Confession of a Mega Church Pastor

by Allen R. Hunt

Confessions of a Mega Church Pastor

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2010

About the author

Dr. Allen Hunt and his team are pursuing a vision to build a nationwide talk radio show on mainstream stations to create a place where real life and faith come together. The Allen Hunt Show focuses not on what's right and left but on what's right and wrong. Allen has been named to Talkers Magazine's prestigious list of the 100 heavy hitters in talk radio, receiving a ranking unprecedented for a newcomer in the industry.

Hunt stepped aside July 1, 2007 from his role as Senior Minister at Mount Pisgah, a United Methodist congregation serving more than 15,000 persons each week through its ministries in Alpharetta, Georgia.

On January 6, 2008, on the Feast of the Epiphany, Allen converted to Catholicism. This transition represented the culmination of a 15 year journey in which God began leading Allen home to the Church.

Allen and his wife, Anita, live in Atlanta, Georgia, and have two daughters, SarahAnn and Griffin Elizabeth.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book. (Yes, EVERY CHRISTIAN. Not just Catholics, all Christians.)

In "Confessions of a Mega Church Pastor," Allen Hunt describes his journey from leading a large Methodist congregation to his conversion to Catholicism. He explains in detail each point that ultimately lead him to the Catholic Church, not only why each point led him TO the Church, but how each point ultimately showed him how the ONLY answer was the Church.

As a Catholic, I went into this thinking, "Ok, some non-Catholic guy is just going to talk about the history of the Catholic Church and how that is cool, probably relate it to how his church was formed, and point out the shared history, trying to say that we should all just hold hands and sing kumbaya and get along." As is my habit (unfortunately), I misjudged.

This book strengthened my faith in the Catholic Church by reinforcing, and explaining in such poetic beauty that I could never express, all the reasons why I, personally, believe that the Catholic Church is the fullness of truth. Reading this former Methodist's account of my faith, I saw its beauty and mystery through new eyes and fell in love with the Church all over again. I found myself in tears several times feeling such a deep love and gratitude for my faith, which the author had just laid out before me like hearing a new chord in a song I had heard a thousand times.

As it happens, it seemed that with each chapter I read, I was personally faced with arguments or questions from my non-Catholic friends about specifically whichever chapter I had just read. Having just read that account from the non-Catholic perspective of the author, I was better equipped to answer the friends' questions, in a way that met them where they are. Thus, why I say ALL CHRISTIANS--not just Catholics--should read this book.

Thank you to Allen Hunt for this stunning account, for sharing it so boldly, and for giving me a renewed love of the Church. I am going to recommend this to everyone I know.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was raised Methodist and converted to Catholicism this year. I related a lot to Allen's conversion.

[Austin George · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okayish book about the conversion of a Methodist pastor to the Catholic Church.

[Luke Daghir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allen Hunt provides an authentic and honest display of his conversion to the Church. Hunt's honesty and viewpoints are so well detailed throughout this entire book- alleviating the reader of wondering what Hunt was feeling.

My favorite aspects of this book were Hunt's perspective on the Oneness of the Catholic faith- that all over the world on any given day of the week thousands upon thousands of Catholics are sharing in the same Eucharist and divine liturgy.

Another aspect of the book that I found to be incredibly inspiring was Hunt's intellectual understanding of the Eucharist. Hunt mentions that Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Apostles and early Christians were all greatly correlated in their understanding and belief in the Eucharist. Hunt's understanding is that the Gospel writers did not work on their pieces together, leading to differences in other areas found within the Gospel (such as particular story accounts); but, concerning the Eucharist- every writer is on the same exact page...Why? Because the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic faith- the faith that was handed down from Christ Himself to the Apostles. The Eucharist is the center and focal point, and every Apostle and early Christian knew that being a follower of Christ meant believing in the Eucharist as the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ.

The last area that I found to be incredible was Hunt's advice at the end of the book. In areas concerning the Eucharist, prayer life, engaging in mystery, the Mass- Hunt provides 3 ways/challenges to improve in each area.

In conclusion, this book is a fantastic account of conversion to the Catholic faith- the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. As Hunt repeatedly writes, "Everything you need is in this house."

[Kela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! A former Methodist pastor, Hunt likens the Catholic Church to an old house with treasures hidden in every room as he describes his conversion. True, if you're looking for deep theology you won't find it here, but that's not the point of this book. If that's what you're looking for, read Scott Hahn or the Catechism. Instead Hunt gives a brief explanation of the six "treasures" that drew him to the church. As a convert (and former Methodist) I completely identified with his journey. Like Hunt, long before I became Catholic I admired the church for standing up for what it believes in even when it's not in keeping with the current culture or fad of the day (and even when I didn't agree). Truth never changes and I was often confused when my former church would change it's stance on issues like abortion to keep up with public opinion or failed to take a hard line stance on an issue all together. This is a great introduction to Catholicism for anyone wanting to know more. I think cradle Catholics who often take the beauty of their church for granted would benefit as well. The two most important points to take from this book...conversion often begins with friendship, and it's not an overnight process. For many of us it takes years from the time we have our first brush with Catholicism until we finally take the plunge and "admit" that we're Catholic. :).

[Ms. Roache · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book! I could not put it down; the author kept me eager to rediscover what I thought I already knew everything about. I would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of your background or beliefs because it contains so much valuable information.

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprise gift from my church when I attended Easter Sunday mass. It's a very quick read and an interesting story of how the author, a Methodist Pastor, was led to convert to being a Catholic. He compares the Church to an old house and each chapter deals with a treasure that he discovered in a different "room." It's a nice analogy.

I have always been an active Catholic and for most of my life have loved it. However, recently, I am struggling with some events in my parish and diocese. I've also had to move and have not been attending church regularly since I relocated to a new state. So this book was a well written reminder of some of the things that I do love about being Catholic.

Hunt explained a lot about the leadership of the Methodist Church that I found interesting. He felt that each Pastor is mostly on his own to decide matters of faith. So, each Methodist Church may be different from the next. He says there are 33,000 strains of Protestantism. That seems like an insanely high number!

Every 4 years, delegates from the Methodist Church come together to vote on questions of doctrine. So, what the Methodist Church believes can change every 4 years. He emphasizes that Truth does not change. All of these things weighed on him until it became clear that God was calling him to be Catholic.

Everything leads up to the last chapter that he calls "The Front Porch." Here he talks about how he loves the Oneness of the Catholic Church. You can attend mass anywhere in the world and it will be the same: same readings for the day, same Eucharist. I completely agree with his argument that God wants us to be One. When people are divided it never pleases God.

In general, I feel that people don't realized the extent of how we are all connected. Even issues like I experienced in my own Catholic parish in NJ, I think, stem from a mistaken belief that people are more separate than they actually are. So I very much enjoyed this chapter.

All in all, I was glad to read this book, I found it very inspiring...and maybe you will too!

[Joseph Serwach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen Hunt's story is compelling: he was the pastor of the largest mega church in the Southeast (the third largest in the nation) and was doing incredibly well when he finally gave all that up to become a Catholic.

He crafts a great story comparing the Catholic Church to a very old house full of different gifts you don't realize are there. This is a good read comparing Catholicism and Protestantism from someone who has been a great scholar of both, told as a great preacher might in a way that all can relate to.

He notes the biggest group of Christians is Catholics and that the second largest group is Catholics who no longer attend church or who have switched to mega churches and other alternatives.

Hunt has an outsider's perspective as well as a convert's zeal, showing Catholics and former Catholics the big picture of what the church is a all about, points most might miss.

[Lindsay Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a less Scripture-heavy version of Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. Hunt was a Methodist pastor of a congregation of thousands, but once he started digging deeper into church authority, history, and the truths of Catholicism, he was convinced that he had to leave. This book is much more easily approachable than Rome Sweet Home, although it also has Scripture passages to support Hunt's journey. I found myself agreeing with Hunt's discovery and reasoning throughout. This would be a good recommendation for seekers, especially from other liturgical Christian denominations.

Read my full review at Austin CNM.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first heard of this book listening to Allen Hunt's radio program, where he discusses "Not right and left, but what is right and wrong." I have always wondered what the name of the church he left. Well the final pages of this book tells. It was Mount Pisgah, a United Methodist Church. He had a congregation of over 15,000. While he makes some good points in this book, I still do not believe the Catholic Church is the true church. It is surprising how many things the Catholic Church has in common with the baptist Church. If you are interested in learning more about what Catholics believe I would recommend this book.

[Essential Catholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Easy read. Allen Hunt's epiphany and journey to Catholic convert makes you stop and think - - and appreciate this incredible gift that Christ gives to us. Now it is up to us as Catholic Christians to honor that gift and preserve our authentic Catholic heritage. "This Old House" metaphor that Hunt uses enables you to view the sacraments of the Catholic Church with childlike eyes and wonder. Enjoy!

