Lausanne World Pulse – Perspectives Articles – Indian Megachurches' Centripetal Mission
By Imchen K. Sungjemmeren
January / February 2011
Two Approaches
Indian megachurches have two different approaches: a non-provocative approach and a fortitude approach.
Non-provocative approach. Speaking the truth in love has been the approach of the megachurch in Kolkata. The church has been highly cautious not to offend seekers. It has also shown that waiting upon the Holy Spirit for convicting seekers yields an increase in believers. Moreover, the sensitivity of this church helps to avoid intimidation of those from other religions. In a pluralistic India, where Christianity is a minority and is often in a persecuted state, this church gives a good model of doing mission with safety.
Fortitude approach. Being bold even when the odds are high has been the approach of one of the megachurches in Bangalore. The founder and senior pastor has not wavered from his desire that India one day be washed by the blood of Jesus. There have been reports of threats to the pastor and the church. Some Christian mission strategists fear that such a church instigates opposition from fanatics in India. But this church is still standing; I believe, in many instances, it is its sheer size and strength that has dispelled real opposition.
Endnotes
1. Vaughan, John N. 1993. Megachurches & American Cities. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.
2. Thumma, Scott and Travis Dave. 2007. Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn from Mega-church’s Largest Churches, First Edition. Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series. Indianapolis, Ind.: Jossey-Bass.
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Imchen K. Sungjemmeren (Meren) was a missionary teacher for two years at South Bank Baptist Mission in Assam, India. After which he and his wife joined the Par Terok Mission, which supports a church in Arunachal Pradesh. He is now on faculty in the Department of Missiology at Union Biblical Seminary in India. |