In years past, most Protestant churches in the U.S.A. were fairly small, numbering one hundred to three hundred or less in their congregations, according to Time (August 5, 1991). But now a new phenomenon is taking place in the proliferation of superchurches or megachurches. There are now forty-three Protestant congregations which number five thousand or more at Sunday services. In a society which idolizes size — “big is better” — and loves its supermarkets and mammoth shopping malls, the superchurch is a logical development.
Most of these superchurches are evangelical; they do preach the Gospel, although in some cases it is weak on repentance, genuine conversion and godly living. They are fundamental, basically orthodox in their doctrines. Many are charismatic or Pentecostal, with a stress on tongues and miracles.
Because of their size they can offer a variety of programs, an elaborate Sunday School, special interest groups (divorced, singles, alcoholics, fifty plus, etc.) and a music program conducted by professionals. Giant incomes characterize these churches. Their facilities can be luxurious with all of the amenities. The Second Baptist Church of Houston has a movie theater, weight rooms, saunas, a television production center and beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens. For superchurches money seems to be no problem and their pastors are paid like the executives of large businesses, which they are.
Here are some of the top superchurches: First Baptist Church, Hammond, IN (20,000); Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL (13,000); Calvary Chapel, Santa Ana, CA (12,000) and Second Baptist Church, Houston TX (12,500).
So what is the appeal? Most Americans value that which is big and successful. It is a feather in one’s cap to say he belongs to the First Superchurch. Does not God want His children to be successful? And many of these churches do stress material prosperity as very acceptable and desirable. The “sanctuary” is a delight to the eyes and the music is upbeat and professionally played. In a large group one can be casual in his commitment. If he chooses to go fishing rather than go to church, no one will notice. It is a very convenient religion.
Time states, “The most serious weakness of big churches is that they are inherently impersonal.” Yet this is what some desire; they fear a more intimate relationship with its commitment and responsibility. For those who desire more intimacy, superchurches often have cell groups which meet during the week in homes for Bible study and prayer.
How should we evaluate this movement? We can rejoice in the Gospel being preached, regardless of motives (Phil. 1:18), without feeling we must follow the same methods. But one may seriously ask, “Will the New Testament pattern for the churches function in a superchurch setting?” What is the character of a New Testament assembly?
One figure that is used in Scripture of the local church is that of a flock of sheep (1 Peter 5:2). The flock of that day was fairly small. The shepherd lived with the sheep, led them to pasture and drink, and called them by their names (John 10:27). David, an experienced shepherd, described his relationship with God in these terms beautifully (Ps. 23). This is to be the relationship of the elders to the local church.
Leaders of superchurches are called “pastors” and are expected to shepherd the flock of God. John MacArthur stated confidently on radio, “I am the pastor of ten thousand people.” But can one know the names of ten thousand people, visit them, counsel them and do all that is involved in shepherding? One can preach to thousands, even millions, with the right use of media, but that is not the biblical concept of shepherding.
Another figure used is that of a family, a household of God (1 Tim. 3:15). The relationship is the sharing of a common life (1 John 5:1). Older men and women are to be treated like fathers and mothers, the younger as brothers and sisters (1 Tim. 5:1-2). A church too big for people to know one another cannot function as a family.
Still another figure that Paul enjoys is that of the human body. The various parts of the body share the most intimate of relationships; the same life blood flows through the whole. The many members are different, vitally needed and complementary (1 Cor. 12). All the parts should be appreciated and all encouraged to function. There should be no envy or competition. Paul uses this metaphor to bring beautiful, practical teaching to the Christians at Corinth. But this requires knowledge of one another and much interaction. This is hardly true of a superchurch.
While it is true that for a brief time the Christians met in the temple (Acts 2:46) for instruction by the apostles, soon persecution scattered them and assembly meetings were usually held in homes. This limited the size of groups. Although no numbers are given for the size of assemblies, most were probably less than one hundred people. The New Testament is not as number conscious as many churches are today. Scripture is more concerned with the holiness, spirituality and vitality of a church than with the number attending. None of the churches of Revelation 2 and 3 are condemned for their small numbers.
A superchurch is too large to function as a scriptural assembly of Christians. The home cell groups are an attempt to meet this need but they disclaim being a church and do not fulfill all its functions. Often their size is so small that they lack a balance of gift and the teaching is basically done by the “pastor” of the superchurch.
In a gathering of thousands, the priesthood of believers cannot function with opportunity for various brothers to lead the whole church in worship. “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). It is a blessed privilege to have the Lord’s Supper as an open meeting with opportunity for various brothers to lead God’s people in worship and praise. While all believers are priests, Scripture designates the males to lead in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:34).
Much spiritual gift is undeveloped in a huge church. The preaching and teaching is done by professionals; the clergy system is firmly in control. The Holy Spirit is squelched by the system and is unable to speak through various brothers in a fresh, vigorous way. Paul wrote, “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Rom. 12:6). Too often the Holy Spirit is put in a straitjacket by the systems of men.
For these reasons churches seeking to follow the Scripture have tended to hive off and start other gatherings rather than to keep enlarging the building. Often such an assembly that is growing in numbers will begin to think of starting another fellowship when their numbers reach one hundred to two hundred people. In this way, younger men can be encouraged to use their gifts and to become leaders among God’s people. Conferences in an area can provide the blessing of fellowship and encouragement between assemblies.
As an assembly, be thankful for the truths you know and practice. Be concerned to develop your gift and to be active in your fellowship. Be zealous in witnessing and in seeing others saved. Pray for growth spiritually and numerically. As you grow in strength, be in prayer to see other assemblies start in your area. There is a great, needy world out there and we have the message of life and hope. May God give us vision.