Acts20.com

If you have not seen this report (or one like it), I think its worth taking note of. Mega churches becoming their own denomination is a trend which has been developing for some time now. This seems to align with with a prediction from Barna (perhaps 20years ago) where he asserted the coming trend of many smaller designer denominations. The local churches in these designer denominations would (and do) share a strong central self identity and ministry outlook (vision).That Hillsong is leaving the AOG is remarkable to many in the Pentecostal Movement, as it seems to be viewed as the Nirvana (not the band, the place) of denominations. www.charismanews.com/world/73259-hillsong-splits-from-assemblies-of-god-in-australia-to-become-its-own-denomination

It seems ...

It seems that Hillsong's network of churches around the world had to deal with a double allegiance - being part of the Hillsong network which trained and planted them, and whose vision and polity they operate in; verses the AG authority in Australia, which was responsible for the ministry licenses process of the mother church and all its children around the world (I think that what the article is saying). Large independent churches with multiple locations can often function on a more cost effective basis by limited the scope of structure. Also, perhaps they can maintain more effective oversight, as there stronger direct connections to the vision of the founding pastor/local church. The network is not bound to a geographic (states or nations) line of authority, rather it is based on relationships and commonly held values which transcend borders.

Talk about hitting the nail on the head! The reality of this statement would be a funny comment (& I did LoL) if it weren't soooo tue!! Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

Personally I think it's advantageous for a mega-church to operate indie.The idea of a pastor of say 10,000-20,000 members relying on HQ may not be germane to the overall vision of that pastor or church ministry.I'm positive that the good folks at Hillsong will remain in close contact & relationships with AoG leadership & friends. Hillsong & Bethel both have similar personalities & both pastors are very close friends who have now ended relationships with the A/G.My family has ties to Bethel & I can tell you that Bill Johnson has close friends whom he relies upon at the Northern Calif. Exec. offices for the A/G. Again, it's a different culture when you leave some denoms vs leaving the CoG Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

A church that becomes a megachurch doesn’t need a denomination; whether officially or not, it becomes a denomination unto itself. It is just not necessary or even generally practical for a megachurch to be part of a denomination.That said, one has to wonder about the track Houston has taken. He was Gen. Sup (CEO) of the Aussie AG for 12 years, and during his tenure, his father, the founder of what eventually became Hillsong Church, was exposed as a serial pedophile. As CEO of the AAG and senior pastor of Hillsong Church, Houston had to revoke his predator perv dad’s credentials. Houston addressed the issue publicly, so this is not gossip but simply fact. A few years later, he led the AAG to change the denominational name to “Australians Christian Churches.”

Just like Dean (except I am no pastor) you must smile, because it is so so very true, when Christians should remain Christlike and love one another as Christ loves us. Amazing how territorial we are and do act like mean people in a divorce, when that happens in our COG. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I have not looked into Bethel's church history, just see the news items from time to time. Is it, or was it AG?

Re: Short answer yes it was

It seems the past rise of Pentecostal denominations is now in a stage where fragmentation is replacing centralization. The question for many churches and pastors is, what is the value added to my church being part of the denomination and having a mandatory level of support?One of the issues with denominations is the required support for activities that many local church do not access, or prefer to do direct. This would include missions -now you can have direct relationships with missionaries who are part of your congregation. Education - the denominational college and training program are good, but why not have your own, or access the many great colleges available. Ministry credentials - with the ability to provide credentials to your staff (and for associated churches) why have your leadership come under the authority of a state bishop, and denomination, who will inherently encourage them to pastor or plant churches under their authority?