9 Megachurch MYTHS Debunked

7. Megachurches Are Full of People of the Same Race, Class and Political Preference.

“Many megachurches have intentionally adopted an inclusive vision that the church is for all people no matter what race or socioeconomic group. The leadership of these churches has a strong desire to cultivate an atmosphere of inclusion and embrace a wide diversity of people. This message is translated to the people in the pews (p. 138).”

I honestly can’t imagine anyone believing this myth is true.

When I look back at all of the megachurches I’ve been in over the years, many of them are more diverse than smaller churches — socially, economically and ethnically.

Maybe the splits aren’t even, but even still, they are much more diverse than most smaller churches. Most smaller churches are catching up, and I’m glad for it.

8. Megachurches Grow Because of the Show.

Thumma shows that while the worship service elements are important to the growth of megachurches, the greatest influence was the pastor and members’ active involvement in — and passion for — evangelism and integrating newcomers (p. 160).

In the circles in which I run, we call this closing the back door.

A church can’t grow if someone walks out the back door every time you have someone walk in the front door. Assimilation is one of the major components of growing churches regardless of its size. An effective assimilation plan will help any church. When you have members — not just staff — who are committed to bringing people in the front door while closing the back door, churches grow quickly.

9. The Megachurch Movement is Dying.

Nope.

See Tuesday’s post.

So, long story short, there is a reason there is a book called Beyond Megachurch Myths. I hope you won’t spread them.  

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Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola Univeristy and Scholar in Residence & Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He is Regional Director for Lausanne North America, is the Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and regularly writes for news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. Dr. Stetzer is the host of "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast," and his national radio show, "Ed Stetzer Live," airs Saturdays on Moody Radio and affiliates.