Modern Mega Modern Mega Church MovementChurch Movement

An ExaminationAn Examination

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ModernMega

ChurchThe Community Church The Community Church (mega church operation)(mega church operation)

has been developing over the has been developing over the past couple of decadespast couple of decades

have sprung up in almost have sprung up in almost every area of the countryevery area of the country

growth is exceedingly fastgrowth is exceedingly fastattracts local and national attracts local and national

mediamedia

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ModernMega

Church

Questions About the Questions About the Mega Church OperationMega Church Operation

what led to the emergence of what led to the emergence of the mega church operation?the mega church operation?

what tactics are used to what tactics are used to propel the movement?propel the movement?

is it a sound movement?is it a sound movement?what effect on churches of what effect on churches of

ChristChrist

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ModernMega

Church FounderFounder Donald McGavran born in India Donald McGavran born in India

18971897– after completing college in US he after completing college in US he

returned to India in 1923returned to India in 1923– disturbed at slow growthdisturbed at slow growth– studied 145 missions over 17 yrs.studied 145 missions over 17 yrs.– published his research in “The Bridges published his research in “The Bridges

of God” (1955)of God” (1955)• church needs to embrace what church needs to embrace what

actually produces disciplesactually produces disciples• effective evangelism will produce effective evangelism will produce

numerical resultsnumerical results

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ModernMega

Church

Some of Today’s Foremost Some of Today’s Foremost

Leaders of theLeaders of the Church Growth Church Growth

MovementMovementBill Hybels, Willow Creek Bill Hybels, Willow Creek

Community ChurchCommunity ChurchRick Warren of Saddleback Rick Warren of Saddleback

Community ChurchCommunity Church

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ModernMega

Church

Some Good Some Good Components of the Components of the C.G.M.C.G.M.

press for prayerpress for prayer– 1 Thess. 5:171 Thess. 5:17

high premium on leadershiphigh premium on leadership pursues involvement of all church pursues involvement of all church

membersmembers– Eph. 4:16Eph. 4:16– members teaching group studiesmembers teaching group studies– Christianity is not for “pew Christianity is not for “pew

potatoes”; not a spectator’s sportpotatoes”; not a spectator’s sport

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ModernMega

Church

Some Good Some Good Components of the Components of the C.G.M.C.G.M.

worship services need to be worship services need to be critically excellentcritically excellent– conveys that we are seriousconveys that we are serious– howeverhowever, CGM stresses on , CGM stresses on

giving people what they “want” giving people what they “want” rather than what they “need”rather than what they “need”

– what does a visitor think when what does a visitor think when they visit?they visit?

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ModernMega

Church

Some Good Some Good Components of the Components of the C.G.M.C.G.M.

integrating new converts into integrating new converts into the work and life of the churchthe work and life of the church– members should have close members should have close

relationshipsrelationships– Acts 2:44-47Acts 2:44-47

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ModernMega

Church

Some Good Some Good Components of the Components of the C.G.M.C.G.M.

keep up the physical keep up the physical surroundings of the buildingsurroundings of the building– classroomsclassrooms– landscapelandscape– professional lookprofessional look– would your home or business be would your home or business be

okay if it was in the same shape okay if it was in the same shape as the house of prayer as the house of prayer (Hag. 1:3-11)?(Hag. 1:3-11)?

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ModernMega

Church

Some Good Some Good Components of the Components of the C.G.M.C.G.M.

should make us should make us reevaluate what we are reevaluate what we are

doing and why or why doing and why or why not?not?

