became boring after awhile, but when it came to moral teachings they were pretty strict. The church appealed to a lot of younger people. My guess is a lot of them were ex-Catholic and others were from mainstream Protestant groups. I don’t think they preached easy Christianity, and I’m guessing the people that attended were better for having been there. The thing that keeps me Catholic is our understanding of the Eucharist, but the fellowship in the mega churches is probably better.
 
OP glad you are not going to a “mega-church”. In my protestant seminary I had to study the founders of this movement. Read their books etc. Rick Warren of Saddleback fame actually started his church based upon a poll of people as to what they wanted in a church and delivered. No cross, altar, hymns, talk on hell etc.

Bill Hybels in 2007, WillowCreek, released a multi-year study on the ministry of Willow Creek. Released it in book form, Reveal: Where are you going? In it he admits to a shallowness in ministry, spiritual formation etc.

In my Baptist seminary I was told not to preach on topics that could turn people off to church. The seminary was NOBTS. When I spoke with my assist pastor about it, Stan told me “if you preach on the difficult things, how do you expect to grow your church?” This was in the largest baptist church in my town.

With protestant mega-churches, in the Warren and Hybels mold…theology must be a mile wide and an inch deep to attact the numbers.

Mark
 
Fidi said:
I loathe that stuff. Its so horribly irreverent and banal. Its like a pagan festival… Clapping and stopping. Gregorian Chant or perhaps polyphony would be like ‘Pearls before swine…’ I suppose. They did this stuff at a Crusio I attended. I heard good things about it. I literaly got sick during it. I got sick again right at the Ultreya and I got the point not to attend this sacrilege.
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There is nothing wrong with Pentecostal celabration within the Catholic Church.
It can and has a renewing of the Holy Spirit experience for many luke warm Catholics and has been. Peace, Carlan

.
 
wondrousgnat said:
I wonder if your reference is to Willowcreek. It is the church that I have had some experience with. They do a lot of good things there and the church is an excellent example of Christianity.
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No it isn’t Willowcreek, but I have been there a couple of times myself. The church my mom attends is Harvest. It is almost like Willowcreek just not as big.
 
wondrousgnat said:
Been to one of America’s largest megachurches on a number of ocassions. Has stores, restaurants, and a theater-like church with rock musicians and plays. Fun for a while but it is like going to the multiplex at the mall. Sermons can be good but lack depth. Need to get beyond the basics. Many people burn out after a time.
My foster son worked at one for years and was a member there too. He eventually left.

I recall a lady once telling me that she spent 12 years in Catholic school and went to Sunday school her entire youth but it was at a Protestant church that she learned what the Catholic church really believes. I asked her with all the Catholic education how did she not learn what she then claimed. She looked stumoed then said she had to answer a phone I did not hear ringing.
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Stores? Restaurants? Didn’t Jesus have to clean out the Temple once with a whip? This is a very disturbing concept at a house of worship. How can those folks justify such things?
 
jason3477 said:
I’m Catholic, just recently came back Home to the Catholic church, but I’m thinking about visiting a mega-church near where I live. They’re southern baptist I think.

And also, why do so many hispanic people in Mexico leave the Catholic Church to go to those pentecostaol/evangelical churches??? Any ideas?
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By all means go and see. I have been to many a Baptist service and while the word of God is read there, I find of things missing. Like the Eucharist for example. No, I could never find a satisfactory religious life there.
 
TimothyH said:
I took my children to North Point Community Church in the affluent northern suburbs of Atlanta a year or two ago just to observe what Evangelical Christianity was like.

After the service, I asked my twelve year old, “So, what do you think?” She replied, “It’s a big self-help group.”

-Tim-
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Maybe we should introduce our teens to each other. My son said something similar. He said, “they don’t believe in anything or that you have to do anything to be saved.” Out of the mouths of babes. Our son was 10. That was 2006
 
waxwing said:
Although their may be some genuine people attending these mega churches, think your right it is a entertainment based event, often looks (the church building inside and out) like a business and does focus on socializing both on Sunday and throughout the week. Regarding the socializing/community aspect of churches I do think the RCC is left lacking - but that’s another thread, but even with this weakness I don’t see it as a reason to attend a mega church, for me at least.
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I had attended a mega church for a good while and what i found was, if you weren’t part of the “click” you didnt fit in with others. there were so many church services and because of that, you had a very hard time meeting people because people didnt always attend the same time service week after week. Also, what bothered me alot was the fact that right outside the “sanctuary” was donuts and coffee and people would literally load up plate full of food and bring it in to the service and eat and drink their coffee as the Church service was going on… They didnt have pews, just chairs and I said the only thing missing now is cup holders for their coffee. The preaching was very good though but this contemporary music made it look like a big concert and nothing more than a place of entertainment. What I think personally is, its alot like going to Walmart… – meaning, its that crazy inside. I love the Catholic Faith and how the traditional mass is. Wouldnt trade it in for anything. I was raised Protestant and so happy i go to the catholic church now 🙂 My friend, save yourself alot of trouble and just study your catholic faith. You will Fall in Love with Christ so much more than ever before!
 
Gas is expensive. Why would you waste the money driving to a Mega church that you know will be a waste of time? I guess maybe go if someone else drives you. or better, if you can walk.
 
I do have to give it to Protestants though. They have stuff that excite the younger children to go as well as teens. Such as my younger sister who will go to my aunts baptist church to color pictures and play games, instead of sit through a mass. Sadly the parish I belong to has nothing for children, as with most churches I have been to. And considering I am the only faithful Catholic, I lose at trying to get my younger sister to come to Catholicism. It sad and breaks my heart but I guess I can only pray, eh?
 
You know, I’m really starting to doubt that Catholics believe Protestants are their brothers and sisters in Christ much less have love for them.

There are some very rude things being said on here and a lot of people on here are just coming off as judgmental and arrogant. How dare people say that going to any Christian church is a waste of time - even if it is a mega church. It is never a waste of time when someone is preaching God’s word. I have known a couple of Catholics, and there are some on here too, that came to know and learn more about Christ because they attended these mega churches that aren’t worth anyone’s time.
 
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