We have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. It is our prayer that people will go back to church regardless of denomination. We are Latter-day Saints but love all of Heavenly Fathers children! Keep up the great work you are doing!
This is what the Prophets called priestcraft. There are many pastors outside of the prosperity churches as well that make a really good living preaching the free word of god, just let that sink in. Seek a church where you will receive the living water from people who are not benefiting financially from it. Seek the Lord’s true church organized today with prophet and apostles and you will find The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
It's these kinds of churches that really sadden me. They are giving Christianity a bad name. I just pray and hope that people will find the truth. I don't want people basing their experience of being a Christian, Church and the message of Jesus off these false preachers. So sad. But, I do have to thank you. By putting out these videos people can see what's really going on.
Thanks Angela. I dislike bashing churches, would much rather hope my presence could bless them and vice versa. But yeah, totally agreed with the poor perceptions if this is someone's introduction to church. Using a popular R-rated movie to capitalize off Christian book sales was just so stunning, that's not the entry point that should be used. And it just keeps going, it's wild.
All the marketing at the Fifty Shades Megachurch reminds me of the market in the Temple at Jerusalem, when the Lord went in to cleanse "His Father's House". It doesn't sound like a place that would house the Lord's Spirit. Sad! Thank you for the info.
My friend invited me to a Sunday service at a mega church around the Fort Lauderdale area some years ago. I think the preacher was busted for adultery shortly afterward, and replaced. But, that was an internal issue neither here nor there for me, personally. The parking lot was so vast they had a guy driving a tractor around with a tandem of carts, like something they might have at Disneyland to pick up congregants and drive them to the main building. They also had a children's section. I'm not really religious in the church going sense. I didn't tell my friend this, but I was sort of turned off by the service for this reason: the minister seemed to be bolstering the Christian faith by insulting and putting down other world religions. I can honestly say what would keep me coming back to a church would be reading from the Bible. I don't think I heard that. I don't think it's good policy to compare your own religion to Buddhism or Hinduism, especially as the main point of your sermon. If any pastors are out there listening, it's better to teach what Jesus said, or the apostles.
I agree. There are too many who fall into a ministry focused on pointing out & “exposing” everybody else who’s going to hell, instead of teaching the principles of Christ’s teachings and God’s love. (Hmm, Was it the Pharisees or Sadducees who did that in the Bible?). As I look at myself, as I’ve changed and grown thru the years (b/c of the teachings of Jesus and drawing on His power to help me become more like Him), I recognize that the times I was critical of others (instead of just loving them), were times when I didn’t feel good abt myself. I think insecure ppl who need to feel good abt themselves (by putting others down to build themselves up), are drawn to such churches. The sad thing is, condemning others doesn’t bring the peace w/in that we all long for … only love & forgiveness (& not comparing ourselves to others as if better or worse) brings peace.
John 12:6 Jesus himself and his apostles needed and maintained coffers. Your logic is terrible but you were a child. Now that you are an older child why didn't Jesus work for no pay?
sachamo100, your logic is spot on. The Apostles and Jesus did receive help and sustenance along the way but never sought to enrich themselves. Heck, after leaving his work for the chief priest, Paul supported himself and his ministry as a tentmaker.
David, I've been watching through some of your videos of visiting churches. Most of the churches you visit and highlight have a sincere interest in the welfare of the people who attend them, albeit different styles of worship. This commentary on the Prosperity church in Texas reminds me of what the Book of Mormon describes as Priestcraft, saying it shouldn't be done. 2 Nephi 28:29 "He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. "
Hi David. Thanks again for sharing. Using the Gospel of Christ for amassing personal wealth or for building fame and ego is, in my opinion, very very bad juju. I saw some of your stuff on medium. Wow. I love hearing from you and your sincerity. It is refreshing.
Thanks for watching. Ya know, dislike being critical in these videos, yet this kind of stuff by wordplaying off a BDSM erotica film just boggles the mind.
