Sadly, too many people throw stones at the successful "mega-church" movement, rather than giving thanks for the thousands of changed lives that have resulted. The church like the world? Silly notion! How? Because they might serve Starbucks coffee? Jesus himself was entertaining in his use of parables. I have been a Christian for over 45 years, and I attend a large mega chruch with contemporary music, drama, videos, and yes sermons too. There is both milk and meat in our fellowship. However, the meat is reserved for the small groups, which follow the new testament church model. Don't even ask about our celebrate recovery ministry which had over 400 people (current and former addicts) at the first meeting. There are dozens of stories of former cocaine addicts, now out of prison, and clean for as long as 20 years (and serving the Lord). I would not trade it for any other church format!

I have enjoyed and very much appreciated Brother MacArthur's comments on the on-going "Church Trendiness" for some years now. Having read this article, I was once again reminded of what is taking place within the evangelical church of our present day. Recently, in our on-going desire [D.V.] to return to full time pastoral ministry I came across a church posting for a "Pastor-Comedian". I felt compelled to comment on what I am continuing to sense is the church's desire to be entertained rather than built up in the faith. Perhaps others may be interested in my comment on this outrageous development. http://maxaira.blogspot.com/2007/06/have-you-heard-one-about.html

In Christ,
[Pastor] Jim Duval
Sarnia, ON
Canada

What do we deserve from God? His judgement! What do we get from God? His love! What does God desire? A relationship with everyone, which requires our repentance and our faith in Jesus Christ. Without this, comes the judgement. God sacrificed his SON so that we can be saved, can't ask for more love or grace than that! Judgement without Christ = HELL. That is basic, fundamental, orthodox Christian doctrine. If your pastor ain't preaching that, IT IS watered down. You gotta be taught the tough parts of the Holy Bible, that's where the good things are. You have to grow your Christians into worshiping, service, evangalism, etc., but they have to be saved first. The church is for both, but you can't get the cart in front of the horse.

Destined to lead,
I couldn't agree more. For too long many, many churches have spent way too much time harping on fire and brimstone and focusing on the fact that we deserve nothing from God. It's refreshing to be a member of a church that focuses on the LOVE of God instead. I always feel better when I attend a service at my church. I have had enough of preachers banging their bibles on the pulpit, raising their voices, shouting,and reminding me that I am nothing. That type of sermon did nothing for me buy inspire me to quit attending church altogther for nearly 20 years. I leave my current church knowing that I am saved by God's grace, that there was a price paid for me, and that there are certain expectations I have to live up to, the most important being leading others to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I agree that churches today are too often watering down the gospel message and offering "cheap grace" (to use Dietrich Bonhoeffer's terms). I think some due this out of a desire to be relevant (bringing in elements from our culture) and some for popularity (growth, when it's only about numbers).

But I strongly disagree with the way in which Mr. MacArthur describes the churches and correlates weak pulpits with the use of the arts. The article seems to focus on weak, non-confrontational, watered-down preaching. Yet every time it describes these user-friendly churches, there is a mention of drama or the arts.

Drama and the arts are not worldy. They belonged to God and the Church first. They do not have to be mere mindless entertainment. God can speak His truth (even confrontational) through the arts. Let us not forget that Nathan confronted King David (in his sin with Bathsheba) with a parable - a story - because that was the God-given means to get the truth past his pride.

Praise God for Biblical teachers such as John MacArthur who are not afraid to speak the truth!

The state of the modern day Church is shocking. It's all about Church growth, and no Church discipline. The world should have the same view of the Church as they did in the NT times: After Ananias and Sapphira were killed for lying (Church discipline), then "great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things." (Acts 5:11) and "Yet none of the rest [unbelievers] dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly." (v13) Yet "And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women" (v14)

The lack of the mention of Hell and God's justice and wrath is producing more and more false converts. Those who will turn up on judgment day, saying "Lord, Lord", and Jesus will say "Depart from me, you who work inquity". (Matt 7:21-23)

I am saddened at the portrayal that this article gives of what has been referred to as "seeker-sensitive churches". I attend such a church and the messages are far from being watered-down to say the least. I think that the modern church as a whole has become increasingly like the judgmental Pharasee's of biblical days. And as I recall it, it was that group that was so comfortable with the way things WERE done, that they couldn't see God at work right before their eyes. I have watched many come to accept Christ and grow in faith and love during the 4 years that I've been at this Church and to God be the Glory for it all. If such a church is not your cup of tea, that's fine... The Hand and Eye serve different purposes in the Body (of Christ). And while different, neither is more or less important than the other. American Evangelicals need to understand that they do NOT have the only method for worshipping God in Spirit and Truth.

This was a very good article, although I respectfully disagree with Pastor MacArthur on several points. It's not worth discussing, there is enough dissension in the Body of Christ already. My experience, albeit painful, with mainline evangelical churches is that though they have great verse by verse bible teaching, they run way short on teaching and practicing discipleship and fostering healthy biblical relationships. Paradoxically, the so call lite-gospel churches season the gospel with discipleship and biblically healthy relationships that foster true Christian maturity rather then "churchy" maturity. My observation is that there is service to others, to the unchurched, the homeless, missions by persons in the congregation ... so it's a mixed bag. Hell is real, but it is avoided by accepting God's lovingkindness through Jesus Christ on the cross, giving that to others etc... not by bludgeoning people with a bible.