Worshippers flock to preacher

Press, 29 May 1984, Page 15

Worshippers flock to preacher

When many churches are almost empty, what does it take to attract a large, enthusiastic congregation? Whatever the secret, the Pentecostals seem to have it David McCracken is typical of the new breed of charismatic preachers. He is young, energetic, singleminded — and very successful. His first congregation in South Auckland numbered fewer than a dozen. When Television New Zealand filmed its documentary, “The Preacher,” late last year, the congregation was bursting out of its new church complex in Manurewa. Today David MrCracken is working out of a former factory building while construction of an even larger church and school complex is completed. Money seems to be no problem. David McCracken

and the other church elders ask for it, and it appears. An appeal to a few hundred worshippers brings in tens of thousands of dollars — in an area that is largely bluecollar. Sa what is the attraction? “Well, it looks like they enjoy themselves,” says the producer, Malcolm Hall. “The message they put across is an uncomplicated belief in God, and a total conviction that they’ve found the way to salvation. Perhaps people are attracted to them because they seem to offer a simple solution to a difficult and dangerous world. Perhaps they’re- right — who knows? On the film crew we had a Catholic, an Anglican, a Jew and two atheists, and none of us seem to have half as much fun!” “David McCracken — The Preacher” will be screened at 8 p.m. on One tonight.