I come from what many would say is a Mega Church (LCBC in Pennsylvania) Some of this is familiar, but I'm glad to say the differences between what you described and my church point more toward a spiritual church. I've never seen them move people just for photo-ops. They have recommended books, and sometimes offer them in the lobby, they also have a 90 day tithing challenge (though I found out that's been a shared tactic among many young churches) but I've never seen pressure to do it beyond once a year. But yes, the same tactics get used by both good and bad churches. Thank you for your stories.
I can not understand why a newcomer to a church is asked for their personal information. I a Roman Catholic and there are usually many people who are tourist coming in during summer for Mass and some people just curious (I guess). Nobody asks anything.
Catholic churches are not growing and they are dependent on tradition. You also hit the meat on the bone as many are tourists and Christmas/ Easter mass parishioners, this church won't have those necessarily.
They usually do this at all the (Protestant) churches I've attended. I think it is done for several reasons, like to find out if the attendee(s) are "new in town" and would like to receive further contact from the church. Plus, if the attendees are just visiting, and are curious about the denomination. Also, unlike Catholicism, there are so many different sects and denominations of Protestantism, that's it's just excepted that the newcomer would know little about the service they are attending, and might appreciate the information. Lastly, I live in a tourist area, and we have lots of visitors who are looking for a church "to hang out with" (kids &adult activities), during their stay. Hope this helps 😀!
Have been to many mega churches in my life. Some have been over the top awesome - others.....not so much. But that was a long time ago - my guess is they have changed a lot.
I never feel the spirit at a box church like that, it's more about putting on a show, and it's not about God's word, it seems to be very distracting pulling away from God's word. It's just a big show to me, a distraction if you will.
I saw the righteous gemstones and got interested in this topic. You’re blowing my mind😮 Definitely going to get your book. Thanks for doing these videos!
Hope you like it :) Never heard of the Righteous Gemstones, but after a quick Google search and seeing some of the bizarreness of megachurches like this one, I may need to take a look lol.
A LDS Temple is in construction at Modesto California. It may be LAST Large temple as the Church prepares for the 2nd coming. A visit may be interesting for you and your Utub audience. George Lucas Grew up in Modesto. The Mayor is LDS.
The Mayor is LDS in my small town he's my husband! But l won't mention the town for safety reasons. However we just got back from Washington DC where my husband met with Congressman Raul Ruiz to get money 💰 for our street's. The LDS community needs to get involved
@madogg152 I am curious what you mean by LAST Large temple as the church prepares for the second coming. The Lethbridge Alberta temple is 15,000 square feet bigger then Modesto. And if you are implying that many announced temples are to be finished after the se ond coming the Knoxville temple also under construction is 836 square feet larger then Modesto and is going to be done roughly the same time as Modesto. So again I'm not sure what you mean by your comment.
At a stake meeting, that statement was announced. However, I have no idea when the other temples were announced. The people who made this claim, may have been inaccurate or plans changed.
Your comment about "no fruit, no meat" brings about a song from about 1979 or so Amy Grant's awesome album "Age to Age" called "Fat Baby". It is exactly about Christians who can only have milk because they can't handle meat. Minnesota Boomer here suggesting you look it up! Just subbed today, but I know I have heard your name before. I just don't know where. I'll figure it out; I usually do.
Hey Dani, hope you're staying warm over there in Minnesota. Just gave that Amy Grant song a listen. All I can say is WOW. Didn't know there was as much similar concerns regarding cupcake churches in the late-'70's as there is today.
If you visited The Pentecostals of Alexandria, you'd be given a form to authorized a monthly deduction from your checking account equal to 10% of your gross income.
After attending a devout Biblical University in the early 2000's, I can tell you pastors have been peddling their sermons for years and other pastors and whole churches rely on this artificial revelation as well.
The audio level on this video was really low. Even with the volume cranked up all the way, I could barely hear it. I have been watching video after video on this channel and this one had a lower volume than the others.
Late to the party on this one, but this really saddens me to hear that what I feared is actually true. Christ has strong words for those who would intentionally lead others astray, and I pray for those involved.
