Numbers Do Matter

I think most of the opposition to mega churches is plain old jealousy. I attend a mega mega church (LifeChurch.tv) and can't believe the pot shots taken by other Christians. As for the idea that the "narrow road" verse in Matthew 7:14 applies, well, I suppose we had better be suspicious of the sermon preached by Peter in Acts 2 because over 3000 were added to the church on that day alone. In addition, applying this verse in rapidly growing churches can only lead to the conclusion that liberal mainline churches are preaching the true gospel because they've been shrinking for years. Like that conclusion? Not reaching people for Christ = Success?

FANTASTIC insight, AK209. Thanks for putting that so well.

I understand the point you're making. If a church has been stagnant for a while, they need to take a look and find out why. God's people are not supposed to be invisible in this world, we are supposed to make an impact. I think the part that frightens me about mega-churches is the scripture Matthew 7:13-14. Here it states that the way is narrow and few find it, that being true, how can we expect to fill our churches to overflowing every week and still be sure we are teaching a true message. The gospel will be an offense to many, because it calls for a denial of self. It is God centered, not man centered. I am not saying that all big churches teach a man centered gospel, but if a church has thousands in attendance each and every week, I think they need to evaluate themselves just as closely as the stagnant church. If a church is filled with people who follow Christ because of what He can do for them, they are just as lost as those who's faith produces no outward focus.

Thanks for your honesty, Eric. I completely agree with the point of the article - Impact is Measurable. Accepted religious norms, practices, and beliefs not infused with the Great Commission should be evaluated. Jesus said his disciples would produce much fruit and the Book of Acts reveals the proof of the intent of His statement - numbers included. And if it doesn't bear fruit? - change it. I believe spiritual quality and numbers can sync. It's not an either/or proposition. I'm a missionary in Europe. (The place people claim is so hard). It's easy to measure impact here with so few churches. It's also a breeze to tell you why things aren't working for most. I had to change my thinking and practices to breakthrough into greater fruitfulness. It's a humbling process, but worth it. I think the trap is that too many of us compare ourselves and our ministries against others and their ministries. Their not our gauge - the lost in our communities are.

The notion that a local churches success is measured in numbers is not neccesarily true nor is it right to use numbers as a comparison. There are some "mega-churches" that are spiritually cold and dead. The members wouldn't be able to distinguish the Holy Spirit of God from Buddha.
I live in a rural community. My home church, small by most standards, is seeing God do the miraculous through our weekly prayer meetings. We are reaching those who would be lost in a large congregation. My elderly mother loves being a part of our church, where she can be directly involved in a major way. Large congregations are fine, but don't write off those of us who have great spiritual qualities to offer in a more personal and smaller gathering.

A teacher of the gosple of Christ once said "nickles, noses,& numbers" are the most important things in the modern mans church.I think this is true. You'r right, if the foucs is on Jesus the modern church would be more sucssful and would not need to brag about numgers . In the modern church noses equate to nickles without which there would be no building fund ,no bus ministry, no funtime youth ministry, no new carpit I think you get the idea. The real question is Where is Christ in all of this?
Godshammer