Category Archives: Uncategorized

American Megachurches: Vision

Megachurches have always been marked by a strong sense of mission and purpose. That has only become more so —

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MDR: Matthew 19, Part 3 (Does God recognize an unscriptural divorce?)

We need to review a critical point here. Many have contended that in the absence of fornication a couple cannot be divorced in the eyes of God. But note carefully the words of the Savior: 6 “So they are no … Continue reading

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American Megachurches: Small Groups

Another aspect of congregational life that has dramatically changed in the past 8 years is the increasing emphasis on small groups. While small groups have always been seen as important to megachurches, they haven’t always been central to how many … Continue reading

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The Gospel Advocate Creed: Content Analysis and Our Disturbing Trend

The September 2008 issue just arrived. On page 5, Gregory Alan Tidwell writes a column on content analysis, making the point that you can tell a lot about anyone by looking at the topics they discuss. And it’s true. Tidwell … Continue reading

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MDR: Matthew 19, Part 2 (Pastoral concerns)

And so, should elders attempt to compel a divorce by a husband and wife who have wrongfully broken up a marriage to get married? I don’t think so. Two wrongs don’t make a right. The marriage having been made, it … Continue reading

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MDR: Matthew 19, Part 1 (exegesis)

As mentioned earlier, the other frequently cited divorce passage in the Gospels is Matthew 19:1-12: 1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. … Continue reading

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American Megachurches: Radio and television

Modes of interaction and publicity with the broader relationship to the public have also shifted in 8 years according to our research findings. In 2000, 44% of megachurches reported having a radio ministry and 38% a television ministry. However, in … Continue reading

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The Sticks

Here’s a link to an interesting conference on growing churches in smaller towns, called “The Sticks.” There’s definitely a tendency for the church growth seminars and literature to address urban and suburban churches, ignoring the thousands of churches in small towns … Continue reading

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MDR: Matthew 5, Part 3 (a note on the meaning of “fornication”)

The exact meaning of “fornication” in this context has been hotly disputed. “Fornication” normally means any sexual immorality, such as incest, prostitution, adultery, or homosexuality. Another intriguing possibility is that it refers to marriages that would be illegal or terminable … Continue reading

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American Megachurches: Community Service

An area where significant proactive change clearly seems to be taking place among megachurches is within social ministry and community service programming and involvement. In 2000 a third (34%) of megachurches affirmed their congregation was “working for social justice.” By … Continue reading

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