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The Dangers of the The Dangers of the Church Growth Church Growth

MovementMovementSatan’s Sweet SubtletiesSatan’s Sweet Subtleties

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ModernMega

Church DangersDangers

letting the world set the letting the world set the agenda for the churchagenda for the church– giving the world what they wantgiving the world what they want

giving special attention to giving special attention to selected scripture that deals selected scripture that deals with growth and ignoring or with growth and ignoring or placing the rest on a lower parplacing the rest on a lower par

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ModernMega

Church DangersDangers

tremendous emphasis on what tremendous emphasis on what the audience THINKS as the audience THINKS as relevant, “the audience, not the relevant, “the audience, not the message is sovereign” message is sovereign” (George (George Barna, Barna, Marketing The ChurchMarketing The Church))– ““In fact, it is possible to be so In fact, it is possible to be so

relevant that one becomes relevant that one becomes irrelevant because you are merely irrelevant because you are merely telling people what they already telling people what they already know, and not what they need to know, and not what they need to hear” hear” (Kirk Wellum, (Kirk Wellum, An Evaluation of the An Evaluation of the Church Growth Movement)Church Growth Movement)

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Church

“The CGM wants to see the worship service used as a critical evangelistic tool because it believes evangelism should be the great priority of the church. But what it does not understand is that by allowing the unchurched to commandeer the worship service, they are smothering the holy fire that drives all true evangelistic efforts” (Kirk Wellum)

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ModernMega

Church DangersDangerswhatever works is rightwhatever works is right

– success is not always measured success is not always measured in numbers (i.e., Noah, 1 Pet. in numbers (i.e., Noah, 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5)3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5)

– ““growth for growth’s sake is growth for growth’s sake is cancer”cancer”

– a technique may work, but that a technique may work, but that doesn’t mean it is rightdoesn’t mean it is right

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ModernMega

Church DangersDangers be a “user-friendly” churchbe a “user-friendly” church

– the gospel has bad news for those the gospel has bad news for those who will not conform (2 Cor. 2:14-17)who will not conform (2 Cor. 2:14-17)

– regardless of how the word rubs regardless of how the word rubs people, it is what they need to hearpeople, it is what they need to hear

– too many “transformers” are in too many “transformers” are in pulpits today rather than “translators”pulpits today rather than “translators”

– was the early church “user-friendly” was the early church “user-friendly” (Acts 5:1-11)?(Acts 5:1-11)?• ““So great fear came upon all the church So great fear came upon all the church

and upon all who heard these things” (v. and upon all who heard these things” (v. 11)11)

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ModernMega

Church DangersDangers overemphasis on “perking” overemphasis on “perking”

attendance and catering to the attendance and catering to the unbeliever who enters the assemblyunbeliever who enters the assembly– we ought to be concerned with the we ought to be concerned with the

unbeliever who enters (1 Cor. 14:23-25)unbeliever who enters (1 Cor. 14:23-25)– but not to compromise the messagebut not to compromise the message– the early church did not “perk” the early church did not “perk”

attendance by having drama acts with attendance by having drama acts with light and laser shows and staging light and laser shows and staging wrestling matches and ball gameswrestling matches and ball games

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ModernMega

Church

Why the Emergence Why the Emergence of of Community Churches?Community Churches?

a rejection of the “establishment” a rejection of the “establishment” traditional church servicestraditional church services– traditional or whatever the current traditional or whatever the current

establishment isestablishment is– ““At Last! A new church for those At Last! A new church for those

who’ve given up on traditional who’ve given up on traditional church services” (Rick Warren, church services” (Rick Warren, The The Purpose Driven ChurchPurpose Driven Church))

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ModernMega

Church Anti-traditionalAnti-traditional

Rick Warren’s tradition is to be Rick Warren’s tradition is to be against traditional worshipagainst traditional worship– traditions of men that conflict with traditions of men that conflict with

God’s word must be rejected (Matt. God’s word must be rejected (Matt. 15:3)15:3)

– traditions in culture that that do not traditions in culture that that do not conflict with God’s word should be conflict with God’s word should be recognized & regarded (Acts 24:16; 1 recognized & regarded (Acts 24:16; 1 Cor. 9:19-23; 10:32, 33; Rom. 13:7)Cor. 9:19-23; 10:32, 33; Rom. 13:7)

– traditions of the apostles must be traditions of the apostles must be reverencedreverenced

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ModernMega

Church Apostolic TraditionApostolic Tradition“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw from every brother who walks

disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us”

(2 Thess. 3:6)• If having congregational singing, preaching,

prayer along with partaking of the Lord’s Supper and giving on the first day of the week makes me a traditionalist, then so be it!

