How do we know - The Megachurch

What is a mega church?

over 2000 in attendance, large stadiums, several services, several activities, rock and roll worship

Mega church attributes

illustration

The very first church was a mega church

Church in Jerusalem were 3000 and more were saved at Pentecost

The holy spirit came upon the apostles and they could speak different languages, some were amazed, some made jokes about them. So Peter addressed them and preached to them...

Acts 2:40–47 (NIV)

” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

They didn't just meet in the temple, they met elsewhere and in homes, and spread to other towns. The church became a huge amount of people that didn't keep to themselves.

that was church then…what about mega churches now?

The size doesn't matter. The Bible doesn't say how big a church is supposed to be, it calls the church to teach people the gospel and what the Bible says.

Mega churches have the ability to reach out and spread the gospel more widely, but unfortunately, miss the mark of a personal relationship with the people

Another outlook of the mega church...

Mega church requires money

The question - At what point does a church go from a holy place spreading the gospel to money and personal gain like TV churches?

This is the point…when people get so caught up into the fortune and fame, Like the churches in Revelation and their pride in wealth

The church In Laodicia

We can refer back to Chris’ sermon on American Idols…Money can be an idol..and it has hold of many churches…not only the big ones.

and what do we see from TV churches? Large stadiums, superstar pastors with mansions with huge net worth, thousands of attendants…what are they accomplishing? Some you see are great. Its in the teaching and the leaders lifestyle that defines the church.

The line is drawn where the finances and purposes are placed.

Here is what the Bible says to do...

1 Timothy 6:17–19 NIV

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

- some may ask..Does this mean its better to not be rich? Or for a church to not be rich? Or perhaps pastors shouldn't be paid?

1 Timothy 5:17 NIV

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

1 Corinthians 9:14 NIV

In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Its whether the church is carrying out what Christ has given them to do

The church should be a godly financial model of integrity and the people as good stewards of God’s resources.

Use what God gave you wisely

its about purpose, not size.

And what is the purpose of the church?

Purpose is in this verse

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So it depends on obedience and effectiveness

- Rick Warren, founder of megachurch Saddleback in Lake Forest, California, he is retired now, but he had a high set income, keeps 10% and gives back 90%. Saddleback has dozen locations all over, has a purpose. The vision, being for people who doesn't like church. They have 9000 small groups, are about connections, relationships, and helping people. It started in a highschool gymnasium.

A church that uses their finances to further Gods kingdom instead of personal gain is one built to last

Importance, where two or more are gathered, there the Lord will be. Its not the fancy building, its the people and their ministry

Be the church, with megachurch mindset

verses - giving to the Lord and receiving more, two or more are gathered.

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Ephesians 4:11–13 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.