I would like to comment upon Jim's recent letter
regarding Warren's version of how to "Grow a Church".
I've done some research into this phenomenon and was
surprised to learn that it isn't a new concept and had
been preached against by some very well known
evangelists who are no longer among us.

Their reasoning is sound.  You cannot come to a saving
understanding of Christ without repentance.  That
being said, statistics don't lie.  The churches using
this method are growing.  Not surprising when you find
out that the man behind the scenes who spoke to Warren
as to how to implement this idea was a marketing
expert and not a Christian.

That is all this is.  It is a huge marketing ploy.  Do
not confuse "numbers in the church" with "converted
Christians".  Indeed, statistics also indicate that
"born again" discipled and believing Christians who go
to these churches soon leave.  It does not feed them.

The "how to" discipleship programs are very
well-tailored to introduce the concepts, but are very
poor evidently are feeding the soul.  Think of them as
hors-doeurves where the entree never arrives but is
always promised.

There is an excellent book called, "This Little Church
Went to Market", which should be read by everyone who
wants to know more about this phenomenon.  I encourage
you to read it.

The bottom line of course is: "Are people coming to
God based upon this idea?"  The answer is:  "I'm sure
that some are."

God can use anyone and anything to bring them home.
But is this the best way?  Is this a way that we
should support?  I do not believe that it is.

Catered meals, cappuccino machines and bowling leagues
are not what the early disciples used to bring people
to Christ.  Indeed, Paul entered the synagogues first
when coming to town.  He went to where people already
had an understanding of God first.

What scares me most is that smaller, spirit-lead
churches are crumbling in the face of these
mega-churches.  The temptations are great.  It is only
after arriving there that many discover their needs
are not met.  It is too late however to return to the
smaller church which failed due to lack of numbers and
had to close its doors.

It is a sad commentary upon our faith when we would
rather join a "social church" and shun a spirit-filled
one.

I see these mega-churches as giant lures and
temptations.  Having belonged to one overseas, I can
tell you how cold and isolated I was made to feel if I
did not join one of their cell groups.  No one made
any efforts to reach out to me and indeed when I left,
no one even noticed.

I would never join such a church again.  My experience
lasted more than two years.  I don't think brother Jim
spent nearly enough time in one to understand how they
work....and don't work.

I do not enjoy disagreeing with you brother Jim, but I
also did not enjoy your negative diatribe directed at
those who have truly experienced this phenomenon and
come away empty.

I write these words in sorrow and with a hope that
others will not experience what I did.  I continue to
pray that those who are in these mega churches DO find
the Lord.  Our God is GOD ALMIGHTY and He can use
ANYTHING AND ANYONE for His Will.

He will use these churches too....But I believe there
is a better way.

YSIC,

M.M.M. Costa