[Apologetics] Megachurches move beyond the sanctuary

[Art Kelly]

From
By building facilities for secular uses and investing
in real estate projects, large congregations hope to
increase their impact and influence on communities

Megachurches move beyond the sanctuary

Among the nation's megachurches — those usually
Protestant congregations with average weekly
attendance of 2,000 or more — ChangePoint's appetite
for expansion into many kinds of businesses is hardly
unique. An analysis by the New York Times of the
online public records of more than 1,300 of these
giant churches shows that their business interests are
as varied as basketball schools, aviation
subsidiaries, investment partnerships and a limousine
service. 

At least 10 own and operate shopping centers, and some
financially formidable congregations are adding
residential developments to their holdings.

In Houston, Windsor Village United Methodist Church,
one of several churches that own shopping centers in
Houston, has developed a subdivision of 462 homes in
the southwestern section of the city.

And in Dallas, The Potter's House, a 30,000-member
church established by Bishop T.D. Jakes, is the
linchpin in an economic empire that includes Capella
Park, a community of 266 homes.

The complete article is at
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5323195.html



ART KELLY, ATM-S
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