BEYOND MEGA CHURCH MYTHS: New book debunks popular misconceptions about America's largest congregations.
Currently, more than 1,250 U.S. mega-churches -- nearly twice the number that existed six years ago - have an average weekly attendance of more than 2,000. These churches also have a combined annual income of over $7 billion.
These super-sized congregations are obviously doing something right. And yet, false impressions of megachurches abound, fueled by popular misconceptions and a few recent headlines.
In Leadership Network Publications' latest title, Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn From America's Largest Churches, Dr. Scott Thumma and Dave Travis reveal that many of the most widely held beliefs about megachurches couldn't be farther from the truth. Relying on extensive, well-designed and broad-based research, the book presents a picture that is both surprising and encouraging.
Among the most popular myths debunked by Thumma and Travis are:
MYTH #1: All megachurches are alike.
REALITY: They differ in growth rates, size and emphasis.
MYTH #2: Megachurches exist for spectator worship and are not serious about Christianity.
REALITY: Megachurches generally have high spiritual expectations and serious orthodox beliefs.
MYTH #3: Megachurches are not deeply involved in social ministry.
REALITY: 79 percent of churches surveyed have joined together with other churches on local community service projects, and 72 percent on international missions.
The book also reveals that a large and growing number of megachurches are multi-ethnic by design. And the majority does not have enormous sanctuaries and campuses, but rather schedule worship services over several days, in multiple venues and campuses.
These super-sized congregations are obviously doing something right. And yet, false impressions of megachurches abound, fueled by popular misconceptions and a few recent headlines.
In Leadership Network Publications' latest title, Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn From America's Largest Churches, Dr. Scott Thumma and Dave Travis reveal that many of the most widely held beliefs about megachurches couldn't be farther from the truth. Relying on extensive, well-designed and broad-based research, the book presents a picture that is both surprising and encouraging.
Among the most popular myths debunked by Thumma and Travis are:
MYTH #1: All megachurches are alike.
REALITY: They differ in growth rates, size and emphasis.
MYTH #2: Megachurches exist for spectator worship and are not serious about Christianity.
REALITY: Megachurches generally have high spiritual expectations and serious orthodox beliefs.
MYTH #3: Megachurches are not deeply involved in social ministry.
REALITY: 79 percent of churches surveyed have joined together with other churches on local community service projects, and 72 percent on international missions.
The book also reveals that a large and growing number of megachurches are multi-ethnic by design. And the majority does not have enormous sanctuaries and campuses, but rather schedule worship services over several days, in multiple venues and campuses.
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