Megachurches in recent years have developed heavy pushback based on scandals that arise from corrupt pastors and abuse that is swept under the rugs. However, with increasing globalization, megachurches have been more accessible than ever. Online church becomes more and more possible with developments after covid. Churches as they grow larger have been planting church campuses rather than independent churches. What are the pros and cons of this church model?
The most obvious con of this model is the ability for church to be centered around a singular person who is not Jesus. Because protestant churches are structured around sermons, people are drawn to powerful speakers and gifted teachers. Good preaching however is not the purpose of church. The focus on a singular person opens up blindspots for abuse by authority figures in the church. Because church attendance is based on the preaching of the pastor, they hold an unhealthy amount of power over their congregants. Finally, the megachurch model by shifting the focus to the pastor, shifts focus away from the community of believers. God designed human beings to pour into each other and be poured into by one another. The megachurch models when it is employed poorly can draw people away from community rather than drawing them into community.
However, the megachurch model has many helpful qualities that churches across America could employ. First, having a large church is not inherently evil, if anything, it indicates that people are drawn to something being done there. Acts 16:4-5 describes the early church of the Apostle adding to their numbers daily and rapid expansion. Second, the megachurch model can be very welcoming to outsiders because it can provide a sense of belonging amidst such a large group of people. Finally, the megachurch model has avenues to minister to a larger demographic that can empower more people to be involved in growing the kingdom.
Overall, it is important to understand that just because something can be abused does not mean it should be dismissed. How can we as a church learn from our mistakes and answer the call to grow in our understanding of the Bride of Christ?
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This is a great blog post! I am not the biggest fan of megachurches but I think that you made some great points that get me thinking more. I think megachurches can be good and like you said beneficial if they don't abuse their design.