• The only alternative is being a “disorderist”

ModernMega

Church

Why the Emergence Why the Emergence of of Community ChurchesCommunity Churches

downward spiral of denominational downward spiral of denominational churcheschurches

““The growth comes as overall church The growth comes as overall church attendance has slipped nearly 20 attendance has slipped nearly 20 percent in the past 10 years, according percent in the past 10 years, according to Barna research, a polling firm that to Barna research, a polling firm that focuses on religious issues. Barna says focuses on religious issues. Barna says 40 percent of the nation goes to church 40 percent of the nation goes to church on a typical Sunday, down from 49 on a typical Sunday, down from 49 percent in 1991” percent in 1991”

((God on a Grand Scale, Mega-Churches God on a Grand Scale, Mega-Churches Grow Bigger and BiggerGrow Bigger and Bigger, ,

Oliver Libaw, abcnews.com)Oliver Libaw, abcnews.com)

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ModernMega

Church

Denominational Denominational Downward SpiralDownward Spiral

as denominations decline in as denominations decline in membership, they begin to membership, they begin to compromise to sustain numberscompromise to sustain numbers

extending fellowship to extending fellowship to homosexuals; condoning abortion; homosexuals; condoning abortion; etc. has turned off manyetc. has turned off many

mega churches usually have a mega churches usually have a higher moral message than higher moral message than mainstream denominationalism in mainstream denominationalism in key areaskey areasm

em

bers

hip

& m

ora

lity

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ModernMega

Church

Tactics of the Tactics of the Community ChurchCommunity Church

a strong dynamic leadera strong dynamic leader– parallels the beginning of parallels the beginning of

mainstream denominational mainstream denominational churcheschurches

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Church

Dynamic Personalities of Dynamic Personalities of Denominational ChurchesDenominational Churches

Martin LutherMartin Luther John CalvinJohn Calvin

John WesleyJohn Wesley Joseph SmithJoseph Smith William MillerWilliam Miller

Lutheran 1530Lutheran 1530 Presbyterian Presbyterian

15351535 Methodist 1729Methodist 1729 Mormon 1830Mormon 1830 Adventist 1831Adventist 1831

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ModernMega

Church

Tactics of the Tactics of the Community ChurchCommunity Church

adopt a neutral nameadopt a neutral name– name that suggests no name that suggests no

denominational tiedenominational tie•Saddleback Community Church Saddleback Community Church

(Mission Viejo, CA)(Mission Viejo, CA)•Willow Creek Community Church Willow Creek Community Church

(Chicago, IL)(Chicago, IL)

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ModernMega

Church

Tactics of the Tactics of the Community ChurchCommunity Church

adopt a neutral nameadopt a neutral name– a little research will reveal their a little research will reveal their

denominational rootsdenominational roots•when build new facility do a name when build new facility do a name

changechange•i.e. “Little Flock Baptist Church” to i.e. “Little Flock Baptist Church” to

“Little Flock Ministry Center” “Little Flock Ministry Center” (Shepherdsville, KY)(Shepherdsville, KY)

•appeals to more people in appeals to more people in communitycommunity

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ModernMega

Church

Tactics of the Tactics of the Community ChurchCommunity Church

““Attraction Evangelism”Attraction Evangelism”– grew out of denominational grew out of denominational

concept of chicken dinners, ball concept of chicken dinners, ball teams, etc.teams, etc.

