At The Resurgence Gregg Allison has given a defense for multi-site churches. While his defense may address Mark Dever's concerns, it says nothing about what I think is wrong with multi-site churches: it stifles the principle of the priesthood of all believers.
The NT doesn't actually say very much about how we should do church or what our church meeting should be like. But one verse that clearly states the basics is 1 Corinthians 14:26:
When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (ESV)
God has given every Christian gifts, which we should use to build each other up, by encouraging, challenging, rebuking and teaching each other. A church meeting is simply the time when Christians get together to use their gifts at the same time.
Unfortunately many churches restrict how we can do that by limiting those who can be involved in the church meeting to a very small group, such as the minister and "worship leader". I am a believer both in lay preaching and flexible meeting structures because they allow more people to get involved. I suspect a house church done well would let even more people get involved, but regular churches can still make changes which let more people serve.
It gets worse though. Mars Hill Church is a multi-site church with 9 campuses. Each shares a video feed from the main campus, so that there is only one person teaching each week, and most of the time that's Mark Driscoll. Compared to regular churches that's 8 people with the gift of teaching who aren't being given the opportunity to serve their churches. Compared to an ideal church, hundreds if not thousands must be missing out. And that's wrong.
It is very impressive your view points and you hold fast about church! I agree with that many believers are just listeners. It's not biblical. I think that it is because revolutions of church have been driven from some people like the clergy. Their thinking process can't make some good. I like your posts and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGood observation. Megachurches are essentially founded on a personality cult, the personality being the lead preacher. Not only is there a lack of accountability by not having the preacher subject to congregational, presbytery, or denominational authority, but - as you point out - it's difficult for anyone else to bring something to the table. Image is everything, so unless you're super gorgeous or really famous, you're not really provided an opportunity to contribute.
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