I listened to everyone about how they feel about megachurches and this is interesting. I came out of a church of about 2500 members and honestly, sometimes I did feel alone. However, I made a decision to meet as many people as I could during the 17 years I was there. I even went to people who I never met (some were visitors, some were people that were there for 2 or more years and I never even seen them before) after the services were over and greeted them. I made many friends and were able to pray with people and began to fellowship.
As I began to think about this thread, it reminded me about the book of Acts when the first church began. As we know there were thousands added to the church daily, such as should be saved. How did the Apostles handle such a church? What did they do that encouraged the people to fellowship? We do know that the church grew rapidly, and they began to grow in number. We see in Acts 2:42-47
..."They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship and breaking of bread and prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved."
That sounds like a "mega church" wouldn't you say? In Acts 5:14 is says..."Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number" (you can read from vs 12 if you like) Again, the church kept growing in numbers.
In chapter 6 beginning at vs 1, it showed that the disciples were increasing in numbers too, so in vs 2 we see that..."
So the twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word." And in verse 7
..."So the Word of God spread. The number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
We can read on and on about how the church increased in size and how they had to have disciples to lead them. This was how the churches were able to minister to the people, but in smaller numbers. But the churches kept growing because people were getting saved.
I think that as we look at these "mega churches" we need to keep in mind that people are "getting saved" and the churches are growing. I can't say that I agree on how the leaders are handling the way the people that are there are being ministered to, or how they create their small groups, etc. but...the church is growing nevertheless and we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, must do our part in making sure that the people who are "getting saved" that their needs are being met. Whatever our part is...we must do it.
Jesus is coming back soon and before that time, there will be people getting saved like never before. I believe church as we know it today will be at thing in the past and churches will be overflowing with people coming to Christ. What are we going to do then? How are we going to be utilized in the Kingdom of God to help these people?
I know, for me, I must do all I can now to prepare myself for that great time of harvest. It's not easy, but I know that this is something that I must do because I have been chosen by God to minister to the people because He has given me the 'ministry of reconciliation' and called me an ambassador of Christ. II Corinthians 6:3 says it this way
..."We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindess; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
We must continue to pray for those who lead the churches around the world and for those who assist them. They may not be doing what we feel is right, but they are accountable for it. I don't want to own anything that's not mine.
I know this was long, but I was inspired to share this. I hope no one takes it the wrong way.
Be blessed, always....
And Praise God for this ! Praise Him!
"We care, Loved one... We care." And it's going to be all right. Truly. 