– attractionsattractions in Mega Churches in Mega Churches are much granderare much grander

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Mega Church Mega Church Mega AttractionsMega Attractions

““large outreach large outreach events. . .contemporary Christian events. . .contemporary Christian concerts, creative presentations concerts, creative presentations that utilize drama, multimedia, and that utilize drama, multimedia, and the arts. . .men’s breakfasts, the arts. . .men’s breakfasts, women’s luncheons, leader’s women’s luncheons, leader’s dinners” (Bill Hybels, dinners” (Bill Hybels, Becoming A Becoming A Contagious ChristianContagious Christian, pp. 207, 208), pp. 207, 208)

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Mega Church Mega Church Mega AttractionsMega Attractions““Mega-churches also often have a Mega-churches also often have a virtually complete social virtually complete social environment, featuring sports and environment, featuring sports and recreation facilities such as recreation facilities such as basketball courts, pools, or roller-basketball courts, pools, or roller-skating rinks. Some have movie skating rinks. Some have movie theaters and retirement homes theaters and retirement homes built into their complexes”built into their complexes”

((God on a Grand Scale, Mega-Churches God on a Grand Scale, Mega-Churches Grow Bigger and BiggerGrow Bigger and Bigger, ,

Oliver Libaw, abcnews.com)Oliver Libaw, abcnews.com)

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Mega Church Mega Church Mega AttractionsMega Attractions““The list of activities can sound The list of activities can sound like the offerings at a Club Med or like the offerings at a Club Med or a small liberal arts college: poetry a small liberal arts college: poetry workshops, creative writing, workshops, creative writing, singles groups, job fairs, singles groups, job fairs, vocational training, musical vocational training, musical lessons, and even auto repair lessons, and even auto repair clinics. ”clinics. ”

((God on a Grand Scale, Mega-Churches God on a Grand Scale, Mega-Churches Grow Bigger and BiggerGrow Bigger and Bigger, ,

Oliver Libaw, abcnews.com)Oliver Libaw, abcnews.com)

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Mega Church Mega Church Mega AttractionsMega Attractions

““For reverend James Meeks who is For reverend James Meeks who is planning to convert 23 acres of vacant land at planning to convert 23 acres of vacant land at 115th & the Bishop Ford expressway, into a 115th & the Bishop Ford expressway, into a $40-million dollar complex. . .for 10-thousand $40-million dollar complex. . .for 10-thousand parishioners to worship in on Wednesday and parishioners to worship in on Wednesday and Sunday. And for all of the surrounding Sunday. And for all of the surrounding community to enjoy the rest of the week, with community to enjoy the rest of the week, with plays, concerts, lectures, and sports activities. plays, concerts, lectures, and sports activities. Made possible by removing the convertible Made possible by removing the convertible seats. There will be three regulation basketball seats. There will be three regulation basketball courts with the main court being in the center, courts with the main court being in the center, and we would build a 500-seat hockey arena and we would build a 500-seat hockey arena that will also have an indoor track. . . .”that will also have an indoor track. . . .”

(Andy Shaw, ABC7Chicago.com)(Andy Shaw, ABC7Chicago.com)

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Church

Positively No Authority Positively No Authority From God’s WordFrom God’s Word

use of passages like Luke use of passages like Luke 14:15-24 to justify church 14:15-24 to justify church sponsored feastssponsored feasts– ignores the spiritual connotationignores the spiritual connotation– if literal food in Luke 14, why if literal food in Luke 14, why

not a literal dress code in not a literal dress code in Matthew 22:1-14)?Matthew 22:1-14)?

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Romans 14:17Romans 14:17“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but

righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”

•If eating and drinking is not a part of the kingdom of God, how can the kingdom use such as a “seeker-sensitive service” (Bill

Hybels) to attract unbelievers? •How can it be used as “Attraction

Evangelism” (Rick Warren)?

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Church

The Cross—God’s The Cross—God’s Attraction for EvangelismAttraction for Evangelism

““And I, if I am lifted up from And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. This He peoples to Myself. This He said, signifying by what said, signifying by what death He would die” (Jn. death He would die” (Jn. 12:32, 33)12:32, 33)

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Preaching—God’s Mode For Preaching—God’s Mode For Attracting SinnersAttracting Sinners

attracts those who are being attracts those who are being saved (1 Cor. 1:18)saved (1 Cor. 1:18)

the cross can be made of no the cross can be made of no effect when we place emphasis effect when we place emphasis on something elseon something else wisdom of words (1 Cor. 1:17)wisdom of words (1 Cor. 1:17) ““human wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:4)human wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:4) ““wisdom of this age” (1 Cor. 2:6)wisdom of this age” (1 Cor. 2:6) ““man’s wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:13)man’s wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:13)

ModernMega

Church

Where Will The Frolic Where Will The Frolic End?End?