I am so not a Christian. Mainly due to these mega churches/cults where salvation is correlated by one's tithing. However, I love studying religions. Thanks for these videos and will for sure buy your book.
Appreciate it, Jenn. Think I try to keep an unbiased approach for the majority of these church visits... but this one just crossed a line. Twisting Bible passages to gain material wealth just felt wrong in this one.
It’s just a theory of mine but, I believe many people look for a church that fits the kind of lifestyle they want to live. Want to go to sports or lake on Sunday, they go to a church that doesn’t keep the Sabbath day holy.
Do all church's in America ask for your name n details waw iv been to loads of church's in UK no one has ever asked even my name iv been to Catholic Mass.. church of England... and some happy chappy church's never given any details
Not all. Churches like this are focused on church growth (aka "numbers" for this one) would essentially exchange gifts for your information to get you plugged in. Many traditional Protestant churches would employ registry type of guestbooks for members and visitors. From my experience, it was great for visitors... though for members, it often was used as a tracking system that could be used for excommunication purposes if someone wasn't showing up. Every Catholic church I've been to, have never seen anything that asks for contact info.
No, typically you would walk in as a first-timer or visitor, and you may be asked to sign a guestbook...but it is a request...no requirement whatsoever...and many churches have no "guestbook", nor "greeters" at all.
@@TheSwissChalet the way I see it the good lord knows who I am lol my name on a church roll isn't important. being in a good church is important I don't think denomination matters there is so many how are we imperfect humans ment to know for 100%
I love how you are regularly looking for Christ. I mean, of course, but as you have seen, it is not a given that Christ will be the center of a church.
Somehow I think having an ad describing bowel movements is probably not the most edifying thing you could use to finance your videos. That said, I am enjoying seeing these churches through your eyes. Thanks. I’ve downloaded your book and will be reading it in the near future.
There are thousands and thousands of churches of different religions and they are all men made made on their own convenience the real and truth church on this earth is the Catholic church that was the church that Jesus left behind and we all know it.Jesus said,at the last days there will come many false prophets miss guiding many they all will be confused like sheeps with out a shepherd so wake up
We have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. It is our prayer that people will go back to church regardless of denomination. We are Latter-day Saints but love all of Heavenly Fathers children! Keep up the great work you are doing!
This is what the Prophets called priestcraft. There are many pastors outside of the prosperity churches as well that make a really good living preaching the free word of god, just let that sink in. Seek a church where you will receive the living water from people who are not benefiting financially from it. Seek the Lord’s true church organized today with prophet and apostles and you will find The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
It's these kinds of churches that really sadden me. They are giving Christianity a bad name. I just pray and hope that people will find the truth. I don't want people basing their experience of being a Christian, Church and the message of Jesus off these false preachers. So sad. But, I do have to thank you. By putting out these videos people can see what's really going on.
Thanks Angela. I dislike bashing churches, would much rather hope my presence could bless them and vice versa. But yeah, totally agreed with the poor perceptions if this is someone's introduction to church. Using a popular R-rated movie to capitalize off Christian book sales was just so stunning, that's not the entry point that should be used. And it just keeps going, it's wild.
All the marketing at the Fifty Shades Megachurch reminds me of the market in the Temple at Jerusalem, when the Lord went in to cleanse "His Father's House". It doesn't sound like a place that would house the Lord's Spirit. Sad! Thank you for the info.
My friend invited me to a Sunday service at a mega church around the Fort Lauderdale area some years ago. I think the preacher was busted for adultery shortly afterward, and replaced. But, that was an internal issue neither here nor there for me, personally. The parking lot was so vast they had a guy driving a tractor around with a tandem of carts, like something they might have at Disneyland to pick up congregants and drive them to the main building. They also had a children's section. I'm not really religious in the church going sense. I didn't tell my friend this, but I was sort of turned off by the service for this reason: the minister seemed to be bolstering the Christian faith by insulting and putting down other world religions. I can honestly say what would keep me coming back to a church would be reading from the Bible. I don't think I heard that. I don't think it's good policy to compare your own religion to Buddhism or Hinduism, especially as the main point of your sermon. If any pastors are out there listening, it's better to teach what Jesus said, or the apostles.
