The Rise and Fall of the Mega Church in America

In this episode of Abounding Grace Radio, Rev. Chris Gordon is joined by Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan to analyze the shifting landscape of American evangelicalism, specifically focusing on the "death" of the mega church. They explore how the corporate CEO business model, which prioritizes constant growth and centers on a single charismatic leader, has led to a cycle of fads and scandals that ultimately lack the endurance of the historic, confessional church.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Church Polity and One-Man Centers
00:00:18 - Confessions as Summaries of Scripture
00:00:41 - Predicted Shifts for the Church in the Next Decade
00:01:12 - Announcement: Live Recording in Anaheim with Dr. Riddlebarger
00:02:40 - The Rise and Fall of the Mega Church in America
00:03:30 - Observations from 21 Years of Ministry and Fads
00:04:10 - The Endurance of the Confessional Model
00:05:11 - The Mega Church as a Boomer and Business Model
00:06:17 - The Pressure of Over-Hiring and Constant Growth
00:07:05 - The Shift Away from Formal Christianity and Liturgy
00:07:46 - Scandals and the Collapse of Centralized Figures

Guest Information:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.
Links:

- Dan on X - @danborvan
- Dan's Church - christreformed.org

Mentions:
Westminster Seminary California, Christ Reformed Church, Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, Promise Keepers, Billy Graham, Harvest Crusades, Orange County, Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill, Faustus Socinus, Book of Acts.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

x: danborvan