Growing up in a Christian environment, I’ve seen the evolution of churches, especially the rise of mega churches. Starting from Sunday school at age 5, I moved through various churches before settling in a mega church where I served for years as a musician.
Initially, I was drawn to the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with diverse people, including professionals and businessmen. However, over time, I began to notice both the positives and negatives of the mega church model.
On the positive side, mega churches offer strong community bonds and networking opportunities. However, there’s often a noticeable divide in status between members.
Mega churches operate like corporations, with branding, marketing, and revenue streams. They sell books authored by their pastors, produce music albums, and host expensive conferences. Pastors often enjoy lavish lifestyles with fancy cars and houses. Their target demographic tends to be affluent business people who can financially support the church.
Unfortunately, this focus on wealth and status can lead to neglect of ordinary members. Many people, myself included, have felt ignored or disconnected from the church community. Even though I had talents to offer, I found it difficult to access support when needed.
Have you observed similar patterns in mega churches? What are your thoughts on their approach to spirituality and community?