I agree. There are too many who fall into a ministry focused on pointing out & “exposing” everybody else who’s going to hell, instead of teaching the principles of Christ’s teachings and God’s love. (Hmm, Was it the Pharisees or Sadducees who did that in the Bible?). As I look at myself, as I’ve changed and grown thru the years (b/c of the teachings of Jesus and drawing on His power to help me become more like Him), I recognize that the times I was critical of others (instead of just loving them), were times when I didn’t feel good abt myself. I think insecure ppl who need to feel good abt themselves (by putting others down to build themselves up), are drawn to such churches. The sad thing is, condemning others doesn’t bring the peace w/in that we all long for … only love & forgiveness (& not comparing ourselves to others as if better or worse) brings peace.
When I was a young child I asked, if Jesus is the Christ, where are his Apostles, where is a church that would teach the Gospel for no pay?
Hi sachamo100. Look up the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
John 12:6 Jesus himself and his apostles needed and maintained coffers. Your logic is terrible but you were a child. Now that you are an older child why didn't Jesus work for no pay?
sachamo100, your logic is spot on. The Apostles and Jesus did receive help and sustenance along the way but never sought to enrich themselves. Heck, after leaving his work for the chief priest, Paul supported himself and his ministry as a tentmaker.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is where they are today. All of the local Bishops and authorities are unpaid.
Jesus was a woodworker......
David, I've been watching through some of your videos of visiting churches.
Most of the churches you visit and highlight have a sincere interest in the welfare of the people who attend them, albeit different styles of worship.
This commentary on the Prosperity church in Texas reminds me of what the Book of Mormon describes as Priestcraft, saying it shouldn't be done.
2 Nephi 28:29
"He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. "
This is literally the worst thing I have ever heard of at a "church." This is sickening!
Hi David. Thanks again for sharing. Using the Gospel of Christ for amassing personal wealth or for building fame and ego is, in my opinion, very very bad juju.
I saw some of your stuff on medium. Wow. I love hearing from you and your sincerity. It is refreshing.
Jesus said Freely have ye received, freely shall you give
When i lived in the area our missionaries would refer to that church as the Death Star.
Thanks for this insightful coverage.
Wow I had no idea there were churches like this. Very sad
Ed Young. Fellowship Church in Grapevine TX for those trying to avoid this ‘pastor’ and ‘church’.
Oh my goodness! What a horrid experience! I can't stop laughing! 😂
Thanks for watching. Ya know, dislike being critical in these videos, yet this kind of stuff by wordplaying off a BDSM erotica film just boggles the mind.
I come from what many would say is a Mega Church (LCBC in Pennsylvania) Some of this is familiar, but I'm glad to say the differences between what you described and my church point more toward a spiritual church. I've never seen them move people just for photo-ops. They have recommended books, and sometimes offer them in the lobby, they also have a 90 day tithing challenge (though I found out that's been a shared tactic among many young churches) but I've never seen pressure to do it beyond once a year.
But yes, the same tactics get used by both good and bad churches.
Thank you for your stories.
"The experience" seems to be the new Christian buzz word. A lot of churches are using that now including Furtick's.
I can not understand why a newcomer to a church is asked for their personal information. I a Roman Catholic and there are usually many people who are tourist coming in during summer for Mass and some people just curious (I guess). Nobody asks anything.
Catholic churches are not growing and they are dependent on tradition. You also hit the meat on the bone as many are tourists and Christmas/ Easter mass parishioners, this church won't have those necessarily.
They usually do this at all the (Protestant) churches I've attended.
I think it is done for several reasons, like to find out if the attendee(s) are "new in town" and would like to receive further contact from the church.
Plus, if the attendees are just visiting, and are curious about the denomination.
