Topic
Megachurches
Megachurches form the ecclesial context within which a large segment of evangelical Christianity is nurtured. America contains more than 1,000 megachurches, defined as a church with an average weekly attendance of 2,000 or greater, and they also play a substantial role in the evangelical culture of such countries as South Korea. Some of evangelicalism’s most important institutions, such as Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church network, are megachurches. The development of a megachurch culture has, however, produced a significant backlash, with critics often railing against theological superficiality, vapid worship music, and a seeker-sensitive, consumeristic ethos. Church growth strategies that emphasize upward movement in attendance figures over community cohesion and discipleship formation have also come in for criticism.
Willow Creek's Place in History
It turns out that the church that made seeker-sensitive a part of our vocabulary is not as revolutionary as its critics have said.
November 13, 2000
More on Megachurches
Is Megachurch Worship Addictive?
Scholars, including the coauthor of the recent study alleging that it creates a "high," weigh in.
September 28, 2012
The Kingdom in Columbus
Why the world's largest Vineyard church is drawing people from 104 nations in central Ohio.
December 14, 2011
Missional Church Mergers
New report: More congregational combinations driven by mission, not survival.
August 23, 2011
Willow Creek Splits with Exodus International
Decision is among a series of departures for ex-gay organization.
July 21, 2011
Contemporary Music: The Cultural Medium and the Christian Message
What kind of Christians do contemporary services produce?
June 24, 2011
Learning to Count to One
New math for those addicted to getting higher and higher in their churches.
February 17, 2011
Cracks in the Crystal Cathedral
Why we are better off letting God make the gospel relevant.
January 10, 2011
An Evangelical Lament
A seasoned journalist looks at the movement and sighs. A review of A Lover's Quarrel.
October 6, 2009
The Art of Cyber Church
Joel Hunter is known by many as part of President Obama's inner circle of pastors. Fewer know him as one of America's most innovative church planters.
September 16, 2009
Seminary Plants
Megachurch pastors offer ministry training based in the local church.
August 12, 2009
The Workers Are Few
Gap exists between what large churches need and what seminaries produce.
July 14, 2009
Q&A: Louie Giglio
The Passion Conference founder talks about his overseas tour and the new church he has started with Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin.
February 24, 2009
Willow Creek's 'Huge Shift'
Influential megachurch moves away from seeker-sensitive services.
May 15, 2008
What Reveal Reveals
Criticisms of Willow's latest self-study do not undermine its value.
February 27, 2008
Securing the Faithful
What New Life Church did right when a gunman showed up in its parking lot.
February 1, 2008
Arming in the Aftermath
Shooting spree at two churches prompts pastors to rethink security plans.
January 21, 2008
The Megachurch Primaries
How the leading Democratic candidates are trying to win evangelical votes.
January 9, 2008
Colorado Shootings Reflect Big Threats at Big Churches
Growth of megachurches has spawned an industry devoted to protecting and securing large congregations.
December 11, 2007
Am I Growing Yet?
What a disappointed "fully devoted follower of Jesus" should be looking for.
October 25, 2007
The Coral Ridge Strategy
D. James Kennedy explains how lay evangelism can lead to exponential growth.
September 5, 2007
Glocal Church Ministry
Bob Roberts has an idea that may change American congregations, if not the world.
August 2, 2007
Falwell, Megachurch Pastor Who Organized Religious Right, Dead at 73
Self-described fundamentalist countered movement's tradition of separatism.
May 16, 2007
Jerry Falwell, Architect of Religious Right, Dies at 73
Liberty University founder mobilized social conservatives in politics.
May 15, 2007
Evel Overcome With Good
Daredevil Knievel's testimony triggers mass baptisms at Crystal Cathedral.
April 13, 2007
Max Lucado Stepping Down
Plus: Zimbabwe cracks down on church leaders, Israel considers anti-evangelism bill, and other stories from online sources around the world.
March 15, 2007
O.C. megachurch opens in old Boeing site
Eastside Christian Church, led by Gene Appel, paid $20 million for the former Boeing site and an additional $35 million to replace the office cubicles and test floors with concert lighting, a thundering sound system and 1,800 seats (The Orange County Register)
Holy High Roller
When New Destiny picked Paula White to rebuild the megachurch’s congregation in the wake of Zachery Tims’ mysterious death, it put its faith in the jet-setting preacher’s redeeming qualities. (Orlando Magazine)
The Singing Tree: How did megachurch Christmas spectaculars get so glitzy?
Hundreds of people! Thousands of lights! Flying angels! Fireworks! Sequins! The megachurch extravaganzas explained. (Slate)
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