Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

September 5, 2008 11:14:41 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Big Churches Do Bigger Business

Posted Nov 23, 07 9:41 PM CST in Business,  Arts & Living,  US 

(Newser) – Megachurches all over the country are extending their already-considerable reach by operating business, the New York Times reports. With an eye to both boosting local economies and bringing in converts, they're running credit unions, sports centers, office complexes, and limousine services. At least 10 own shopping malls; many are invested in housing.

The mixture of church and estate has made it hard for governments to sort out taxation—and competing secular businesses are starting to complain. “I have to constantly ask myself whether I am accurately allocating our costs,” says the manager of a church-owned shopping center. Church-sponsored events also pose a religious challenge, they say. “We don’t discriminate, but we do evangelize.”

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Colo. Church Gunman 'Hated Christians'

    Dec 10, 07 8:15 PM CST
    Colo. Church Gunman 'Hated Christians' The gunman at two Colorado church shootings yesterday had been expelled from the missionary school where killed two people, the AP reports. He also sent the school hate mail in recent weeks and may have "hated Christians," police said. The school admitted that it had kicked out the gunman, Michael Murray, a few years ago due to "issues with his health." More »

The exterior of the Alaska ChangePoint megachurch. Church leaders say they hope to draw people to faith by publicly demonstrating a commitment to the community%u2019s economic needs.   ((c) elliottcable)
A massive congregation of locals gather for a ChangePoint service.   ((c) elliottcable)
Visitors gather in the lobby of Alaska's massive ChangePoint megachurch.   ((c) elliottcable)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
"The Start of Real Power" a sermon is presented at the ChangePoint megachurch in Anchorage.   (BeRealRefresHER (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 3)

Tags

Alaska  • church  • megachurches


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular


Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »