SPECIAL NOTE ON THE RISE OF THE AMERICAN MEGACHURCH: MISPLACED VISION, VENERATION, AND THE WAY FORWARD (WITH VIDEO) 

1. THEOLOGY

SCRIPTURE. “The house I am going to build will be great, for our God is greater than all the gods. But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens and [even] the highest heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I to build a house for Him, except [as a place] to burn incense before Him?” – 2 CHRONICLES 2:5-6, AMP

KEY TERM: “GREAT!” ‘Gadol’ [גָד֥וֹל]: “Exceedingly high, long, loud, mighty, noble, proud.” NOTE: “גָּדוֹל describes magnitude, intensity, importance, or seniority. It can speak of physical size, social rank, age (‘elder’), loudness, emotional depth, or moral and spiritual weight.”

QUOTATION. “Recently a well-known Megachurch Pastor said, ‘When I’m looking for a Leader, I want the meanest, toughest son of a gun I can find.’ Whether he understands it or not, this Evangelical Pastor is saying, ‘Give us Barabbas!’ For many American Christians the Politics of Jesus are dismissed as impractical and so they kick the can down the road saying, ‘Maybe someday we can turn our swords into plowshares, but NOW is the time for us to build more B-2 bombers and stockpile nukes so we can kill all our enemies.’

The crowd that gathers on Good Friday shouting, ‘Give us Barabbas!,’ is far more plausible and numerous than most of us imagine. If we think that killing our enemies is compatible with Christian Ethics, we are in effect saying, ‘Give us Barabbas!’ But Lent is the time to rethink everything in the Light of Christ. ‘We are not called to scrutinize the Sermon on the Mount through the lens of the Pentagon; we are called to follow Jesus by embodying the Kingdom of God here and now, no matter what the rest of the world does.’” ―  BRIAN ZAHND, The Unvarnished Jesus: A Lenten Journey, 2019; edited

COMMENTARY. “We should try our best to build beautiful, accessible and welcoming Places of Worship to be a testimony and credit to God. In so doing, however, we must remember that God cannot be contained in the building or any other lovely setting. He is far greater than any physical place. ‘So we must focus our praise on HIM and not on the Place of worship.’ By Faith we experience God’s Presence in our places of worship.” – RONALD A. BEERS, General Editor, Life Application Study Bible, 2022, p. 889; edited

II. TEACHING

I have been desiring to write a Commentary on the Proliferation of the American Megachurch for some time, having attended one for nearly 20 years with ‘devastating consequences’ to my faith and my family.

THESIS. I will argue here that such devastation has metastasized throughout the Christian community of our Nation, with even greater devastation.

As I began my research on this vital topic, I discovered that there was no dearth of responsible analysis of this plague upon American Christianity. And yet, it appears that they continue at full and even growing strength, in the midst of evidence that they are doing great harm to both Church and State.

We begin our investigation with this dispassionate Summary from an AI Overview that points us in some fruitful directions for our study.

“In the US, ‘Megachurches’ are Protestant congregations with at least 2,000 attendees at weekly worship, known for large budgets, extensive staff, and amenities like youth programs. The term often refers to suburban churches, though they are not evenly distributed, with many located in states like Texas. Prominent examples include Lakewood Church in Houston, TX, and North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA …

‘The perception of Megachurches as ‘Hideous’ arises from various criticisms, which often focus on the commodification of faith, unaccountable leadership, and a departure from traditional community-oriented church models.’ These critiques are not universally accepted, and many Megachurches have defenders who argue that they are unfairly targeted and do significant good.” – ret. Aug. 31, 2025; edited

THE AMERICAN MEGACHURCH. It’s hard for me to know where to begin. I will not burden you with our own experiences at a well-known Megachurch here in Colorado Springs pastored successively over a 25-year period, by Ted Haggard and Brady Boyd (mentored by Robert Norris of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas).

We can sure pick ‘em, cain’t we!

So enough about that. Let’s turn to TWO STUDIES in the next part of our discussion. We’ll begin with a cheap shot from the bleachers, followed by an astute and systematic analysis, and end with some parting thoughts on those devastating consequences that follow in the wake of the American Megachurch.

‘Footprints left on an already fractured Church Community.’

OPENING SHOTS. Our first take of this originally unique spiritual phenomenon (that I now consider to be a ‘spiritual aberration’) is presented by NPR journalist, SCOTT NEUMAN, a correspondent for NPR’s General Assignment Desk based in Washington, D.C.

The title of his piece from a largely secular view, “Megachurches Are Getting Even Bigger as Churches Close Across the Country” (July 14, 2023; edited). Here are a few of his MAIN IDEAS.

