by Sandy » Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:57 pm
This is not necessarily the domain of the mega church. Two Rivers, I guess, qualifies as a mega, though it has apparently dwindled down pretty close to just being your typical large Baptist church. But not all of those who are dropping their denomination from their name are mega churches, nor do they function that way. And not all non-denominational churches are megachurches, either, far from it.
On the one hand, you have the mega churches that appeal to the church hoppers and shoppers, the "sit and listen" culture where the up front people do everything because the leaders don't trust anyone else to do it right. They go after the already churched, those who are looking to be served rather than serve, and who are looking for entertainment rather than ministry. But a lot of non-denominational churches, and some among those who are not identifying their denominational affiliation, have realized that the lost people they are going after are not likely to just get up on a Sunday morning and walk into a church, regardless of what kind it is. They aren't targeting those who are just looking to make a move from one church to another. To characterize them all in one category is unfair and inaccurate.
But regardless of the reason, if hordes of people, especially younger people, have left denominational churches, then at least part of the blame for that falls on the churches they left. Apparently, nothing much is going on there to keep their interest, and whatever they might be preaching and teaching, it isn't effective. The losses of mainline denominations is almost directly proportionate to the growth of non-denominational, evangelical churches, and very few of them are megachurches. Many of them are dedicated, spirit-filled churches that offer those who come their way a chance to be part of a vital and active body of Christ. Rather than submit to some nebulous denominational tradition or practice that has no basis in scripture, they hold a high view of the Bible and offer something more than the dead neo-orthodoxy of liberal mainlines. There are a few of these churches, not many, that are actually reaching lost people, preferring that way of growth to simply going after other church's membership because of what they are able to offer.