"Your Church Can Grow!" - A Contextual Theological Critique of Megachurches

Abstract

This chapter overviews some of the familiar criticisms of megachurches and the thinking behind the megachurch movement and church growth strategies. It offers a distinct theological critique of the megachurch and its near-obsession with size and numbers and success - as exemplified by the prosperity gospel. The chapter provides an overview of how and why megachurches are a product of contemporary culture, consumption and marketing. These foundations, so the critique suggests, is at odds very often with true Christian spirituality and the nature of the message of the gospel.