Items related to Megachurches: Origins, Ministry and Prospects
Our religious world is changing and many traditional expressions of Christianity seem to be in serious decline. By way of contrast, a relatively new type of church - in the form of large megachurches - appears to be growing to the point where they are replacing traditional denominational churches in size and influence. This book traces the origins and development of megachurches in Australia, in particular through a careful and detailed study of the origins and growth of the Christian Outreach Centre movement. It explores reasons for the growth of the megachurches and the lessons that can be learnt from this form of church. It examines their revivalist religious experiences, their organisational structures and leadership styles; and asks how these have helped the growth of megachurch, as well as their expansion into new activities such as schools, social welfare and political lobbying. It also considers lessons to be learnt from their ability to develop an affiliated network of smaller churches, local and overseas missions, and the growth of new national and international megachurch denominations. Based on a ten year study that explores the historical, social and religious dimensions of Australia's megachurches, the book examines reasons why this experiential form of religion seems attractive to many Australians when many traditional mainstream religious institutions struggle to attract adherents. It evaluates the contribution of such churches to the lives of participants, the wider mission of Christianity and their role in Australian society. It also reflects on the future of the megachurches as they continue to change in order to maintain attendances and support their large staff and resource base, and addresses the question of how successful they are in preserving core Christian beliefs, practices and mission commitments.
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About the Author:
Dr Sam Hey is senior lecturer in the School of Ministries at Christian Heritage College. He has taught biblical studies, history, sociology and theology in Christian tertiary colleges for the last 15 years and has been a church pastor for over 25 years. After completing a Masters degree in theology at the University of Queensland, he was awarded a PhD from Griffith University in 2010 for his research into megachurches. Sam is married with three adult children and lives in Brisbane, Australia.
Review:
''This book makes an important contribution to thinking about church life and Christian faith in the Australian context. The author has done an excellent job not only of describing the development of a very significant dimension of church life in Australia, but has placed it in a larger context of the development of faith within the Western culture. I think this book will be important to both academics and those involved in the practice of ministry.
'His emphasis on the strengths (and the weaknesses) of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements are very helpful in understanding the development of the mega-churches. So also is his analysis of leadership.''
--Dr Philip Hughes, Director, Christian Research Association.
''''Megachurch'' means more than numbers: it means the biggest story in global Christianity today. Sam Hey examines the new approach from the inside, having watched the Australian megachurch movement from its earliest years. Combining first-hand knowledge with rigorous academic research, he analyses the megachurch package - style and theology - and takes readers along for the ride as one Brisbane example,
Christian Outreach Centre, grows from suburban start-up to global brand. Insiders and outsiders alike will learn much from Dr Hey's clear-eyed exposition.''
--Dr Marion Maddox, Associate Professor, Centre for Research on Social Inclusion, Macquarie University. --Wipf and Stock Publishers
'His emphasis on the strengths (and the weaknesses) of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements are very helpful in understanding the development of the mega-churches. So also is his analysis of leadership.''
--Dr Philip Hughes, Director, Christian Research Association.
''''Megachurch'' means more than numbers: it means the biggest story in global Christianity today. Sam Hey examines the new approach from the inside, having watched the Australian megachurch movement from its earliest years. Combining first-hand knowledge with rigorous academic research, he analyses the megachurch package - style and theology - and takes readers along for the ride as one Brisbane example,
Christian Outreach Centre, grows from suburban start-up to global brand. Insiders and outsiders alike will learn much from Dr Hey's clear-eyed exposition.''
--Dr Marion Maddox, Associate Professor, Centre for Research on Social Inclusion, Macquarie University. --Wipf and Stock Publishers
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherWipf and Stock
- Publication date2013
- ISBN 10 1625643225
- ISBN 13 9781625643223
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages340
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