• OPEN. “Something clicked for Marlena Bhame when she first stepped into Liquid Church about four years ago. She’d been searching for something more spiritually dynamic and meaningful than the Faith Tradition she’d grown up in, or the various others she had tried out over the years …‘I was blown away by the amount of young people,’ she says. Liquid Church has helped Bhame, 28, and others like her find meaning even as many in her generation have turned away from organized religion. It is one of about 1,800 ‘Megachurches’ in the United States — defined as having 2,000 or more members.”

• DOCTRINE. “The Liquid Church’s core beliefs, ‘Grace Wins’ and ‘Truth is Relevant,’ are capped by a less theological component: ‘Church is Fun!’ ‘It’s one of the pillars,’ says Katherine. ‘That’s just the Culture in the Church. So, everyone’s kind of onboard with that.’ Church barbecues, pizza and movie nights are all part of the mix. On Sundays, ‘It’s loud. … it’s casual. People can wear flip-flops and drink coffee,’ says Pastor Tim Lucas, who founded Liquid Church in 2007.”

• MISSION. “‘We’re at the gates of Manhattan,’ he says. ‘People can go in and see Hamilton or Billy Joel at [Madison Square] Garden. We’re not competing with the World. What we are trying to do is … put the timeless Message of Jesus into new wineskins.’  ‘Liquid Church also steers clear of Politics,’ he says.  That’s common in most Megachurches because they are more diverse, according to Dr. Scott Thumma, a professor of sociology of religion at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.”

MODERATE CRITIQUE. Next, we consider the work of SCOTT ROBERTS, writer and Church Elder/Pastor at Bayfair Baptist Church in Pickering, Ontario. He is the author of the men’s ministry book, Warrior Disciple (2024), and New in Christ: A Simple Guide for New Christians (2025).

The title of his essay: “Why Megachurches and Multi-Site Churches May Be Bad for Christians” (Blog, Oct. 2024; edited). Here is a Summary of his MAJOR CONCERNS.

• OPEN. “The growth of Megachurches and Multi-Site churches has been a significant trend in the Christian Church in recent years. They have garnered loads of attention from every corner of the Church World, and have had positive, mixed, neutral, and negative responses from people for all sorts of reasons … I will attempt to be fair and not engage in emotionally-charged bashing, but list out items that have been of general concern to both ex-attendees and outsiders of Megachurches and Multi-Site churches, and do it in a gentle, loving, but still honest way.”

• DEFINITIONS. “A Megachurch is a large, usually Protestant, Christian Church that typically has a weekly attendance of 2,000 or more … Megachurches are known for their size, dynamic worship services, and extensive programs and facilities. They are often led by Charismatic Pastors and feature a wide range of activities, including youth programs, small groups, and missions … A Multi-Site Church (sometimes referred to as Satellite Churches … is a Church that has multiple locations, with each location having its own worship service, leadership team, and programming.”

• GROWTH. “This ‘Numbers-Over-Substance’ approach can lead to a focus on flashy entertainment and marketing over substance and depth. This can result in a shallow, consumerist approach to faith that lacks the depth and richness of Biblical teachings and practices. The worship segment of a Sunday service can resemble a pop concert with multi-million dollar lighting and sound systems and fog machines, often detracting the attendees’ attention away from God.”

• FELLOWSHIP. “Megachurches and Multi-Site churches can be ‘impersonal,’ lacking in close community relationships. In many cases, they can be too large to foster the kind of close relationships and community that are essential for spiritual growth and support. One of my personal issues was a lack of one-on-one interactions with people in my aforementioned, previous church. Going to any of the weekend services was like walking into a giant, darkened movie theatre.  It was hard to see anyone else, since the lights were focused on whoever was up on stage, and once the service was over, the hundreds of attendees rapidly piled out of the doors to go home. There was very little conversation and very little closeness.”

• ACCOUNTABILITY. “The sheer size of Megachurches and Multi-Site facilities can make it difficult for leaders to be held accountable for their actions and decision. And that ties into the next point somewhat…The entire operation or Multi-Site and Megachurch enterprises are so massive, and often the ‘Church Polity’ (church government or organizational structure) is so convoluted, that it’s frustrating to attempt to communicate, or even know how to communicate, to those who make the decisions. It can be just as difficult as contacting the major executives of a major business corporation. Or the Head/Lead Pastor is the ‘head honcho’ and calls the shots, making it impossible for the average Churchgoer to have any access to him. Instead of these models, why not have an easier-to-access Biblical Model of a plurality of elders and deacons running things?”

