Why do some Christians join mega-churches? What is the appeal?
612988
Good question.  First answer made me laugh though!  I think it's because it makes people feel that they are getting a better message, with a guarantee.  You know, this person must be good because all these other people are here, and this place is huge and cost all this money that so many people came here to give, so this must be the place to be. After all, how can all these other people be wrong??  (Duh, Guyana??) That's my 2 cents.
327321
It sounds like your guest speaker was expressing his own opinion; or maybe he was referring to the growth of the pornography industry over the past couple of decades. It's a multi-billion-dollar-per-year industry and that means A LOT of people are buying the stuff. And it stands to reason that if a lot of people are buying it, then at least some of them must be churchgoers.  But think about it: These simple facts, recited in a sermon, might get your senior pastor into a lot of trouble with his congregation; could even cost him his job.  \n\nNow are you really surprised that he's never mentioned it?
967449
Churches are filled with rich, poor, black, white - there are 2 billion Christians in the world. Perhaps you need to look a little harder.\nCheck out how Christians reach out to the poor and help needs around the world...
183393
A revival like his is possible again, not just in one church but in all who call on the name of the lord.\n\nBelievers prayer and faith will be the catalyst\nhttp://www.mhmin.org/FC/fc-0696WilliamS.htm\n\nJesus and grace will be the cause
1063440
You go to church not because you have to, but because you truly love God and want to serve him. You want to "fellowship" with other people who love God. God never forces anyone, he wants real love service.
815122
Some Christians do...it's the hardcore ones that are not willing to believe in anything except that which they believe gives glory to god...not all Christians are that hardcore...what the hardcore Christians are asking for is eminently impractical and chaotic...I think they are mostly after your hard earned...some people who would call themselves christian have more open minds...I don't think the founders of these religions wanted anyone to be miserable and look at life so two dimensionally...
124428
If you are a student or have a job working around lots of people, or if you have lots of friends in that area, I'd ask them.  Anytime I've needed to find out about going to church, word of mouth was the best incentive for me.  I would talk to people about whether or not they found the services to be moving or not, and then I would just go on their word.  I mean, they go there regularly, right?  I would hope they'd be able to make an informed judgement about something like that.  \n\nGood luck, in your search for church!  (Hey, that rhymed!)
684089
I do not attend church because of all the false teaching that spews forth from most pulpits.\n\nThe doctrines of men have replaced the pure and simple doctrines taught by Jesus Christ and the Apostles in most churches.  People in the pew believe and trust whatever comes from the pulpit, without studying scripture for themselves.\n\nWe are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, scripture says.  Therefore, I meet with a small group in my home.\n\nI would not recommend most churches to anyone.  It is sad that mainstream Christianity has become so paganized and steeped in the world's system.\n\n"Church" is not the answer anyway.  Jesus Christ is.
1043405
I am a born again Christian (Methodist).\n\n3 main reasons:\n\n1. It is often brought up in the wrong setting.\n\n2. Asking to understand is fine.  Unfortunately, many Christians use this and other opening lines as a pretense to witness and promote Christianity to strangers (i an certain you have heardd some of these - my favorite is "I am taking a survey."\n\nPersonally, I hate this practice.  I consider it degrading to lower the promotion of Christianity to a cross between a con job, a mailer, and an infomercial.\n\nIn addition, this method is highly ineffective.  Not only is the recipient insulted, it numbs the person to the real message.\n\nIn modern day society, witnessing is best done by example, friendship, and invitation to join you in Church or at a Church gathering.  This is what brought me to Christianity.\n\n3. Inside and outside religion, there is a resentment toward the active participation of religious groups in politics.  Personally, I consider there to be numerous warnings against this in the Bible, including Revelations.  Power corrupts.  All politics is corrupt or becomes corrupt.  The Church needs to be kept separate from this.
