I found this to be an interesting article on large churches. At FRC we are a large church but it allows us to do so much more to make a difference in our community. I am proud of our church and the way that God has blessed us. This article below shares some great insight on churches like ours. Here at FRC we exist to partner with people to reach their God-potential as they: connect with God, become like Christ, and influence their world.
Myths About Megachurches
New Research Debunks 11 Common Misconceptions
HARTFORD, Conn. — According to a groundbreaking new research study released by Leadership Network and Hartford Seminary’s Hartford Institute for Religion Research, many of the most widely held beliefs about megachurches couldn't be farther from the truth.
The Megachurches Today 2005 survey includes more than 1,800 churches that were contacted by e-mail, phone and mail since last June, with complete data for more than 400 qualifying congregations received, tabulated and analyzed.
The wide-ranging survey includes data on the many attributes that together define the nature and impact of megachurches in our society. Collectively, the results debunk 11 of the most common beliefs about megachurches:
MYTH: All megachurches are alike.
REALITY: They differ in growth rates, size and emphasis.
MYTH: All megachurches are equally good at being big.
REALITY: Some clearly understand how to function as a large institution, but others flounder.
MYTH: There’s an over-emphasis on money in the megachurches.
REALITY: The data disputes this.
MYTH: Megachurches are not serious about Christianity.
REALITY: Megachurches generally have high spiritual expectations and serious orthodox beliefs.
MYTH: Megachurches are not deeply involved in social ministry.
REALITY: Considerable ministry is taking place at and through these churches.
MYTH: All megachurches are pawns of or power brokers to George Bush and the Republican Party.
REALITY: The vast majority of megachurches are not politically active.
MYTH: All megachurches have huge sanctuaries and enormous campuses.
REALITY: Megachurches make widespread use of multiple worship services over several days, multiple venues, and even multiple campuses.
MYTH: All megachurches are nondenominational.
REALITY: The vast majority belong to some denomination.
MYTH: All megachurches are homogeneous congregations with little diversity.
REALITY: A large and growing number are multi-ethnic and intentionally so.
MYTH: Megachurches grow primarily because of great programming.
REALITY: Megachurches grow because excited attendees tell their friends.
MYTH: The megachurch phenomenon is on the decline.
REALITY: The data suggests that many more megachurches are on the way.
Downloadable copies of the complete Megachurches Today 2005 survey are available at www.leadnet.org and http://hirr.hartsem.edu.
6 comments:
I'm glad I belong to a church with you in it!
Being apart of a "mega church", Flamingo Road Church is a wonderful thing. God has done so many wonderful things in my life over the last couple of years. With FRC helping me reach my God-potential is a blessing. I would not have known about FRC if it wasn't for a commercial. FRC has not only touched my life but so many others as we all become closer to God. As we band together, and grow, we are able to reach out with more hands to help others come closer to Christ, except Christ and serve Christ. As I have found out in the last couple of days, you just never know how you may touch someone in life, (my blog). You may be the one that plants a seed in some ones heart so it may grow and blossom into someone following in your shoes, Christ shoes. I thank you for being an influence in my life. I thank ALL the Pastors, staff, volunteers that help make Flamingo Road Church what it is. We truly do make a difference!
Megachurches grow be/c excited attendees tell their friends. Aaaaaaaamen! If it wasn't for you, Ron and Heather tellin me about FRC, I'd still be a dork in Chicago. Great post!
There are lots of megachurches, but only at FRC can one get the best hugs EVER!!! Hope to get one this weekend. Love you and miss you lots.
Pris
Pastor G
Praying for you this weekend. I know you will knock it out of the park. Can't wait to have a front row seat on "How To Make Friendship Work." Judging by all the people that surround you wherever you are, you are the EXPERT!
Great Points Bro...
Post a Comment