Posted January 27, 2006
Mega churches are taking the American church landscape by storm—often huge in terms of attendance and campus size. But are they preaching the gospel recorded in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.?
You are escorted to your seat in the glamorous auditorium by an attractive young lady sporting a warm smile, perfect hair and make-up. As she seats you she tells you how much everyone appreciates your attendance and hopes you will enjoy the program this morning. As you settle into the plush seats you can hear others around you buzzing about the big-name entertainer who will soon perform.
No cost has been spared in this expansive auditorium of glass, silver, and rich woods. Large screens on both sides of the front wall are ablaze with scenes of happy young families accompanied by slogans encouraging the audience to "Be all you can be," "Reach for the Sky" and "Strive for Excellence."
Trumpets sound as runners trailing long red and gold banners race down the aisles from the rear of the room and cross in front of the stage. A deep voice booms over the powerful sound system announcing that the production is about to begin.
You ask yourself, "Where am I?—at a Rock Concert or a Hollywood Awards Extravaganza?"
No, you are at a church service—a mega church of 2006. After the grand entrance of its charismatic leader you hear a message on "How great it is to be alive" or "God has a special purpose for you. Today we're going to help you find it."
The glossy brochure you were given features what this mega church has to offer: health fairs, employment support groups, new member training, 'Finding Your Ministry,' weight-loss club, aerobics, auto-repair clinics, sports for all ages, 12 step recovery groups, karate classes, grief-counseling and divorcee support groups, plus a special theater just for teenagers and lots of music.
In the expansive lobby you are encouraged to visit the bookstore and the hundred-foot long Espresso coffee bar for a latte and bagel. The coffee bar sports a modernistic name, like He Brews. It is so unlike the traditional church you attended as a youngster. In fact, it is intentionally different.
Mega churches are taking the American church landscape by storm—often huge in terms of attendance and campus size. Some have even purchased sports arenas to meet in. Of the nearly 1,000 mega churches today, almost all are less than forty years old, most less than twenty.
They are noted for being independent and non-denominational. In almost every case they are the product of a gifted and charismatic leader, plus creative marketing techniques that appeal to the on-the-move people of today's fast paced society.
The primary message they preach, perhaps sincerely persuaded it is what Jesus would preach today, bears little resemblance to the gospel recorded in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. Often tagged the "Health and Wealth GospelThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .," it's emphasis is mostly on how great each of us is, how every person is special to God and how positive thinking and talk makes the difference in our lives. That falls short of the gospel teachings found in the ScripturesThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18)..
John the Baptist preached, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand" and asked people to confess their sins (Matthew 3). Peter, Paul, and the other apostles consistently taught repentance from sin and obedience to God. But Mega church messages are mostly about people, not in-depth explanations of Christ's teachings or about His return to restore God's truth and establish His Kingdom.
Instead, churches of all sizes today advertise that one should attend their services to be "empowered" "nurtured" "uplifted" or "healed." Although such information may be helpful the true gospel is about repenting of our sins, changing our patterns of daily living and obeying God's word.
In His final prayer before His crucifixion, Jesus asked our heavenly Father, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Paul told Timothy, "But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing... that from childhood you have known the Holy ScripturesThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18)., which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
Furthermore, the gospel message is not just about matters of this life. In fact Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." The true gospel of the Kingdom of God is about the coming 1,000 year rule of Jesus Christ on earth, commencing at His return.
To learn more about the core teachings of God's word and the importance of the Kingdom of God, be sure to request, read online or download now the first installment of our twelve-lesson BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. Study Course and our free booklet, The GospelThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of the Kingdom .
