Megachurch and Me

Alright, get ready for a serious blog post...I recently read an article talking about the number of "megachurches" in the United States. In the article, it defines a megachurch as Protestant churches with more than 2,000 people attending each week. In 2005, Texas had 157 megachurches. Authors of the book, Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn From America's Largest Churches, Scott Thumma and Dave Travis say that, "Americans have not only grown accustomed to large organizations, but they have even had their character and tastes shaped by them."

In addition to this, they have found the average age of attendees is 40, compared with 53 in other churches. About one third of attendees are single, compared with an average of 10% at other churches.

So with just this information, here is my thought. And I'm not exactly sure how eloquently I will be able to deliver it...

Have megachurches grown because upcoming generations are mastering the art of being disconnected? This is what I mean: The younger generations (including my own), have grown up in the popularity of cell phones, and the internet. Instead of calling someone, we text them. Instead of visiting a friend, I check their facebook status. We've grown so accustomed to being disconnected. Here is where the megachurch comes into play...

In many of these churches, in order to truly be plugged in, you have to take the time to join some kind of a home group. This is usually your accountability, or your accountability is within your home group. Home groups can take on all shapes and sizes, all women, all men, married couples, singles, young, old, and the in between. However, though the numbers are not mentioned in the article I read, I would guess that the majority of the megachurch attendees are not even in a home group. If not the majority, I would guess close to majority. Why is that? Because we are masters at being disconnected.

We are a contradictory people. We say that we crave relationship and love, yet we won't step outside of our comfort zone to search it out within the avenues designed specifically for us...like home groups. We say we want close fellowship, yet we attend churches of 2,000 people and more. You would think it would be the opposite.

Now, I know there are MANY reasons that people attend "megachurches". According to these definitions, I attend a megachurch. I love my church. I love what it is about (Jesus) and I have joined a home group. But I have noticed that it is harder to create deep relationships. I have been lucky to start some relationships that I believe will develop and grow deep. My only hope is that others will find the same.

I don't know if any of this makes sense or if anyone is following my train of thought. I just found it interesting that megachurches are growing while our ability to have personal contact/relationship is dying.

Ideas...

Ideas on other craft projects:

1. Frames (check.)
2. Wall crosses
3. Fleur de lis
4. Pencil cups (check.)
5. Other desk accessories...

Feel free to add other ideas of what you would like to see!!

Summatime!

A small list of some of the greatness that is summertime.

1. Lemonade stands-went by two little boys today who were selling lemonade, popcorn, and cookies. Couldn't resist. I busted a U-ey and bought some lemonade. To make the purchase even better...it was pink!

2. Snow cones-the best stand is in Tyler on 5th Street near the TJC campus...Bahama Mama is the best flavor.

3. Pool time-I still enjoy flipping my hair out of the water just like Ariel from the Little Mermaid. And I sometimes pretend to swim like a dolphin...and who doesn't love a good cannon ball?

4. Fireworks-I LOVE fireworks...to the point that I still "Ooo" and "Ahh", while clapping. Now you can see them every Friday over Grapevine Lake or on Friday night games at the Rangers ballpark...which brings me to...

5. Ranger games-though it feels like it's 1000 degrees out there, there is nothing quite like a dollar hot dog at the ballpark on dollar hot dog night. There's nothing like singing "Deep in the Heart of Texas", doing the wave (yes, I think it's fun), and of course a rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the seventh inning stretch. Good 'ol American fun, good 'ol Texas fun.

6. Sunscreen-I love the smell. I love the way your skin feels after being in the sun all day with sunscreen on. I know, that's kind of gross, but it's the epitome of summer.

7. Floating the River-managed to float the Comal almost every summer for the past three or four years. Although, I must admit, I do it the girly way in an inflatable canoe. No, it's not the traditional way of floating the river, but at least my rear end doesn't get slammed into the nice pointy rocks below the surface.

8. No School!!!-need I say more? School's out for Summer! Woohoo!!

9. Summer nights-It's still hot, but sometimes with a light breeze. And it's great to open up the moon roof and gaze out at the stars and the moonlight...or what stars you can see from the city.

10. Happy Hour at Sonic-no, it's not just in the summertime, but it's in the summertime that Happy Hour is best enjoyed. Who doesn't love a 50 cent Cherry Limeade in the heat of the day??

Feel free to add your own...

Success!

Here is my first completed frame! Yay!

Create!

My bff and I have ventured out on a new job possibility. We decided to make some items that we can sell, possibly at craft fairs and such. I have posted a frame that I made. This is not the finished product. I added an orange bow later. Once it's all done and has a picture in it, I'll try to remember to post it up again...

What I'm praying for...

I feel right now that everywhere around me people are having babies. It's like two years ago when everyone was getting married. Now they're getting married and having babies. Needless to say, I feel a little behind here. And a little jealous. Ok. A lot jealous.
I know these desires in my heart for marriage and family are ok and God-given, but then I wonder at what point does it go from desire to jealousy?
And then I wonder how to pray for these things. I don't know how to pray for a husband. I just know that my heart wants a God-fearing, Jesus-loving, Spirit-filled man to love me, and I want to love him. I want to share life with him. I don't know how to pray for that. And so lately, it's just been this, "Lord, I pray for a husband."
I don't know if that's right or wrong, if there is a right way or wrong way, but that's kind of it.
Oh, and I'm not sure if this is allowed either, but I pray one more thing..."soon".