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple truths, simply spoken.

[John Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

While grievous sins and egregious scandals within the Catholic Church have been on palpable display throughout the last few decades, Mr. Hunt claims to have discovered hidden treasures there as well. Once a prominent leader within the Methodist denomination, Allen shares his conversion to Catholicism in a thoughtful, interesting, and accessible writing style. Although I do not claim to be an unbiased reader, I always attempt to evaluate an author fairly—despite my own personal views. In my opinion, Allen doesn’t press any proselytizing agenda in this work, but simply shares his own story in a unique and thought-provoking way. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for any Catholic wishing to greater appreciate the spiritual treasures of the Church through fresh eyes or for any persons of goodwill independent of their beliefs.

[Nathan Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Here I was a leader in a denomination seeking tolerance and inclusiveness more than it sought the Truth my heart yearned for. Inclusiveness may be a
small part of the Truth, but it is not Truth itself. It is a cheap, shallow substitute that the world has created in its own image” (p. 106).

Allen Hunt published this in 2010. Oh, how this realization to him is aging like a fine wine!

[Madeline Bartush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, kind of chewy. All I have known is one perspective since I grew up Catholic so it’s cool to see what draws people into the Church. Refreshing for sure.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen Hunt was a successful Methodist minister, pastor of one of the largest Methodist congregations in the nation. But he wasn’t comfortable in that role and felt like a hypocrite. In this book, he describes the faith journey that ultimately resulted in his conversion to Catholicism. This account provides a detailed look at what distinguishes the Catholic Church from other Christian denominations, and why the author found these elements of Catholicism so compelling. While this is a personal story of conversion, it also provides a good overview of the nature of Catholicism and what Catholics believe. As a so-called ‘cradle Catholic’, I often take much of this for granted, and it was refreshing to see these points highlighted from this point-of-view. For anyone who is curious about the Catholic Church, this book will provide a good overview of the basics of Catholicism.

At times, the narrative did feel a bit preachy, but that might be expected, since the author admits to being a pastor in an evangelical tradition. However, the overall tone of the book generally avoids being overly pushy, and focuses mostly on the author’s own journey. In addition, the book is entirely focused on the central doctrines of faith within the Church, issues which are mostly not terribly controversial (at least for the majority of Catholics), and steers clear of the internal controversies in the Church. The author does stake out a position in the ongoing debates between the progressive and traditionalist parties within the Church, which is probably the book’s strongest service for a Catholic reader, providing a reminder of those points on which we share in common. It is helpful to be reminded that, in spite of our disagreements, we agree on the most important elements of Catholicism.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

People talk about the decline of religion, and that is worrisome for a society. And then people note those leaving the Catholic Church. But, my great uncle Tony, who in his nineties was the world's oldest alter boy and a sharp thinker noted - priests who leave the Catholic Church leave over social issues, however, Protestant ministers who come into the Catholic Church come because of the theology and truth.

Similar to Scott Hahn's spiritual autobiographical "Rome Sweet Home", here is another Protestant minister (Methodist) who recounts his conversion into Catholicism. Hunt's story begins with encounters with serious and faithful Catholics, and his exposure to the true nature of Catholicism. Overtime he began to question the evolution of the theology in his denomination, and how over time it has become less based on the Gospel, on a sound biblical theology, but on social perceptions and preferences. Hunt recounts how in his Method church important issues, even such as the nature and presentation of the Eucharist, were left up to votes and not affixed to Gospel teaching or even historic Methodist tradition. For him, such movements - the exploration of Catholic teaching and the simultaneous questioning of weakening of Methodist doctrine (ministers who were married and divorced several times) cemented his move toward the Catholic Church. Very interesting.

For something similar, EWTN's series, the Journey Home, with discussions with returning Catholics and people of other faiths, mainly Protestants, who came to the Catholic Church is very interesting. Often, Protestant's have a stronger grasp of the bible than the average Catholic, however, once they begin to explore Catholic teachings about the Mass, the Eucharist, Mary, and the faithful teaching of the Church, they are drawn to its grandeur and history, properly understood.

[Cris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The literary style of this book is very trying. It is meant to be a teaching tool for an RCIA class, I think, but as a regular read it is much too episodic and runs that metaphor of the house into the ground. The Bedroom comparison is truly unfortunate. Not the editorial hand I would have gone with but the book is very true to this pastor's voice and another sort of pulpit. I guess some folks find it easy to digest this way, so well and good. I don't agree however with other critics that say if you are not converted by the authority and eucharist, then there is nothing to look at in this book. More and more I am seeing that a lot of converts are fascinated by the rigor of Catholic devotions. This Methodist is looking at the Catholic Method for holiness. He is as fascinated as I am by people like Fr. Caj. who take vows of complete poverty. The universal call to holiness is indeed a gift from the holy spirit that needs no scribbler's stylings.

