Comments on: Thoughts About Megachurches

By: Bill Muehlenberg

Bill Muehlenberg — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:02:19 +0000

Thanks guys

For what it is worth, I recently bought Osteen’s newest book, and did a review of it, along with another volume: www.billmuehlenberg.com/2009/05/18/will-the-real-gospel-please-stand-up/

Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch

By: Belinda

Belinda — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:40:11 +0000

Hi Bill,

Thank you for this fair-minded and valid article.

Since the mega-church phenomenon is relatively new, since the 50′s, I think it is worth discussing and indeed watching.

Regards,
Belinda Horne

By: Bill Muehlenberg

Bill Muehlenberg — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:45:23 +0000

Thanks Amanda

Actually I have not yet bought it. I am waiting for the $35 price to go down a bit. But I still intend to get it, read it, and review it. Stay tuned a bit longer!

Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch

By: Amanda Fairweather

Amanda Fairweather — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:25:49 +0000

Hey Bill,
Have you finished reading Osteen’s book? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it when you get the chance.
Cheers,
Amanda Fairweather

By: Mark Walker

Mark Walker — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:04:32 +0000

You seem petrified when looking at a false prophet and worrying if you will judge him. We are the judges of those who call themselves christians. The false prophests have convinced us not to judge them so they can go on unabated. We are to avoid believers who are idolators or immoral, so I guess you have to judge them. I know the clergy doesn’t like those “hard verses” because their money supply and pew potatos would shrink.
Mark Walker

By: Bill Muehlenberg

Bill Muehlenberg — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:39:48 +0000

Thanks John

Yes that was an important piece indeed, and a few weeks after I wrote this article, I wrote up another article dealing with the Willow Creek report.

Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch

By: John Seel

John Seel — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:06:55 +0000

Shocking “Confession” from Willow Creek Community Church
Bob Burney
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
…..
Bob Burney is Salem Communications’ award-winning host of Bob Burney Live, heard weekday afternoons on WRFD-AM 880 in Columbus, Ohio.

John Seel

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:54:14 +0000

I believe that size does not matter to God. He wants all people to come to know and love Him by being cured of sin in their lives through the death and resurrection of Jesus – God’s love extends to each one of us so that we can be loved by Him and then show that love to the world.
In the last year I have had significant contact with believers all over the world who have moved out of traditionally-structured churches to seek a more effective and authentic body life. Many meet in homes, building the life of the body around Jesus-centered relationships and daily discovering what it means to pursue God and care for each other. Their meetings are rarely slick and attractive. They are designed to equip and encourage through active participation, honest examination and simple love. They say they have stopped just going to church and are now learning to be the church. Family Room Media (familyroommedia.com) in one of their videos quote the Barna group “about 13 million born again Christians in America had not attended a Christian church service … in the last six months.” These figures are incredible and many churches, including Willow Creek, have admitted that they have lost their most committed members. (revealnow.com/story.asp?storyid=48) Quoting Andrew Strom about the loss of church membership “The surprising thing is that they are most often the most committed Christians – praying, insightful, deep thinking. Most have not given up on Christianity, but on today’s church system.”
I cannot say what is happening in Australia but even though there are mega churches in the USA, there is also a growing movement of Christians who are outside the “church movement”. The main reason for this growth is that people see the lack of Christ in the church especially mega churches where true relationship is lacking and “I” is the central message.
I realize that this is a different thread but I feel that figures alone do not tell the whole story of what God is doing today because He is moving mightily outside the tradition church in the US as well. See also www.lifestream.org/
Ian Thompson, Canada

By: Vanessa Exum

Vanessa Exum — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:36:47 +0000

I have no problem with the megachurch. I disagree with your statement that the message of prosperity, inner peace, and better relationships is a self-centered message. The bible did say to us that we would face persecution, tribulation, and rejection. But Jesus did say however that he came that to give us life and have it more abundantly.(I am paraphrasing) In other words he came so that we can have righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost when those rough times come. How can we as the Body of Christ spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ when our own personal lives are just as or worse like people who are sinners. They need to see how God has blessed us through our trials. Being blessed in finances, our love walk with people, peace and joy in our hearts is a big part of discipleship. Sin does need to be preached because with the blessings of God comes responsibility. We have to obey God’s word and live a life that is pleasing to him. But sin should not be preached every sermon. There needs to be a balance to that. I also believe that we as Christians need to go beyond the four walls of the church and silly denominations. Most people are not accustomed to going to church. So we need to find other ways to minister to this world. I ask you this question, would you still feel the same about mega churches if they were under a denomination? You need to stay focused on what God has called you to do and stop judging the megachurch. If they are doing things that are wrong then God will deal with them. You can believe that!
Vanessa Exum

By: SK Leong

SK Leong — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:24:14 +0000

Hi, Garth, you certainly have made very good points. I do not think that the word prospertiy refers to financial gain only. It includes all aspects of being a new creation in Christ.
I merely wanted to say that the people of God should not forget the financial blessings that God wants us to have when we become His children.

SK Leong