Megachurch

Mars Hill Church Pastor Mark Driscoll continues to push the envelope when it comes to Christians tackling the subject of sex, asking readers of his recent blog post, "There’s No Such Thing as Free Porn," how they found the entry on his website.

Driscoll, who along with his wife Grace, recently released the book, Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together, has stirred a bit of a controversy among church leaders over his frank approach to the topic.

Not wasting an opportunity to catch online viewers in the act of clicking on “free porn,” he begins the post found at PastorMark.tv by first asking and then convicting readers: more >>

A megachurch in Charlotte, N.C., is kicking off a 12-day “Holy Ghost, old-school revival” on Wednesday in hopes of seeing God move in a big way this new year.

Elevation Church is bringing in “world-class” speakers – including LifeChurch.tv founder Craig Groeshel, Pastor T. D. Jakes of The Potter’s House, and Christine Caine of Equip & Empower Ministries – for what it is calling the “Code Orange” Revival.

Code Orange is meant to imply a heightened sense of urgency. The website states: “Probably the most fitting example that relates to our revival is the description for the Code Orange stage of a volcano: Exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain.” more >>

Joel Osteen told Oprah Winfrey in an interview Sunday that his message was one of hope for all people, not just those in the Christian community.

In the interview, which appeared Sunday on “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Oprah questioned Osteen about the frequent criticism he receives for talking so much about prosperity and so little about Christ.

“There’s a belief that you’re supposed to be poor, and suffering, and show your humility. I just don’t see the Bible that way,” the megachurch Pastor said. “I see that God came and Jesus died so that we might live an abundant life and be a blessing to others.” more >>

Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll, along with wife Grace, recently released Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together, which discusses everything from date nights to tricky "can we do that?" sex questions. The book has been met with praise and criticism alike. 

"In reading Real Marriage I felt that it was timely and very, very applicable because it dealt with subject matter that sometimes is not being dealt with, especially for 20-somethings," Bob Coy, Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., told The Christian Post in a previous interview.

The book addresses issues that both Christians and pastors are often hesitant to openly discuss. The Driscolls talk honestly about sexuality – covering topics such as pornography, sexual abuse, and what kind of sexual activity is acceptable for married couples. Real Marriage, which also exposes some of the Driscolls’ own sins, is divided into three sections: "Marriage," "Sex," and "The Last Day." It concludes with a "big homework assignment" which challenges readers to turn "the principles of the book into plans for your life and marriage," Driscoll wrote on his blog. more >>

Emotions ran high as Rob Bell, author of the controversial book Love Wins, handed over the charge of Mars Hill Bible Church to new leadership during his last worship service as the lead pastor Sunday.

Members of the Grandville, Mich., church were wiping tears from their eyes as they wished the founder success in his new calling, which includes a speaking tour and creating an ABC television drama with Carlton Cuse, the producer of “Lost,” in Los Angeles, Calif.

Bell, who founded the megachurch about 12 years ago, announced his resignation in September. He expressed his desire to share the message of God’s love with a broader audience and said, “I have to pursue this new vision.” Along with an unusual spiritual drama which is reportedly loosely based on his own life, Bell has more books planned and has already kicked off his “Fit to Smash Ice” tour. more >>

A "celebration service" for the life of Jessica Joy Rees, a Southern California girl who spearheaded a national campaign to help children suffering from illness while she herself had inoperable brain tumors, is planned for Wednesday at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.

This past Thursday, Rees’ family announced that the 12-year-old had lost her nearly yearlong battle with cancer. On Facebook, they posted:

"Dear friends...we have prayed and prayed and prayed for sweet Jessie to be healed here on earth but God's plan was to use heaven for healing. Jessie earned her wings today and is with Jesus now!!! No pain..complete vision...spreading joy. Please pray for our family as we walk out of the valley of death and towards the mountain top … Please join us in carrying on her joyful spirit and Never Ever Give Up attitude." more >>