Megachurch bashing is gaining popularity these days. But is it fair?
Last year Ed Stat-King Stetzer blogged about the Baylor Religion Survey, one of the most extensive surveys ever conducted on American religious attitudes.
Baylor Professor, Dr. Rodney Stark, commented about the survey results that, “none of the things we all believe about the megachurch is true.”
Here are some interesting and surprising facts about the American megachurch, from the Baylor survey:
When compared to small congregations, megachurch members. . .
1 – display a higher level of personal commitment by attending worship services, Bible study groups, and tithing
2 – are more likely to accept that heaven “absolutely” exists and that God rewards the faithful
3 – are more convinced of the reality of evil
4 – have far more religious and mystical experiences
5 – are significantly younger in age
6 – are remarkably active in volunteer work (as much or more so than tiny churches)
So, if you want to increase the commitment level, the tithe level, the volunteer level—then don’t stay small, grow your church.
