11 Myths About Megachurches

• MYTH #1: All megachurches are alike.
• REALITY: They differ in growth rates, size and emphasis.
• MYTH #2: All megachurches are equally good at being big.
• REALITY: Some clearly understand how to function as a large institution, but others flounder.
• MYTH #3: There is an over-emphasis on money in the megachurches.
• REALITY: The data disputes this.
• MYTH #4: Megachurches exist for spectator worship and are not serious about Christianity.
• REALITY: Megachurches generally have high spiritual expectations and serious orthodox beliefs.
• MYTH #5: Megachurches are not deeply involved in social ministry.
• REALITY: Considerable ministry is taking place at and through these churches.
• MYTH #6: All megachurches are pawns of or powerbrokers to George Bush and the Republican Party.
• REALITY: The vast majority of megachurches are not politically active.
• MYTH #7: All megachurches have huge sanctuaries and enormous campuses.
• REALITY: Megachurches make widespread use of multiple worship services over several days, multiple venues, and even multiple campuses.
• MYTH #8: All megachurches are nondenominational.
• REALITY: The vast majority belong to some denomination.
• MYTH #9: All megachurches are homogeneous congregations with little diversity.
• REALITY: A large and growing number are multi-ethnic and intentionally so.
• MYTH #10: Megachurches grow primarily because of great programming.
• REALITY: Megachurches grow because excited attendees tell their friends.
• MYTH #11: The megachurch phenomenon is on the decline.
• REALITY: The data suggests that many more megachurches are on the way.

This information comes from a press release, New Research Debunks 11 Myths About Megachurches, which is for a recent report on Megachurches from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.

"The term megachurch is the name given to a cluster of very large, Protestant congregations, that share several distinctive characteristics. These churches generally have: 2000 or more persons in attendance at weekly worship -- A charismatic, authoritative senior minister -- A very active 7 day a week congregational community -- A multitude of social and outreach ministries -- and a complex differentiated organizational structure."

Their data is compiled in a database. When I listed Megachurches of Missouri I was surprised to see my church Cape First pop up on the list.

source: I ran across this on Mark Driscoll?s blog Resurgence