Also, unlike Catholicism, there are so many different sects and denominations of Protestantism, that's it's just excepted that the newcomer would know little about the service they are attending, and might appreciate the information.
Lastly, I live in a tourist area, and we have lots of visitors who are looking for a church "to hang out with" (kids &adult activities), during their stay.
Hope this helps 😀!
Have been to many mega churches in my life. Some have been over the top awesome - others.....not so much. But that was a long time ago - my guess is they have changed a lot.
I never feel the spirit at a box church like that, it's more about putting on a show, and it's not about God's word, it seems to be very distracting pulling away from God's word.
It's just a big show to me, a distraction if you will.
I saw the righteous gemstones and got interested in this topic.
You’re blowing my mind😮
Definitely going to get your book.
Thanks for doing these videos!
Hope you like it :) Never heard of the Righteous Gemstones, but after a quick Google search and seeing some of the bizarreness of megachurches like this one, I may need to take a look lol.
Now-- two years later, it must be wonderful to have found the truth, and be able to feast upon the future !
DAVID YOU ARE A TRUE LDS AT HEART! 😊❤❤❤
This is wild.
Oh my goodness! I thought your title was a joke or something. That’s insane from what you describe. I enjoy your videos very much.
A LDS Temple is in construction at Modesto California. It may be LAST Large temple as the Church prepares for the 2nd coming. A visit may be interesting for you and your Utub audience. George Lucas Grew up in Modesto. The Mayor is LDS.
The Mayor is LDS in my small town he's my husband! But l won't mention the town for safety reasons. However we just got back from Washington DC where my husband met with Congressman Raul Ruiz to get money 💰 for our street's. The LDS community needs to get involved
@madogg152 I am curious what you mean by LAST Large temple as the church prepares for the second coming.
The Lethbridge Alberta temple is 15,000 square feet bigger then Modesto. And if you are implying that many announced temples are to be finished after the se ond coming the Knoxville temple also under construction is 836 square feet larger then Modesto and is going to be done roughly the same time as Modesto.
So again I'm not sure what you mean by your comment.
I served my mission in Washington DC. I participated in its dedication. I never saw the landscaping in person.
At a stake meeting, that statement was announced. However, I have no idea when the other temples were announced. The people who made this claim, may have been inaccurate or plans changed.
unfortunately, the only reason the young people are involved is the money. They are paid.
I liked this because you had an honest reaction to what you saw and felt and learned.
Your comment about "no fruit, no meat" brings about a song from about 1979 or so Amy Grant's awesome album "Age to Age" called "Fat Baby". It is exactly about Christians who can only have milk because they can't handle meat. Minnesota Boomer here suggesting you look it up! Just subbed today, but I know I have heard your name before. I just don't know where. I'll figure it out; I usually do.
Hey Dani, hope you're staying warm over there in Minnesota. Just gave that Amy Grant song a listen. All I can say is WOW. Didn't know there was as much similar concerns regarding cupcake churches in the late-'70's as there is today.
@@52churchesin52weeks And I have never heard the term "cupcake churches" before, so we both learned something!
If you visited The Pentecostals of Alexandria, you'd be given a form to authorized a monthly deduction from your checking account equal to 10% of your gross income.
What is the focus of their Sermon, A superstar preacher, a great band or The Savior of the World?
Great video, I love to hear about your church visits.
“Cupcake church, sprinkled with gospel but mostly empty calories” or as we say “philosophies of men mingled with scripture”
That 'church' seems absolutely awful with a complete Narcissist and money grubber at the helm.
After attending a devout Biblical University in the early 2000's, I can tell you pastors have been peddling their sermons for years and other pastors and whole churches rely on this artificial revelation as well.
peace fingers
Matthew 24:24....beware of false prophets...will mislead many during the "conclusion of the system of things "
It reenforces my belief that the "middlemen" between believers and the Bible are quite unnecessary when you get down to it.
As you were wrapping up, I thought you were going to say, "this is David Boice from fifty-two shades." lol.
Missed opportunity lol.
