megachurch Archives | Author Peter DeHaan

Come Back Twelve Times and See How Your Faith Grows: Reflecting on Church #51

Visiting Church One Time Isn’t Enough

With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #51.

This mega church does so many things right. Though I don’t want to go to a large church, this one really draws me. Of all the churches we’ve visited, this one appeals to me far more than any other. If I were searching for a new church to attend, I’d give this one serious consideration.

This church also has a Sunday evening meeting, which allows for more intentional connections, as well as small groups. These two options offer to counteract my reluctance to go to a large church.

52 Churches: A Yearlong Journey Encountering God, His Church, and Our Common Faith

However, I won’t come back twelve times to see how my faith grows, as our tour guide suggested. If I did, I’m sure I’d just keep coming, having formed a comfortable habit after three months.

This would be an easy church for me to slide into. I’d feel comfortable, and surely my faith would grow. But I know that with so many people who attend this church it would be hard to consistently see the same people each week.

That would make it hard to form friendships, even if my faith grows.

[See my reflections about Church #50 and Church #52 or start with Church #1.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices. Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

A Megachurch (Visiting Church #51)

I’ve heard much about this church, likely the largest in the area, and am guarded over having too high of expectations. It’s an adventure just getting inside, with a policeman directing traffic and a parking lot crew to rival the best amusement park.

Using cutting-edge technology and exuding excellence in what they do, today is a treat. In the auditorium, the worship team of eight gathers up front. The countdown clock hits 0:00 and the worship leader welcomes us.

After an opening song set, one of the co-pastors comes up to share and pray. Then we watch video announcements, professional productions that command attention.

The church is in the midst of a series on leadership, with the premise that God calls us all to be leaders in our personal and professional lives. Drawn from scripture, today’s message is most applicable to church leaders and is easily adaptable to business leaders.

Although the teaching is engaging, I have trouble understanding how it pertains to everyone else.

As the minister wraps up his message, a slide appears, asking everyone to “remain seated during the altar call.” This confuses me, but I later realize the request is to keep people from leaving prematurely and distracting others who need to hear what the pastor says.

People raise their hands to rededicate their lives to Jesus and the pastor prays for them as a group. For those wanting to make a decision to follow Jesus, he leads them in prayer.

After the service, we turn in our visitor card and receive a tour of their grand facility. Our guide challenges us to come back for the next twelve weeks and see how our faith grows in the process.

[Read about Church #50 and Church #52, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #51.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.