Metroplex Fellowship Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City

“Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings, and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (Ex. 32:6)

ModernMega

Church

Where Will The Frolic Where Will The Frolic End?End?

Metroplex Fellowship Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City

“And when he came near the tents he saw the image of the ox, and the people dancing; and in his wrath

Moses let the stones go from his hands . . . And Moses saw that the people were out of control, for

Aaron had let them loose to their shame before their haters (Ex. 32:19, 25; BBE)

ModernMega

Church

Where Will The Frolic Where Will The Frolic End?End?

Metroplex Fellowship Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City

“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in

modest apparel, with propriety and

moderation. . .which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works”

(1 Tim. 2:9, 10)

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Church

Tactics of the Tactics of the Community ChurchCommunity Church

non-threatening servicesnon-threatening services““To draw people, they use an inviting, informal To draw people, they use an inviting, informal approach, with well-produced dramatic shows, approach, with well-produced dramatic shows, sermons relevant to their congregants' lives, and sermons relevant to their congregants' lives, and catchy jazz and pop music. When it was founded catchy jazz and pop music. When it was founded in the early 1970s, Willow Creek set out explicitly in the early 1970s, Willow Creek set out explicitly to research what people did and didn't like about to research what people did and didn't like about going to church, and tailored their services going to church, and tailored their services accordingly. The low-pressure atmosphere of accordingly. The low-pressure atmosphere of Mariners Church helped convince Lorraine Mariners Church helped convince Lorraine Hanson to join, she says. "In some ways you can Hanson to join, she says. "In some ways you can maintain a sense of anonymity if you want to," she maintain a sense of anonymity if you want to," she says. "It's very non-threatening."says. "It's very non-threatening." (Libaw, abcnews.com)(Libaw, abcnews.com)

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ModernMega

Church ““Non-threatening”Non-threatening”

non-threatening servicesnon-threatening services““Don’t hit them over the head with everything Don’t hit them over the head with everything they’re doing wrong. A lot of their sins will be they’re doing wrong. A lot of their sins will be dealt with dealt with afterafter they come to Christ” (Rick they come to Christ” (Rick Warren, Warren, Purpose Driven ChurchPurpose Driven Church, p. 216), p. 216)– Isn’t the purpose for coming to Christ to deal Isn’t the purpose for coming to Christ to deal

with sin?with sin?– ““Repentance” was at the core of first-century Repentance” was at the core of first-century

preachers (Luke 13:3; 24:47; Acts 2:38)preachers (Luke 13:3; 24:47; Acts 2:38)

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ModernMega

Church ““Non-threatening”Non-threatening”

Would Rick Warren approve of: Would Rick Warren approve of: – Stephen’s preaching Stephen’s preaching

(Acts 7:51, 52)(Acts 7:51, 52)– Peter’s preaching Peter’s preaching

(Acts 2:23; 8:20-23)(Acts 2:23; 8:20-23)– Jesus’ preaching (Lk. 4:18-30)Jesus’ preaching (Lk. 4:18-30)

•did Jesus fail to teach His audience did Jesus fail to teach His audience “anger management”?“anger management”?

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““Non-threatening” Non-threatening” “impact” more important than “impact” more important than

“information”“information” ““storytelling” over “instruction”storytelling” over “instruction”

– ““Stories stir our emotions. They Stories stir our emotions. They impact us in ways that precepts and impact us in ways that precepts and propositions never do. If you want to propositions never do. If you want to change lives, you must craft your change lives, you must craft your message for impact, not message for impact, not information” (Rick Warren)information” (Rick Warren)

– ““I believe it is a sin to bore people I believe it is a sin to bore people with the Bible” (Rick Warren)with the Bible” (Rick Warren)

– criticizes preachers who say, “We criticizes preachers who say, “We are not here to entertain.”are not here to entertain.”