By their fruits you shall know them-a quote from Jesus Christ
The audio level on this video was really low. Even with the volume cranked up all the way, I could barely hear it. I have been watching video after video on this channel and this one had a lower volume than the others.
Sounds like an exceedingly commercial enterprise-type church.
It's a business!
Late to the party on this one, but this really saddens me to hear that what I feared is actually true. Christ has strong words for those who would intentionally lead others astray, and I pray for those involved.
I am so not a Christian. Mainly due to these mega churches/cults where salvation is correlated by one's tithing. However, I love studying religions. Thanks for these videos and will for sure buy your book.
Appreciate it, Jenn. Think I try to keep an unbiased approach for the majority of these church visits... but this one just crossed a line. Twisting Bible passages to gain material wealth just felt wrong in this one.
Nothing good can come from attendance at a SUPERFUN ROCK BAND CHURCH. Gimme that old time religion.
Is it enlightenment or entertainment?
I think ski movie producer Warren Miller said it best.
"If you do it once, you'll have a memory.
If you do it twice, your just dumb." 🤣
Yikes Crazy Church! 😮
Interesting price point for his sermons $66.60
LOL no way!
Did the pastor refer to non-believers or to people who did not believe in this church's beliefs?
the sound is extremely low on this video
Thanks for the feedback. Taking a look into options to boost the audio.
yes, I had my sound turned all the way up and could still barely hear it.
@@TheSwissChalet
Same. I had to crank up my Bluetooth.
It’s just a theory of mine but, I believe many people look for a church that fits the kind of lifestyle they want to live. Want to go to sports or lake on Sunday, they go to a church that doesn’t keep the Sabbath day holy.
There's a book where the pastor uses sermons prepared by his uncle and it really bothers him, Thomas Wingfold Curate
There are many false churches. 46,000 plus churches that are not of God. Look at their fruits you will know which one is the true church of God.
Do all church's in America ask for your name n details waw iv been to loads of church's in UK no one has ever asked even my name iv been to Catholic Mass.. church of England... and some happy chappy church's never given any details
Not all. Churches like this are focused on church growth (aka "numbers" for this one) would essentially exchange gifts for your information to get you plugged in. Many traditional Protestant churches would employ registry type of guestbooks for members and visitors. From my experience, it was great for visitors... though for members, it often was used as a tracking system that could be used for excommunication purposes if someone wasn't showing up. Every Catholic church I've been to, have never seen anything that asks for contact info.
No, typically you would walk in as a first-timer or visitor, and you may be asked to sign a guestbook...but it is a request...no requirement whatsoever...and many churches have no "guestbook", nor "greeters" at all.
@@TheSwissChalet the way I see it the good lord knows who I am lol my name on a church roll isn't important. being in a good church is important I don't think denomination matters there is so many how are we imperfect humans ment to know for 100%
@@Ashs-mini-vlogs I agree!
The problem with the LDS’s church is those amazing people are hogged and kept from the other churches
I love how you are regularly looking for Christ. I mean, of course, but as you have seen, it is not a given that Christ will be the center of a church.
The traditional Catholic acolytes have many responses in Latin during the Holy Mass. Jesus is the only reason to be there.
Somehow I think having an ad describing bowel movements is probably not the most edifying thing you could use to finance your videos. That said, I am enjoying seeing these churches through your eyes. Thanks. I’ve downloaded your book and will be reading it in the near future.
Hi Nina --- From what I've heard, You Tubers don't get to choose which ads are shown during their videos.
Priestcraft, anyone?
❤
The priestcraft!
Definitely a church of man, not God.
Sounds very shallow...
Righteous gemstones lol
False prophets
priestcraft.
If Jesus came back today, he'd go back to carpentry. He wouldn't want to get crucified again for condemning and denouncing someones racket.
There are thousands and thousands of churches of different religions and they are all men made made on their own convenience the real and truth church on this earth is the Catholic church that was the church that Jesus left behind and we all know it.Jesus said,at the last days there will come many false prophets miss guiding many they all will be confused like sheeps with out a shepherd so wake up