The Path of Least Resistance Is Paved With Good Intentions January 26, 2009
Posted by Dan R. Dick in Congregational Life, Religion in the U.S..Tags: Christian discipleship, mega-church
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In 1995 I had the privilege of meeting Peter Drucker, and he graciously gave me two hours of his valuable time. We talked about “the church,” and covered dozens of topics. One of the topics was the then relatively new “mega-church” and I remember well what Drucker had to say: “It will be around for a good long time.” When I asked him why, he said simply, “Because it’s easier than a traditional church.” As an expert on non-profits, Drucker realized that the more church resembles a business, the more specialized the roles of leadership, and the more focus on growth and numbers, the more attractive the church. In many mega-churches, the primary role of the “senior” pastor is to preach and present a public face for the congregation. Drucker observed that “the mega-church is the perfect church for the United States.”
Some people think that I don’t like the mega-church (or even large churches, for that matter). This is a misconception. What I like are faithful, effective, spiritually-focused, churches of all sizes that maintain a balance of inward and outward service and represent with integrity the reputation of Jesus Christ. Churches that sell out Christian values for cultural values, churches more interested in getting members than making disciples, and churches more enamored with popularity than performance — regardless of size — are the churches I’m not so happy with.
