Small churches actually have no less a problem with cults of personality than big churches do. The cults are just smaller. There are a lot of small-church-pastors — particularly in black churches — that are in it more for the power and the glory than for Christ.
Not familiar with Sagemont. Most of the time, when a Texan conservative objects to a slam on megachurches, its somebody from Second or Fellowship ... two gigantic and notable exceptions to complaints about megachurches.
Discernment is the key ... no matter the size of the congregation.
SnakeDoc
Exactly!! Line it up with God's Word and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. His promise, He WILL~
And discernment is the key. Most churches, regardless of size, are not truly a New Testament church in one way or the other. I come across mega-churches which do a great job in missions (Sagemont for example) and evangelism....but STINK at discipleship and real fellowship. And then on the flip size I have small churches that will criticize those mega churches for that...and I simply ask: How many people...outside of your own children...did you lead to faith in Christ last year ('cause after all...if you can't win your own kids then you are pretty awful)? None? So not even the PASTOR won a soul to Christ? So you bash the mega-church because it's impersonal and they don't disciple...but you don't fulfill the Great Commission.
Over 50% of all congregations (evangelical) will not see one person baptized this year...and yet every one of those 50% will say they are the best church around. LOL.
Exactly!! Line it up with God's Word and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. His promise, He WILL~