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There is a Place For There is a Place For IMPACT!IMPACT!

Eze 6:11 ‘Thus says the Lord Eze 6:11 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: "Pound your fists and GOD: "Pound your fists and stamp your feet, and say, ‘Alas, stamp your feet, and say, ‘Alas, for all the evil abominations of for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! For they the house of Israel! For they shall fall by the sword, by shall fall by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.famine, and by pestilence.

IMPACT WITH INFORMATION!

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I Wonder. . .I Wonder. . .– ““. . .Paul. . .continued his message until . . .Paul. . .continued his message until

midnight. . .And in a window sat a certain midnight. . .And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead” taken up dead” (Acts 20:7, 9)(Acts 20:7, 9)

who would Rick Warren think was at who would Rick Warren think was at fault?fault?

Did Paul use too much “info” and Did Paul use too much “info” and not enough not enough impact?impact?

whose preaching saved more souls?whose preaching saved more souls?

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Church

Real example of Real example of “IMPACT” Void of “IMPACT” Void of “INFORMATION”“INFORMATION”

We don't care about religion!

There...got your attention. What we do care about is relationships - your relationship with God and others, including family, friends and work colleagues. Jesus said that's what being a Christian is all about - God first, others second. Keep that simple principle in mind, and you can cover all Ten Commandments.

Arlington, TX

ModernMega

Church

An “Impact” of An “Impact” of NONSENSE!NONSENSE!

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God - if it's not in there, then we don't place much weight on it. We try and make everything we do conform to the Bible. Arlington, TX

BUT ON THE SAME PAGE. . .

We believe that all that's needed to get a pre-paid ticket to heaven and have the power of God in you is to pray a prayer similar to the following and really mean it:

WHERE DOES THE BIBLE TEACH IT?

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Church

An “Impact” An “Impact” DEVOID OF THE NT!DEVOID OF THE NT!

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God - if it's not in there, then we don't place much weight on it. We try and make everything we do conform to the Bible. Arlington, TX

We invite you to visit us at our 31-acre facility! There's something for the whole family, at one location. 60,000 sq. ft. facility - Athletic Fields -

Tennis Court -Gymnasium - Swimming Pool - Fishing Pond

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What Effect On What Effect On

Churches of ChristChurches of Christ

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An Actual Church of An Actual Church of Christ Web PageChrist Web Page

"Moonlight Masquerade" Teen Prom, 2003We are excited to announce the first annual Teen

Prom!  This year's theme is "Moonlight Masquerade".  Each person/couple is responsible for designing their

own mask.  The evening should be a night to remember!  We will have a full, sit-down dinner,

pictures, dancing, the whole works!

Time: 6:30p-11:00pPlace: Hyatt Islandia, Mission Bay

Date:  Saturday, February 15thCost:  $35/person (dinner included!) - pay at the doorw

ww

.SD

CO

C.c

om

PRETEEN CAMP, 2003!!Lookie...here is a sneak preview of Preteen Camp, 2003... Our theme for Preteen Camp has been entitled "No Rules"...that's right..."No Rules"...can you believe it! We will be learning alot [sic] about how our relationship with God is not about rules and regulations, but about loving Jesus from our hearts and how much He really loves us. We will learn about "Who Really Rules in Our Lives" and how "God's Rules" lead us to make wise choices that will make our lives happy!! Ya know what else...we will be having our Bible Bowl right at Preteen Camp! It will be called The Proverbs Bowl, 2003! Get ready because we will be passing out quiet times just for you on the Book of Proverbs real soon. . . .

