Beyond Megachurch Myths

Publisher Description

"Beyond Megachurch Myths shows us that we don't know what we don't know about megachurches. Dave Travis and Scott Thumma do a great job on this timely work to put an end to the hearsay and speculation to tell us the truth about what's really happening in today's megachurches."

• Dave Ferguson, Community Christian Church and NewThing Network

Drawing on extensive, broad-based, and well-designed research, as well as stories and anecdotes, Beyond Megachurch Myths dispels popular myths about megachurches while highlighting the diversity within the megachurch phenomenon. Defining a megachurch as a Protestant church that averages at least 2000 total attendees in their weekend services, Scott Thumma and Dave Travis reveal what these churches are and are not, why they are thriving, what their members say about their experiences, and why they have many valuable lessons to teach smaller churches. Beyond Megachurch Myths draws a clear picture of the megachurches' unique characteristics and how they are changing the landscape of American religion. The book debunks seven common myths, including that they:

• Are just too big to be good
• Are driven by personality cults and will fade away
• Are selfish and only concerned with their own needs
• Water down faith
• Are bad for the overall religious economy
• Serve people of the same race, class, and political views
• Grow because of the "worship show"

Beyond Megachurch Myths is filled with practical insights and suggestions for pastors and leaders of other church organizations that can be applied to their own organizations and ministries, no matter what their size.