Currently, I'm teaching a class on the practices of other religions and the reasons we differ with them. One of the greatest threats to the Lord's Church in the 21st century is the mega-church/community church approach that is currently very popular in our nation. Let's examine some of their main objectives.
Ecumenical. The current trend is to remove all religious barriers; in other words, no church is really wrong. The mega-churches emphasize a spirit of tolerance for all points of view. We can just love and be kind to one another and not get hung up on our differences. The religious world tries to paint this thinking as the Biblical unity for which the Lord prayed in John 17. Yet, the type of unity for which Jesus prayed and the type proposed by the mega-churches are not the same. One important element-TRUTH-is missing from the mega-church view. We cannot achieve Bible unity apart from total acceptance of God's truth. Please read John 8:32; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17;Ephesians 5:10,11.
Emotional. In the mega-churches, the worship period includes audience participation and emotional appeal-hand clapping, swaying, hugging one another, and a message that requests audience response. There is instrumental music that revs up the worshippers and gets them in a "spiritual mood" so they will swallow any message presented! They say we are cold, informal, and boring. But how do we express the deepest emotion possible-our love-to God? We obey His will and worship Him as He has commanded, not necessarily as we think we should. Please read John 4:24; Matthew 15:8,9; John 14:15; Colossians 3:17.
Entertaining. Emphasis on getting people into the pews has given way to a new philosophy-give them what they (not God) want. More and more, so-called worship services involve laser-light shows, drama skits, motivational speakers, rock bands, etc., all to make worshippers feel good about their experiences. The mega-churches cater to the "felt needs" of the members. These churches offer bowling, soft ball, and drug and alcohol abuse counseling. Also included are volleyball, youth, crafts, single, divorced, and golf ministries. They even put a Starbucks coffee bar in the vestibule! In other words, if the people want it, they provide it. There will always be change. As the members' wants change, so will the mega-church programs.
Sadly, Christ and been pushed aside. His throne and been replaced by ME. Yes, these churches are growing in membership. Why not; religion has become fun. According to one of their mottos, ''We are the church for the unchurched." They had better enjoy it here; God will not accept such worship in His home! (KMG)