A buzz of controversy is running across the Church of God concerning the upcoming move this Sunday of North Anderson Church of God to a new location and name, Madison Park Church of God. I have been amazed at the discussions I have heard in different settings concerning this move. I suppose that if this were to happen anywhere else there would be little said, but since this is happening in MeccaAnderson it is almost as if something sacred is being tampered with.
What's the controversy? There are several issues here, with the location and name change only part of the picture. From what I'm hearing the concerns being raised surround the fact that the land is 211 acres and the development costs have exceeded $17 million. The property will also be used (i.e. leased) for other purposes including a health-care facility and potentially a seniors residence, fitness center, and even restaurants, etc.
This raises questions across the church, as people express their concerns that this "Superchurch" will lose its focus on ministry. Even within Anderson itself there is considerable discussion (Read the article in the Herald Bulletin newspaper, and be sure to note the varied comments that readers have left).
I do not have any first-hand knowledge of all that is going on here, but I'm sure to pick some up when visiting Anderson next week. Nevertheless, I have some questions which I believe are legitimate to ask:
- How is the Church of God culture changing now that we have more megachurches?
- Is this "Superchurch" model that Madison Park is adopting appropriate for ministry?
- Are we being driven to accepting views and models of the church that more in keeping with business than the Kingdom of God?
What do you think?
What's the controversy? There are several issues here, with the location and name change only part of the picture. From what I'm hearing the concerns being raised surround the fact that the land is 211 acres and the development costs have exceeded $17 million. The property will also be used (i.e. leased) for other purposes including a health-care facility and potentially a seniors residence, fitness center, and even restaurants, etc.
This raises questions across the church, as people express their concerns that this "Superchurch" will lose its focus on ministry. Even within Anderson itself there is considerable discussion (Read the article in the Herald Bulletin newspaper, and be sure to note the varied comments that readers have left).
I do not have any first-hand knowledge of all that is going on here, but I'm sure to pick some up when visiting Anderson next week. Nevertheless, I have some questions which I believe are legitimate to ask:
- How is the Church of God culture changing now that we have more megachurches?
- Is this "Superchurch" model that Madison Park is adopting appropriate for ministry?
- Are we being driven to accepting views and models of the church that more in keeping with business than the Kingdom of God?
What do you think?
3 comments:
I think that this move is excellent. Just think of the ways the church can serve its community, and isn't that what churches are supposed to do? I guess I just don't see the big deal about it, if there is Godly leadership, I highly doubt they are going to lead the church into something that will fail. Times are changing, and as Arlo Newell so aptly put it last year, the Reformation is in a perilous time when the reformers refuse to be reformed. This statement is true in spiritual terms as well as cultural.
My family and I have worshiped at Madison Park (formerly called North) for three years now. I have no doubt that the life-changing activities that have been happening there long before we ever showed up will continue: passionate worship, challenging Bible teaching, intimate discipleship of young and old, and giving to practical needs in the community and around the world. Now there is a new facility and some new opportunities to do all this, and more. As newcomers to this town and this church, we found people who loved us and would give the shirts off their backs to help us.
Just a little perspective from someone who sits in the pew and also serves as a lay volunteer in different areas at Madison Park. : )
K. Stiffler
Questions, as always...
What community will they be serving as they move away from the heart of Anderson proper? From the poor to the professionals along the 69 corridor?
What about the other Churches and Churches of God in that area (Pendleton, etc.)?
Is church about community or about getting personal needs met (like a mega mall)? Or both?
How does one ensure that we don't lose the heart with the glitz?
Is more better?
What megachurch did Jesus start? :)
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