For some reason I watched the last 30 minutes of the Chelsea and Manchester United soccer (football) game last night. This is something I never do. I don't watch football. I came away feeling like I had just experienced something similar to a mega church experience. On more thought I considered whether this was healthy. The football of the world has changed. I considered the money these players were making, the celebrity status they enjoy, the sponsorship, the full stadiums of adoring fans keen to be involved in the action. Then I thought of a few of the mega churches I have experienced in the world. Take this with a grain of salt, this is generalisation at it's peak.

Premier Football vs The Church

Premiership Footballers get rich off their sport.
So do alot of mega church Pastors.

Permiership Football seems less about the game these days and more about the money coming into the club to pay for better players. Clubs owned by businessmen not football lovers.
Some mega churches seem to preach more on tithing into the storehouse than many more significant passages in scripture, and seem to attract other 'high flying' christians.

Premiership footballers do a 'circuit' of clubs going from better offer to better offer.
Some mega churches establish 'circuits' of like minded super-preachers and do the rounds from church to church gaining generous 'offerings'

Premiership Footballers become celebrities.
Some Christian Praise and Worship people and Pastors become celebrities.

Premiership Footballers play on a 'stage' to fans, employ amazing displays of celebration and fanfare with streamers, lights and large display screens.
Churches construct stages, with amazing lights, dazzling shows and 'wow' in visitors with slick performances and tight production.

A little stretched in parts I agree but there are some similarities. My statement is where do people find the conscience to get rich off the Church? I don't have a problem with wealth but some modern Pentecostal churches are really taking the mickey.

What do you think?