Small Church or Mega Church - which one is better? There's only one way to find out...DISCUSS!

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Permalink Reply by Maxine Edgar on February 17, 2009 at 10:07am

I thought the discussion was good but kind of contradicted itself as if we were all to adhere to not driving pass churches and joining our local church then they would all become larger churches. As I asked yesterday, what is the definition of a small church, under 50 in this country is not small to me, I know churches that have been hanging with less than 10 people, biblically the church grew daily. The other side of the story is that the big churches can be just numbers.

Maxine Edgar

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Permalink Reply by Aslan/ .. . Christine on February 24, 2009 at 2:36pm

Our church has become small but we have become close and care for each other, others are joining us who are new, and because we are small we dont loose newcomers in the throng. I have gone to big gatherings and enjoy them too but at the same time it can be an easy place to slip in and out without reall commiting to the church. but even in church size there are Christians who choose to not go to church due to their standing in their belief. this is where these sites are of great value so that they can add their imput and feel there is a place for them in which they can share, and in another way find some friends too, as there are some who would be afraid of huge gatherings or even feel they cannot meet others face to face out of fear of rejection, this is something which the church has to address, to beable to share the gospel without comdemnation of others but to receive all persons from all walks of life in love, but at the same time to have in place the teaching of the kingdom, for to remove that it is no longer a church.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Smith on February 24, 2009 at 1:11pm

Surely the answer is a true definition of "church."
If we are accepting everything that goes on in every "church" building, then we have totally lost the plot!!!!
If we recognise "church" as God's gathered together family in any one location, then we are on the right track.
Church is a family living in the fulness of the Holy Spirit following the Shepherd/Lover/ King/ Saviour......
If the Holy Spirit is not present in something called "church" then it is not church, just a religious club.
If Holy Spirit is kept under very strict, defined limitations, then why would I want to be there, mega or minnow?
Jesus said "where 2 or 3 are met together in my name, then I'm there as well".
Our whole being, body, soul and spirit, all our abilities, finances, energy, resources, wisdom and passion, belong to God and should be used for His glory.
One of the biggest issues of mega -church is the vast financial resources needed to just keep the bricks in good condition, while the body of Christ across the world is dying for lack of a slice of bread!!!
Having said that I live in a town of about 10,000 people. there are 6 "churches" all with great empty spaces in them, and very limited real love and life sharing happening. I am part of one of these groups.I moved to the town because of being part of the church. I used to travel 20miles each way several times a week. God made it plain that wasn't the best way, so we moved, and I travelled for work instead.
Why I am there is because I have not found another church that so meaningfully answers the urging of The Spirit in me to pursue Jesus with all the passion of my being. There is greater life in the Spirit than anywhere else I know. Jesus is worshipped more purposefully, passionately freely than anywhere else I know. So, I am a part of this particular group. No, it is far from wow, and perfect, but we are on the way.Further on the way than anywhere else I know.
I am looking forward to the day when the rest of the 10,000 in the town come to worship Jesus in all the fulness that He seeks. If that makes us "mega" then great! If it sees us as 1000 home church groups, then great!
Wherever Jesus is not only number 1, but the whole life, then I can be part of that "church."
Finally, I remember an old adage, one given to me many years ago.: Bloom where you are planted!!!

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Permalink Reply by Julie on February 24, 2009 at 1:45pm

You're a TV Burp fan!

I personally prefer a smaller church as it tends to be more personal and you don't feel 'lost in the crowd'. Some people will be happy to be part of the crowd and not feel any pressure to take part in activities. A larger church will have a wider range of gifts, but if you are the sort of person who does not like to push themselves forward, you may feel left out.

I agree with Bill's definition, that the church should be any time Christians are gathered together wherever they are.

In my town, I would like to see the churches doing more together, so that way we can have the best of both worlds - a small church most of the time, but a mega church when all the churches in the town gather together for a joint worship time.

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Permalink Reply by Rosemary on February 24, 2009 at 5:09pm

Both small and large churches have their purposes.....
Some people cannot cope with crowds.....and or need a church where the Pastor know them by name and everything about them. Not that the individual attention is not given in the larger church!
Some people feel at home in small families....
I prefer a large church...something about a large group of people praying together.....
And many friends.....
If the church is well organized...it can be a very enjoyable place....and can stimulate spiritual growth!
What would happen to a person who attended a small church and the numbers grew?
Would you seek out another small church?

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