[Holmes Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the author had some persuavive arguments for establishing the Catholic Church as the church Christ founded. Much of it was centered around the Eucharist, & rightfully so. Many of the points I had never thought of due to the position of being a cradle Catholic. I think you need to be on the outside looking in to give it a new perspective.

One of my biggest complaints would be, he seems to repeat quite often. I believe there are times to wise & effective to reiterate examples, ideas or points; too much is wearisome.

I did learn a great deal about the Methodist Church & in some respects, Protestants since this is the perspective from which Mr. Hunt is writing. Very insightful.

[Gato Negro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by a former school teacher that I see in (Catholic) mass each morning. I still don't know much about Methodists, even after reading this, but it was a good book related to conversion. Jerry, the man who lent the book to me, told me that pages 100 to 110 were the most important pages in the book. Although all of it is important, these pages in particular describe the tenets of the Catholic Church and how rock solid the foundation remains even in the midst of today's society and popular opinion, which does not always look kindly on the church's beliefs. I enjoyed it and it was a very quick read.

[Joshua · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book because I liked reading about the authors thought process, but it was "just ok" because of the writing. He is not a very good writer. Matthew Kelly repeats himself in Rediscovering Catholicism because he's reiterating his point, Allen Hunt repeats himself because he's trying to remind himself what his point was. The biggest problem was how the book was organized: he uses a metaphor of the Church as an old house. It's pretty big stretch for most of the book, and it was probably harder to write because of that.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the chapters but I was especially touched by the "Front Porch" chapter. I read John 17:20-23 in a whole new way. It was always God's intention that we always be one Christian family, i.e. One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I also took the author's advice and spent some time gazing at Salvadori Dali's painting titled "The Sacrament of the Last Supper." This is a very Catholic representation of the supper pointing the way to God's presence in the Eucharist. You can find this painting easily on line.

[Conni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, and yet thoughtful and deep read. I really enjoyed the analogy of looking at the Catholic church like an old house. Mr. Hunt, a 5th generation Methodist Pastor, with doctoral degrees in theology, describes his 15 year conversion. The scripture references are excellent, his historical perspectives are accurate, and really makes you understand why non- Christians are confused by 33,000 versions of Christianity!! Loved it.

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book in general but what I was looking for were those compelling words I could share with someone who wants to know more about the Catholic Church and why they should consider joining the faith. There wasn't enough of that type of content that I would share this book with someone in that situation. Maybe if the story had ended with his wife converting as well, it would have packed a bigger punch.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read regarding the conversion of a Methodist pastor to a Roman Catholic. I didn't agree with everything he shared, but his message was of peace and understanding. As someone who has volunteered with RCIA, I truly enjoy the engagement and wonder of converts. I've always noticed they tend to have more "fire in their belly" about their faith. I'm not saying that cradle Catholics do not have this, however I do notice trends in behavior. It was a great little book.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book. If you ever want to know just WHY Catholics believe what they do, this is the answer. Author Allen Hunt was at the top of his game as Methodist Pastor of a 'mega church', when he realized that he was going to convert to Catholicism. A chronicle of his first inklings to the full commitment he finally made....

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent choice for anyone slightly interested in Catholicism, even for those who believe that they are against the Catholic Church's teachings. Hunt does a phenomenal job at explaining how we as Catholics believe and know that we are the fulfillment of Jesus Christ's Church. We are the fulfillment of the Oneness that Jesus prays for in John 17!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book turned out to be better than I thought it would be. As a practicing Catholic it reinforced for me the Church's teaching that it is the church Jesus founded. The author's arguments are compelling. His conversion story is an example of the Holy Spirit working. I encourage non-Catholics to read this book too.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from our church on Christmas Day. I wasn't thrilled to start reading it, but once I began, I really enjoyed it. As a convert to Catholicism, I really enjoyed the authors point of view and descriptions about the importance of the Eucharist and praying with saints. This was a great book to start the new year.

[Letitia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read and very interesting. The author does have a tendency to display the zeal of a new convert and tends to talk as if the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church and that may turn off non catholic readers. Despite that he was very sincere and made me re evaluate my catholic faith.