[guitar4jesus]

"I don't disgree, but could you elaborate?"

From my experience, I've seen many churches that have so much emphasis on church growth that they neglect the real needs of the people. Some pastors seem to be in competition to have the biggest church in town or in their particular denomination. Having attended a few "mega churches," I have found that they are administered not much different than a small government. In other words, there are just too many levels of bureaucracy and delegation. Many of these churches have so many departments and programs, there seems to me to be too little focus on fellowship and personal relationships that are so important to developing mature Christians
The other thing that I notice in the "mega churches" is the tendency to try to include gimmicks to attract as many people as possible. These gimmicks can include music styles, Starbucks, restaurants, bookstores, concerts, etc. These things can exist and are not evil in and of themselves (though I'm not so sure about Starbucks,) but I wonder more about the heart and goals of the pastors. If they are just trying to entertain the masses, then I believe this is in error

Anyway, that's just some of the things I wonder about.

[Alex Murphy]

These gimmicks can include music styles, Starbucks, restaurants, bookstores, concerts, etc. These things can exist and are not evil in and of themselves (though I'm not so sure about Starbucks,) but I wonder more about the heart and goals of the pastors.

I completely agree, on all points - especially concerning Starbucks....

[PAR35]

Many of these churches have so many departments and programs, there seems to me to be too little focus on fellowship and personal relationships

You just set up a department to establish a 'small groups' program, and hire staff...

[Terriergal]

hear hear, brother~!