• CELEBRITY. “Many Megachurches and Multi-Site churches focus on a single Charismatic Pastor as the central figure, elevating them to the status of a ‘Celebrity.’ This can result in a culture where the Pastor’s personality and charisma are more important than the Teachings of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

• FOCUS. “Much has been said about the ‘Seeker-Sensitive’ Movement that’s invaded the Evangelical world in the past two decades. Megachurches and Multi-Site bodies often employ clever tactics in an effort to draw newer Christians and those who are supposedly seeking out spirituality in some way. They will often add coffee bars, gargantuan video displays and sound systems, and modern, concert-caliber worship sessions in their church building to wow the crowds. Yes, admittedly, sometimes there is nothing wrong with these elements if used tastefully.”

• DANGER! “What perhaps is most dangerous is a ‘Softening of the message’ preached and taught from the Pulpit in Seeker-Friendly churches in order to sound less harsh on non-believers’ ears. The Gospel is often watered down or barely brought up at all. The topics of Hell, Judgment, and Sin are rarely ever mentioned. And the Word of God is frequently used only to back up the main points of a ‘Friendly, feel-good, human-centered sermon’ that resembles a Christian-flavored TED Talk than it does a deep, Spirit-led expositing of Holy Scripture where God and Christ are the focal points. And when it does touch on real, godly, Bible-centered talk, the sermons don’t plunge deep and carve out the meat of the Word, leaving the veteran church attendees to get only a few drops of spiritual milk every now and then. ‘In a godly, Biblical, New Testament church, the sheep should never be malnourished while the goats are being fed.’”

• STANDARDS. “A lamentable aspect of some larger churches is ‘Compromise’ on certain Biblical matters and standards, such as allowing women to become Pastors and Elders. While it’s true that many smaller church locations (especially the Liberal Mainline churches) can relax on these same issues, Megachurches often will go against clear, Biblical teachings on these topics in an attempt to remain ‘hip’ or ‘relevant’ in a changing culture in order to bring in – and retain – the unlearned masses of people.”

• CLOSE. ‘In Conclusion: Megachurches and Multi-Site churches have the potential to be bad for today’s followers of Jesus due to emphasis on numbers over substance, a lack of community, a lack of accountability, a focus on celebrity pastors, a focus on seekers and unbelievers instead of a focus on feeding the sheep, and compromising on Biblical issues.’ While these churches can offer many benefits and attract large numbers of people, it’s important to be mindful of these potential drawbacks and to make informed decisions about where to worship, fellowship, and learn what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.”

DK’S TAKE. Having attended some of the most well-known churches in America during our 40-plus year sojourn as Christian believers, my wife and I have ceased attending church altogether. We simply have not been able to find one that is of a reasonable size with full-orbed preaching of the Whole Counsel of God. And that includes no fewer than a dozen churches in our city.

That does not mean that there are no such Houses of God in America, but truth be told: ‘They are now become rare.’ Selah.

III. ALTERNATIVES

Our final considerations will deal with some sensible, common-sense GUIDELINES for selecting a ‘Healthy Church,’ should you be shopping for one. These ideas are taken from DAN FOSTER, writer, poet, blogger who tackles “Life, Faith, Culture, Religion, and Politics.”

This time it is the Megachurch Movement in a piece titled, “The Problem with Megachurches,” published in Medium (Apr. 4, 2025; edited). Though he presented an excellent Deconstruction of the Megachurch Idea, I focus here on his SIX CRITERIA for a “Good-Sized Church.”

1. PRESENCE. “A Church ought to be small enough for all people to be known and their absence felt if they happen not to be there.”
2. PERSONAL. “A Church ought to be small enough to provide personal pastoral care and growth opportunities for its members.”
3. FINANCIAL. “A Church ought to be large enough to meet its financial obligations with plenty to spare for giving. Different models of church are less expensive than others. Churches with high costs risk insolvency should things turn for the worse.”
4. DIVERSITY. “A church should never rely on one person’s gifts, talents, charisma, or personality. This is a one-way ticket to disaster.”
5. COMMUNITY. “A Church should be small enough to feel a strong connection to its local community. If every church took responsibility for caring for one city block, it would be more effective than one church trying to care for an entire metropolis.”
6. SERVICE. “A Church should be small enough for people to have opportunities to serve, help and participate in meaningful ways — not merely consume.”

THE ORIGINAL CHURCH. “As for me, my Church these days consists of a handful of people gathering around an open fire in my backyard, with a [beverage] in one hand and a Bible in the other. It costs nothing to run. There is no stage, no pulpit, and no rock band. There is no personality cult connected to a charismatic leader. It’s reproducible, relocatable, and relatable. I’m not saying it’s a better way, but it sure works for me.”

Selah.

HOUSE CHURCH. Let me conclude with a second reference to a few benefits of House or Home Church if you cannot simply find a Physical Church to attend. Or if your participation in the Peloton Confessing Fellowship leaves you needing more than we can offer.

