East El Paso Church Outgrows Current Auditorium
By Veronique Masterson
EL PASO — Some criticize the ‘supersized’ congregations of larger metropolitan areas as ‘the WalMart supercenters’ of religion.
Although the attendance is high, some feel the ‘megachurch’ mentality is not right for El Paso.
“Some people don’t like it. El Paso is nota little sleepy cow town. It’s not. El Paso is quickly becoming a very sophisticated town,” said Pastor Charles Nieman.
Five years ago, Nieman saw the rapid growth of the Abundant Living Faith center as a call to action and act he did. The non-denominational organization has nearly completed construction of a new 3,500 seat, amphitheater style auditorium, complete with sound system and 3-screen JumboTron displays.
“It all is done with one goal in mind, to impact people with the gospel,” Nieman said.
While Abundant Living Faith Center is finalizing the details of its new auditorium, other smaller churches are trying to focus on the personal touch that a smaller congregation provides its believers.
Pastor Eduardo Rivera of Saint Paul’s Methodist Church in East El Paso said that while expansion and growth are goals, the ‘megachurch’ may not be for everyone.
“Maybe[congregants] feel more comfortable in smaller settings to get to know everybody and to get to know the names of every person,” Rivera said.
Pastor Nieman said he felt confident that this church’s physical growth was a good move for the future. He added that the church hopes to open the doors to its new sanctuary by the end of January.