1145122
mine is just right. It has the word  of God. I would change nothing. I donot like the mega churches because if you want the concert type worship music, go to a concert.  If oyu're worshipping the lord you do not have to go all out, you can keep it simple, if I would change things about churches I've been to then I would  wish it was more hymnal old fashioned instead of a crazy concert scene.
108212
It's because the churches are new or because they are home churches and haven't asked for their tax deduction yet. Praise God for America, where we can build new churches.
511662
AN interesting point!\n\nWhich is probably why churches are barely holding their own in the 'self sufficient' countries whilst in the third world churches are growing in numbers like wildfire.
756403
Don't give up, and don't settle for less...are you in an environment where you can meet other christians? If so, and you have asked God to bring someone into your life that believes and lives a Christian life,  then just believe that God will do it and one day soon, probaly in a way that you wouln't have ever imagined, you'll meet him...I've seen it happen over and over again...so be encouraged and don't give up....
135943
Nope they are not when you consider that a christian is simply a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ. Also, the Bible does not mention anything about denominations. To be sure, membership of a denomination does not qualify one as a christian or for heaven.\n\nBut then, so many people have varied ideas/concepts about what it really means to follow Christ - Like the Anglican church approving homosexuality, catholics believing in Saint/Mary worship, Moonies encouraging adultery, etc to mention a few. So denominations began to form and grow depending on which one finds more convenient to follow. And sadly, people are being classified by the denominations they attend.\n\nHOWEVER, THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH AND ONE GOSPEL - despite the many interpretations about this Truth/gospel. How do you then know which is which? Simply follow these steps:\n\n1. Get a good Bible - I suggest King James version\n2. Prayerfully tell God to reveal His son Jesus to you and what His will for you is. Let Him know of your inadequacies in finding out all by yourself and ask for HIS help sincerely\n3. Start a daily Bible study - at least 3 chapters a day beginning from either the old  or new testament.\n4. Attend a Bible believing Church regularly; where you are not sure, continue in your local church until The Holy Spirit will, as necessary, direct your footsteps.\n5. Promise God and seek His help to walk as He directs - even when it appears such an obedience will not be convenient.\n\nSummarily, being of a particular denomination DOES not make ANYBODY a christian. Attitudes, customs, practices, beliefs, denominations, fashions - all may (and do) change, but a real (born again)christian will hold unto and stand on the UNCHANGING STANDARD of God.\n\nGod bless you good
853297
Because they've been sending missionaries to those places for centuries to convert the heathens. It's easier to convert the desperately poor than it is to convert those who can easily say 'no' to what you're offering.
182743
Because it's the best they've got?  I don't believe any religion, including Christianity, is inheriently dogmatic, misleading, or manipulative.  I do believe that some of the people who have had power and influence in the church over the years have made it so.  It's a drawback of the hierarchical setup.  I think there are many aspects of Christianity which are very valuable, and from which all people could learn - such as forgiveness or being of service to fellow human beings, (believe it or not) of being accomadating and non-judgemental.
1152318
True Christians are not concerned about expanding the religion, like the case in the Church of God I Timothy 3:15.\n\nHeb 10:24  And let us continue to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, \n\nHeb 10:25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another even more as you see the day coming nearer. \n\nHowever, false prophets claiming to be Christians preach the word to gain money. For example - a preacher uses "Tithes" to gain 10% of an income of a person.\n\nHere are some Biblical verses for a religion:\n\nThe true religion is found in only one Church - Church of God (I Cor. 1:2, I Cor. 11:22. I Cor. 15:9, II Col. 1:1. Gal. 1:13, I Thes. 2:14, II Thes 1:4, I Tim 3:5, I Tim 3:15)\n\nWhen Elijah and Moses disappeared and Christ was left - a voice said,  "This is my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with him. Keep on listening to him!" (Read from Mat 17:3-5)\n\nIf a preacher doesn't preach from the Bible, he is not a true preacher - meaning he makes his own laws (John 7:17, John 12:49)