![]() ![]() Mega churches popped up all over the country, seeming to compete for the title fastest-growing church. Clearly, some of the advice for how to reach out to the unchurched by Warren and others was very useful, but some of the theological implications are disturbing. Minimizing the perceived "negative" aspects of Christianity which might drive away uncommitted attendees, such as the call to repent and to righteous living was another important aspect of this church movement. Making Christianity relevant to the needs of attendees, using the latest trends in music and multimedia entertainment and other positive suggestions are emphasized by this movement. Leaders of this movement such as Rick Warren also suggested that the church find ways for each member to use his or her gifts in service to God. The message from some was that the best way to spread the gospel of Jesus was to have large, fun, entertaining services designed to be seeker-friendly. ![]() ![]() Of course, not all mega churches were seeker-friendly and not all seeker-friendly churches were mega, but this was a notable trend, nevertheless. In the late nineties and the first few years of the present decade, the fashion was the seeker-sensitive mega-church. Those who follow trends in Christianity will soon notice that ideas on how to do church come and go much like the fickle fads of fashion. ![]() Click for a review by John Oakes of the book Pagan Christianity by Viola and Barna ![]()
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