June 02, 2023
Barna's recent study finds a super majority of Americans AND Christians have a negative view of megachurches and mega pastors. But also, evangelicals are not liked either. But, why the trend? About half of evangelicalism moved into large megachurches between 1970 and 2014. But, Jesus's view of Christian community goes beyond the superficiality and transience of modern life. The body of Christ is perpetually wounded. Christ's community involves 490 forgivenesses, persecutions at the hands of the world, deeper relationships and deeper wounding, and always an intensified view of our sin and hypocrisy . . . and His redemption. The programs, bucks, and buildings don't count for much. The church is planted in tears and bloodshed . . . through 1,000 demonic attacks . . . through brokenness, through pain, through agony . . . through anguish . . . through a million prayers . . . and ultimately, by the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.
About Your Host, Kevin Swanson
Homeschooled himself in the 1960's and 70's, Kevin Swanson and his wife, Brenda, are now homeschooling their five children. Since graduating from his homeschool and then serving as student body president of a large west coast university, he has gone on to other leadership positions in corporate management, church, and other non-profits.