Originally attributed to Abbot Bernard of France in the mid-1100s, the phrase "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" has two meanings. First, it can imply that good intentions without action lead to ruin. You may have the right plan, but unless action is taken, you will likely suffer loss.
The second meaning is a step deeper. While someone may act with good intentions, they may actually have the wrong plan. Either by their own ignorance or unwillingness to receive critique, those “good” intentions lead down a destructive path, possibly even worse than intentions left unheeded.
I believe the evangelical church has succumbed to the latter.
It’s been months since I’ve attended a Sunday morning church service, but in an effort to motivate my children and set an example that being a part of a church is generally good, we visited the local campus of a megachurch. From the First Time Guest parking spots to the flashy kid’s room and all-too-familiar worship service, the experience was exactly as to be expected.
While I’ve only attended 4-5 evangelical megachurches in the last ten years, I think it’s safe to say the formula is now set. Go to any “multi-site” or “multi-campus” church, and the influence of Life Church, Elevation, Gateway, and Church of the Highlands is evident. They are all very, albeit shockingly, similar.
That’s not to say having uniformity across a quasi-denomination like evangelicalism is a bad thing. For families that move or experience major life changes, consistency and familiarity can be great things.
After working at a megachurch for many years, it’s always a bizarre experience being on the “receiving” end as an attendee. Going through the First Time Guest process, having a pastor shake your hand as you check-in your kids, it’s all good.
Furthermore, I truly believe everyone working there, from volunteers, church staff, all the way up to the campus pastors, are doing all they do for the right reasons. They are kind and welcoming and genuinely want you, as a new visitor, to experience something tangible, real, and maybe even “life-changing.” Everyone has good intentions.
But let’s not forget where intentions can lead.
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