Acts 2 records how the first megachurch began.  It began on the day of Pentecost some 2000 years ago when believers in Christ where filled with the Holy Spirit and started to speak in different languages.  The people around them were surprised at these strange phenomena that some of them thought that the disciples were drunk.

To put an end to any misunderstanding that may arise because of this event, Peter stood up in their midst and proclaimed the gospel.  He told them that Jesus died for their sins and was resurrected, that this was the prophecy of God fulfilled at last.  And then he called people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

How many people do you think responded to the gospel message that day? The answer is in Acts 2:41:

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

3000 people became Christians that day.  Imagine that!

Also, don’t forget to take into consideration that there was no large church building, no air-conditioning, no 10-piece band, no gymnasiums, and no swimming pools, not even an arcade or bowling alley where Christians can relax and enjoy themselves and feel safe and insulated from the big bad world out there.

Question: Did they continue to grow?

Answer: Yes.

Follow-up questions: How?  By starting a ministry for carpenters or fisherman or butchers? By inviting people to a music concert by the worship team, or to a play staged by those in the drama ministry?

Answer: No.  They grew by “attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)

You see, the first megachurch fulfilled the two commandments Jesus mentioned in Matthew 22:37-39.  They loved God with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their mind, and they loved their neighbour as they loved themselves.

Their love for God and one another was real.  That is how they lived their faith.

The same goes for us today.  If we stop playing “Churchianity” and start living “Christianity” then God will add to our number day by day.