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Fair share Quote by Robert Burton Robinson

“These mega-churches are springing up all over the country—especially in the suburbs of large cities. And they all follow the same formula: A charismatic, self-anointed pastor starts a church by holding services in a home, then in a school. He targets the young professionals, who make good…” quote by Robert Burton Robinson
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““These mega-churches are springing up all over the country—especially in the suburbs of large cities. And they all follow the same formula: A charismatic, self-anointed pastor starts a church by holding services in a home, then in a school. He targets the young professionals, who make good salaries—although the poorer folks are welcome too, as long as they’re willing to pay their fair share. When there are enough members, the pastor proposes buying land, then buildings, then more buildings, asking the people to give sacrificially to do God’s work. The pastor uses outrageous gimmicks in the worship services to create a massive word-of-mouth campaign for the church. Everybody’s excited about going to the big show on Sundays. For the children and youth, church is like going to a theme park. And what kid wouldn’t want to do that? A local TV ministry is added. Then it goes national. Then global. Services are streamed live to the internet. A satellite campus is opened, then another, and so on. Ministries are established in foreign countries. But whose church is it? The pastor’s. Whose ministry is it? The pastor’s. What is everything built on? The pastor. It is his church. His ministry. His empire. -- Hal, the mega-church blogger””

Robert Burton Robinson

About This Quote

Source Blog post: “Mega‑Church Phenomenon”, Hal the mega‑church blogger, 2020s

Mega‑churches expand rapidly using charismatic leadership, marketing tactics, and financial pressure, turning worship into a commercial empire.

In simple terms: Mega‑churches grow fast using charisma, marketing, and money, becoming commercial empires.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate religious organizations’ motives.

Themes

religion commercialization leadership community

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical informative

When to use this quote

  • church attendance
  • donor decisions
  • community building
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

sociology economics media influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What signs indicate a church is more business than faith?
  • How can individuals maintain spiritual authenticity amid commercialized worship?
A Different Perspective

Financial pressure can exploit vulnerable believers.

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