Mega Church Evangelicalism
Friday, November 28th, 2008
In case you missed the sarcasm dripping from my previous post, I have issues with postmodern mega church evangelicalism today. I don’t agree with the thinking that we somehow have to DO something to help God get his message across. I’m tired of gimmicks designed to get people to come to church. I don’t like the overemphasis of cultural relevance at the expense of sound biblical teaching. I don’t care for the arrogant attitude that assumes because it’s modern it must be authentic.
Earlier this week Michael Spencer posted similar remarks on his blog in response to a seven day sex challenged issued by Ed Young Jr., Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas, a challenge reportedly issued to churchgoers while sitting on a bed. You can read Spencer’s post below, but I caution you, Spencer’s remarks are frank and laced with innuendos. If you find this kind of talk offensive then don’t read this. You’ve been warned.
Within 24 hours of his post Spencer received 131 comments in response, some in approval but many in criticism, accusing him of denouncing the very existence of Fellowship Church (which he clearly did not do), some even threatening him with impunity. Spencer published a follow-up post addressing the pandemonium in the wake of his remarks, but for whatever the reason he promptly removed it from his site. While much of the follow-up was just Spencer venting, which is probably the reason for the deletion, he did make some observations that I think bear consideration.
Millions of us are affected by the megachurch. It determines far, far more than what goes on in its own doors.
Thousands of pastors will now be pressured to do a “Sex Challenge.”
Millions of evangelicals are for the teaching of sexual ethics, but disagree with making the sex lives of the pastor and his wife the focus of national TV interviews.
Millions of us are concerned that the “Anything goes as long as it’s goal is to reach people” method is running evangelicalism into the wall, and on the other side of that wall is disillusionment for millions.
Thousands of young people, troubled marriages, singles, hurting spouses, widows and so on are affected by the “Sex Challenge” in ways that aren’t considered.
Spencer’s right. You know who gets invited to speak about church growth at pastor’s conferences, evangelical workshops and denominational meetings? It’s mega church pastors who have “missional street cred” because of the throngs of people that flock to their churches every week. They come riding in on their white horse to tell us “little people” about what we need to do in order to build our churches to become just like theirs. We leave feeling guilty for not being as cutting edge as they are. What it all boils down to is that if we’re not willing to be hip and relevant, then we’re not really serious about reaching people.
But isn’t it possible that maybe, just maybe, God might have some involvement in the growth of His Kingdom? Maybe authenticity is measured not by the trendiness of our worship services but by the transformation of the Holy Spirit taking place in our hearts. Maybe the way to draw people to Jesus is to allow people to actually see Him at work in our lives. Maybe He must increase and we must decrease. I’m just sayin’.
