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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.

Editorial: Mega-mirror

Megachurches are not the answer or the problem.

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.

More on Megachurches

Let Pastors' Wives Do Their Own Thing

And please ignore the ones on reality TV.

Is Megachurch Worship Addictive?

Scholars, including the coauthor of the recent study alleging that it creates a "high," weigh in.

The Kingdom in Columbus

Why the world's largest Vineyard church is drawing people from 104 nations in central Ohio.

Missional Church Mergers

New report: More congregational combinations driven by mission, not survival.

Willow Creek Splits with Exodus International

Decision is among a series of departures for ex-gay organization.

Multi-Site Churches Go Interstate

Megachurches expand across state lines.

Contemporary Music: The Cultural Medium and the Christian Message

What kind of Christians do contemporary services produce?

Learning to Count to One

New math for those addicted to getting higher and higher in their churches.

'Chilling Verdict'

Churches re-assess risk management policies.

Cracks in the Crystal Cathedral

Why we are better off letting God make the gospel relevant.

An Evangelical Lament

A seasoned journalist looks at the movement and sighs. A review of A Lover's Quarrel.

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.

Seminary Plants

Megachurch pastors offer ministry training based in the local church.

Mega-mirror

Megachurches are not the answer or the problem.

The Workers Are Few

Gap exists between what large churches need and what seminaries produce.

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.

Willow Creek's 'Huge Shift'

Influential megachurch moves away from seeker-sensitive services.

What Reveal Reveals

Criticisms of Willow's latest self-study do not undermine its value.

Securing the Faithful

What New Life Church did right when a gunman showed up in its parking lot.

Arming in the Aftermath

Shooting spree at two churches prompts pastors to rethink security plans.

The Megachurch Primaries

How the leading Democratic candidates are trying to win evangelical votes.

Colorado Shootings Reflect Big Threats at Big Churches

Growth of megachurches has spawned an industry devoted to protecting and securing large congregations.

Am I Growing Yet?

What a disappointed "fully devoted follower of Jesus" should be looking for.

The Coral Ridge Strategy

D. James Kennedy explains how lay evangelism can lead to exponential growth.

Glocal Church Ministry

Bob Roberts has an idea that may change American congregations, if not the world.

Falwell, Megachurch Pastor Who Organized Religious Right, Dead at 73

Self-described fundamentalist countered movement's tradition of separatism.

Jerry Falwell, Architect of Religious Right, Dies at 73

Liberty University founder mobilized social conservatives in politics.

Evel Overcome With Good

Daredevil Knievel's testimony triggers mass baptisms at Crystal Cathedral.

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.
News Feed
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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