These excellent observations come to us from an article by Christian author and podcaster, BRITT MOONEY. His article is titled, “5 THINGS (Every Christian Should Know About a House Church)” (Crosswalk, June 3, 2022; edited).

1. DEFINITION. “Put simply: A ‘Church’ is a local assembly of believers that live life together as a spiritual family unit with God as the Father/King, and the community responsibility and participation in accountability and making disciples of Christ.’ That Church can meet anywhere, like a house.”
2. BENEFITS. “First of all, a house church helps to reveal how simple church really should and can be. Second, meeting in a home severely cuts down on administrative expenses, unlike most neo-traditional assemblies with buildings. Third, larger churches are hard to adjust when changes must be made. A small group in a house church can more easily meet in a different location, whether in another house or a park. Fourth, more of the congregation can be included in the assembly’s decisions—the Ownership results in more growth and maturity.”
3. DOWNSIDES. “Because a house church is a smaller, simpler group, some people get frustrated that certain programs aren’t available. It is also more difficult to see how connected the whole body of Christ is in the community, city, or nation when you are in such a small group. ‘Pastors and Leaders’ aren’t usually paid and must be bi-vocational if they have more prominent leadership positions. Because some leaders start house churches when they’ve been kicked out of other churches, be careful of strange doctrines outside of the essential Gospel focus on the person of Christ, salvation, etc.”
4. CAUTIONS. “Relationships are more central in a house church. Therefore, a person’s faults can be magnified in a smaller group. A divisive person can wreak havoc on a small group in a way that they couldn’t in a church with more people, simply because of how many people they can have relationships with. Another issue to watch out for within house churches is judging other Christians. Many people who choose house church have been hurt by church systems and organizations and speak out in meetings and the community against other pastors, churches, or denominations. ‘People should have a safe place to share their hurts and be honest, but in a community of Christ.’ Lastly, due to wounds from other churches, people in house churches may be wary of any leadership, however valid and biblical it might be.”

• • STARTING. Here’s ‘The Rule:’ “Don’t start a Church (even a House Church) out of anger, bitterness, rebellion, pride, and conflict with other Churches or Pastors. Other groups might have been wrong, but bitterness and anger are the wrong foundation for starting a church. Start a house church because you believe it is God’s calling for service, hospitality, and discipleship.” DK: This is largely correct, except in the Age of Antichrist and Apostasy, almost all of us have been wounded by the ‘Betrayal of the Church’ against those who will not support the President. Therefore, I Amend this Rule with that in mind, with this CENTRAL OBJECTIVE: ‘A Doctrinally Safe and Sound Place for renewal, healing and spiritual growth. ‘

IV. LAST THOUGHTS

To conclude this important discussion, I wanted to present AN IDEA that only occurred to me as I was putting the finishing touches on this study. I think it may hold some potential for all of us in the Days of Trial that are before us. So, here goes.

PELOTON CONFESSING HOUSE CHURCHES. I estimate that we have about 8,500 folks in our now International Online Fellowship (YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp, Personal Website).

We gather around THREE BASIC COMMITMENTS: (1) Honoring Christ and Christ Alone; (2) Resisting the Spirit and Person of Antichrist; and (3) Sharing God’s Truth whenever and wherever the Holy Spirit gives us opportunity.

• GROUPS. Only if led, consider forming a small Bible Study Group in your own home, perhaps including only members of your family to begin with. If successful, then consider prayerfully adding a small number of trusted friends or neighbors later.

• TEACHINGS. Since I have been serving as your Teacher-Professor for five years now, I would remain in that position with the understanding that I will continue to post a Major Biblical Commentary each Wednesday and Saturday: Centered on the rapidly developing Events impacting all believers around the world.

• FUTURE. As long as we can operate in this fashion by God and circumstances, it occurred to me that should the social media apparatus and availability be shut down or I become indisposed at some point, these small groups could then develop into: ‘Underground Fellowships.’

• EMAILS. If these ideas are of interest to you as I continue to make plans for Fellowship in the Last Times, EMAIL ME if you have not done so before to be added to my Master List of Subscribers. TO STAY CONNECTED: kellysixthseal@gmail.com.

CODA. Beloved Followers of Christ, I believe this could well be from the King to provide a Social Structure for the Last Days Fellowship that we shall all need for what is ahead of us. I love the fact that the Lord has already extended us internationally (North America, Asia, Europe, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa so far), which gives us enormous reach in the future.

‘Pray about this in light of the certainty that Orthodox Megachurches are about to become Relics, no longer suited to the Reality of Our Times.’

I therefore close with the timeless Promise of the Messiah to us all from Paul’s Letter to the ROMANS (8:31, AMPC):

“What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]!”

Selah. Selah.

MEDIA

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ikicriBxlS4