The Primary Red Flag with Mega-Churches
I have no issue with mega-churches – many of them are my clients. But my concern is not with size, but with values. The larger you grow, the more utilitarian, compliant, standardized, and corporate you tend to become. Large organizations by their nature rely on templates, and have a more difficult time encouraging creativity, innovation, spontaneity, and tolerating mistakes.
My friend Erwin McManus, leader of Mosaic feels that larger churches often become about meeting their own needs, not empowering people to meet the needs of the world. It’s hard to argue with.
Smaller organizations are often more nimble, react to change more quickly, and know how to innovate. So if you’re a leader or member of a large church, never get so big as an organization that you cease to create, encourage spontaneity, innovate, and change.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
