Issues → January/February 2009 → Features →
Megachurches in New England
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Labels aside, Brown, who works at a pregnancy resource center, is certain about her path--one that was foreordained by God, she says: "Counseling is my calling. I want to cause change in others' lives ... to watch them blossom when they come to experience Jesus Christ." Ultimately, she intends to be a life coach, she says: "I know that's my purpose and my destiny."
Not long ago, Brown attended a leadership conference at Grace Chapel, taking notes as Harvard Business School professor Bill George addressed the crowd via a simulcast from Willow Creek Community Church. "Mmmmm," Brown murmured when George posited that leadership is about responsibility rather than fame or power. "We're servant leaders," George told the audience. "People are not there to serve you. You're there to serve them."
"That's right," said Brown. "Amen."
Three days later, Brown sat in the sanctuary at Jubilee South. Again she reached for her pen as Pastor Troy Goode preached from John, chapter 20. "Even though God has wired you for greatness, even though God has wired you to lead," Goode said, "unbelief is always there." Brown nodded her head: "Amen, yes."
Toward the end of the service, Goode urged congregants to step forward physically, "into a new realm" of deeper faith. Brown zipped up her Bible and moved to the aisle. "We're breaking down fear," Goode said. "Where there was fear, there is courage." With the aisle filled behind and in front of her, Brown stepped forward once, then again.
Last September, Jubilee South celebrated its one-year anniversary. Other churches are observing markers of their own. Grace Chapel hopes to soon turn a single worship service into several by designating different areas of the church for different styles: an informal coffeehouse in one place, say, and acoustic unplugged in another. Each service will run separately but will be synchronized in the main sanctuary.
At Faith, Santora's goal is to keep up what he's been doing: growing his church at a rate of 20 to 30 percent annually, which translates into some 500 new Christians every year. There are also plans for an 11,000-square-foot youth center with a skate park and indoor basketball court, along with an auditorium, iPod lounge, and Internet cafe. Build it, Santora figures, and the kids will come.
Reader Comments
Comment from Sylvia Kinne on January 15, 2009
You may have overlooked a wonderful church in Vermont, the Essex Alliance Church, which is the church my daughter's family attends and loves - very family nurturing w/ programs for folks of all ages. I believe they have a membership of 1500 plus. Their "Christmas Spectacular" music program is filmed so far-flung family members who are unable to attend can enjoy it also. As I understand it, this church began as a small store-front gathering and has grown as mentioned above. Worth a look?
Comment from Robert Faubel on February 2, 2009
I just wanted to say thank you for doing this article. I'm one of the original members of the Faith Church which started as a small Bible study in the back of a doctor's office. Having gone from an atheist cop to a police chaplain has surely changed my life. I have seen countless lives changed from people who really wanted to know the truth about God and I'm one of them. Our church is not the only one that is growing in this area. People are coming out of mainline denominations because these don't see change in their lives and realize that religion is not the answer to life's problems. It's a relationship with God who created them!
Comment from Denise Chamie on February 5, 2009
Amen to that Robert
Comment from Jenifer Lewis on February 10, 2009
Anything that helps folks in their faith journey is to be celebrated. Interestingly, according to a recent article in "The Christian Century," the migration can sometimes be from a megachurch to a more traditional one as well. A megachurch draws them in, and when they feel a craving for a more intimate worship experience, they find another church that provides it. This is particularly true for those who appreciate liturgy and classical music. Whichever way, it's all good IMHO.
Comment from Eura Olsen on February 14, 2009
I think this is a good thing. I attend a small church Open Bible We have a great pastor, people come and go ,some people can't stand to hear the truth. I believe when you accept Jesus Christ, you are a new person andhave a hunger for his word,which speaks to youand gives you a joy you never knew.
Comment from Kimberly LaCamera on February 15, 2009
I think Yankee magazine should do an article on Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam, MA. It may be a megachurch, but with a small town feeling to it. The church has programs for everybody, from the nursery to the seniors. All the kids know each other, so the parents know each other, if only to smile and say hi to. What a great church.
Comment from Don Bayliss on April 4, 2010
One of the largest churches in New England that no one knows about is in the heart of Boston. http://www.jubileeboston.org/
It is located in Mattapan. I had the opportunity to visit this church once with my wife before we were married many years ago when it was called New Covenant Church. They have over 5000 people that attend their services weekly.
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