Comments on: The First Mega Church Ever

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:36:45 +0000

Hmm, well I'm not convinced that the Contemporary Mega Church Model we have going is all that Biblical. Are we growing through multiplication (ie. people actually coming to the Lord through signs and wonders and revival) or simply addition?? Or perhaps division?? 'Church growth' in the West is so often the result of believers moving to a new area, or being discontented with their current church.

The First Mega Church Ever was a result of a move of the Spirit – a powerful wave of anointing that we have not seen in a very long time – and most of those people didn't just stay put in their comfortable homes and jobs – they gave up their lives to see the Gospel advanced. They actually did meet in homes and were underground, because the government wanted them dead.

No I don't believe that Mega Church is Biblical. Not in the way it is practiced and propagated in these times. How many Mega Church Pastors would truly be willing to follow in Francis Chan's footsteps and give up their church that they built from the ground up, where they make a hundred thousand dollars a year and have the power over so many people??

If God told you to walk away, would you? Could you? (Actually, that's a question I ask anyone in ministry, no matter how big or small the ministry is: If God told you to lay it down, would you be able to? How much of your identity as a minister for Christ is wrapped up in your position, especially if it's something that you built yourself, and it highly successful by worldly standards? Would there be anything left? Would your relationship with God still remain intact?)

By: Grace Baptist Church » The Beauty of Sacrifice and Service

Grace Baptist Church » The Beauty of Sacrifice and Service — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:13:59 +0000

[...] is a post written by Stephen Altrogge at The Blazing Center. Grace has experienced significant growth over the past year, providing [...]

By: Carole

Carole — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:23:15 +0000

Thank you for this extremely timely post. I have been questioning so much about my home church, including the reason why God wanted me to stay in the church He directed me to.

SACRIFICE for the kingdom.

Thank you for making it clear to me. God Bless.

By: Costa Deir

Costa Deir — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:34:14 +0000

As Christians, most of us base our church experience around how we feel. We are called to something different, to be more Kingdom minded. Thank you for this article Stephen! I feel the call to be more Christ-like in serving my home church.

By: Mark Benton

Mark Benton — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:03:29 +0000

WOW. I really loved the posting. Convicting,Challenging,Encouraging all rapped in the love of Christ .I have read it countless times .My son sent the posting to me.I forwarded to My Pastor. Our church started in a funeral home. We now have 4 services and this past small group sign up was the largest in our church history around 900 ?? I think.

By: reenie bovier

reenie bovier — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:59:19 +0000

Love this display of thought- We are the body – wherever We are Christ is there- Jesus was about the mess- For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son(who was the ultimate sacrifice) … Jesus met people right where they were- He sought them out and reached them -and then challenged them to Change. We are his hands and feet – As the local church grows because we reach out – the people in the Body must sacrifice to service the new believer for growth – So that they can go OUT into the world as a part of the Body – to bring others into the Salvation and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ – regeneration …..based on the growth of the body aka as the local church …. Love it !!!!

By: Dan Smith

Dan Smith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:19:04 +0000

This is simply amazing. I’ve thought this a long time when I hear organic church advocates talk about the New Testament Church. The fact is that they did church in lots of different ways, and we’re arrogant for thinking we have it down pat. Anyway, I like what the Gospel can do, and I’m glad that at least some people aren’t afraid of that.

By: Stephen Altrogge

Stephen Altrogge — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:58:36 +0000

Beth – We’re so grateful to have you in our church! And all of our lives are messy. In His kindness, God is slowly cleaning all of us up. Thanks for your comment!

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:54:57 +0000

Stephen – I know by your comments you weren’t looking to be recognized, but THANK YOU THANK YOU!for all you, and your Dad and Joe (and all the care group leaders!) do to serve the Lord, to bring glory to God, and all that you do for the Church and our Church. Praise God for your work in spreading the Gospel to newly saved believers like me with yes, messy lives (:

By: Stephen Altrogge

Stephen Altrogge — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:24:12 +0000

Isn’t it cool to see God adding new people? I want to reach out to my neighborhood more so that more people are introduced to Christ!