San Diego Church of Christ

. . .We will be having our 'Formal Dinner', tons of Mud Wrestling, our Princess Party and so much more! This year our camp will be at Idllywild Pines...and ya know what...they have a HUGE POOL! We may even be able to do some Horse Back Riding on the camp grounds as well. Get ready for some Mountain Climbing! Let's also begin praying about the great spiritual messages and discipleship groups that will be happening throughout each day at camp...how awesome! Keep checking this website for more camp information. Your awesome Preteen Leaders will also have all the info that you need. Would you like to

send your son or daughter to a church that boasts on

“NO RULES”?

DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!

2 TIMOTHY 3:1ff2 TIMOTHY 3:1ff

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters. . .unholy. . .without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God

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Effects on Conservative Effects on Conservative Churches?Churches?

VBS geared toward “fun” VBS geared toward “fun” instead of “Bible instruction”instead of “Bible instruction”

food is servedfood is servedplays worked on and acted out plays worked on and acted out

for audiencefor audiencebasket ball goals popping up basket ball goals popping up

in church parking lotsin church parking lots

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ModernMega

Church Other Signs:Other Signs:

advertisements advertising advertisements advertising secular events (camping, secular events (camping, games, etc.) with spiritualgames, etc.) with spiritual

churches changing names to churches changing names to be more ambiguousbe more ambiguous

tolerant attitude toward those tolerant attitude toward those in error; intolerant toward in error; intolerant toward those who expose errorthose who expose error

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ModernMega

Church Other Signs:Other Signs:

changes in preachingchanges in preaching– non controversial messagesnon controversial messages– emphasize positiveemphasize positive– do not identify names of false do not identify names of false

teachersteachers– emphasis on personal storiesemphasis on personal stories– no application of scriptureno application of scripture

change services to change services to accommodate sporting eventsaccommodate sporting events

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ModernMega

Church The Mega ChurchThe Mega Church

is appealingis appealing is growingis growing is influentialis influential IS DANGEROUSIS DANGEROUS

– only give lip service to truthonly give lip service to truth– emphasis is on the natural manemphasis is on the natural man– emphasis is on entertainmentemphasis is on entertainment– has no regard for the authority has no regard for the authority

of the Scripturesof the Scriptures

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ModernMega

Church Isaiah 8:20Isaiah 8:20“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them”

• God’s word is our guide• God’s word shows who is of light

and who is darkness

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Church

A Religion like Jeroboam A Religion like Jeroboam

(1 Kin. 12:25-33)(1 Kin. 12:25-33)Jeroboam sold his religion by Jeroboam sold his religion by

appealing to “convenience” appealing to “convenience” rather than the law of Moses rather than the law of Moses (v. 28)(v. 28)

CGM appeals to programs, CGM appeals to programs, entertainment, catchy entertainment, catchy phrases, etc. to sell their phrases, etc. to sell their religion rather than the N.T.religion rather than the N.T.

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SIMILARITY TO SIMILARITY TO Jeremiah 5:30, 31Jeremiah 5:30, 31

““An astonishing and horrible An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in thing has been committed in the land; the prophets the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own priests rule by their own power; and My people love to power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you have it so. But what will you do in the end?”do in the end?”

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ModernMega

Church Simply Put. . .Simply Put. . .

““They are of the world. Therefore They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” of truth and the spirit of error” (1 Jn. 4:5, 6)(1 Jn. 4:5, 6)

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ModernMega

Church True GrowthTrue Growth

doesn’t come from some doesn’t come from some larger church feeding off of larger church feeding off of smaller and dying churchessmaller and dying churches

comes when God’s people are comes when God’s people are at work in the fieldat work in the field– ““I planted, Apollos watered, but I planted, Apollos watered, but

God gave the increase” God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6)(1 Cor. 3:6)

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ModernMega

Church Zechariah 4:6Zechariah 4:6

““This is the word of the This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says but by My Spirit,’ says

the Lord of hosts.”the Lord of hosts.”

We better never forget it!We better never forget it!

““This is the word of the This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, by might nor by power, but by My Spiritbut by My Spirit,’ says ,’ says

the Lord of hosts.”the Lord of hosts.”