Mega Church or Small Church?  Which is better?

Having moved around the country often over the years, we have experienced being a part of:

  • a fantastic mega-church with over 10,000 members
  • a great tiny church with maybe 20 families
  • an awesome church with about 180 people on an average Sunday

At small churches, I've heard people compare themselves to a large church and say that there can never be much closeness and fellowship in a mega church.  Yet at large churches, I have heard (and experienced) that small churches can be hurtful because everyone pretty much knows your business. 

So back to my original question - which is better, a mega-church, a small church, or somewhere in between?  Let me tell you.  It's the one (large or small) with CHRIST at the center.  Size does not matter but the FOCUS ON CHRIST does! 

When you have been a part of a loving, church that is on fire for God (whether large or small), it can be very hurtful to hear it criticized just because of its size.  Please stop the self-righteous criticism.  It does nothing but cause pain!

The important question should be:  Are they being effective for Christ?  That is what each one of us should be striving for.   Are you using the gifts that God has given you to shine His light to all those around you?  Don't focus on others.  How are you doing?



 
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13 Comments on Mega Church or Small Church?

SEP
19
2010
162,833 Points

So what is the name of your church in Valparaiso?
9:58pm • #1
159,139 Points 2 Featured Posts

I agree with your analysis but I'd take it one step further. If it's where God told you to plant yourself then that's where you're supposed to be. I've crossed my normal denominational lines several times simply because I felt that God was telling me I was supposed to be in a particular church. It may only be for a season or for a specific purpose and I can tell you that not being in a church that you know God has told you to be in can be miserable.
9:59pm • #2
185,239 Points

Irene - In my church we have established Small Groups. Each group meets together at least once a week, about a dozen people in each group. This way it doesn't matter if we are a small church or a large one. It becomes intimate and more personal in each group and I believe more effective. Thanks for the thought provoking post.
10:02pm • #3
188,651 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Whether big or small as long as they do what Paul told Timothy to do "Preach the Word in Season and out of Season"...in other words, if they are feeding their flock then size doesn't matter.
10:02pm • #4
273,297 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob - Faith Evangelical Bible Church.  Thanks for asking.

Walter - I totallly agree.  We've done exactly the same thing on our moves.  God never failed to have a church home ready for us.

Suzanne - I just love small groups.  We have them at our church now and we also had many in our mega church in Houston.

Chirs and Maria - Amen.  I think all too often people just don't think about what they say and don't realize the impact it could have.

Thaniks everyone for stopping by and commenting.  Have a great week in the Lord.
10:11pm • #5
1,324,843 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Irene

The size of the church is not as important as the size of the heart in the church, personal I prefer a smaller church.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig
11:41pm • #6
SEP
20
2010
123,931 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I think I would feel uncomfortable in a mega church but if that's where God puts me I guess he would prepare a place there for me to fit in.  My best fit is a church of about 200, small enough to get to know people but large enough to support community outreach.
3:37am • #7
531,385 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good morning, Irene.

Great question & analysis.  I agree with you whole heartedly.

I just noticed that you have two different blogs here in ActiveRain.
5:48am • #8
404,275 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

The size of your church community does not matter.  Its what you  give and  get out of the experience that counts.
9:48am • #9
312,108 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Irene, I just wanted to stop by to say hello -- I have not been on AR much lately and I have missed you and your posts. Hope all is well with you.
12:01pm • #10
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Irene,

     I was in a small congregation for over 20 years. Now I'm in a church of about 2,000. I find much more fellowship and serving hearts in my present church. I also don't believe it's the size but it does have a lot to do with the vision of the pastor. Our pastor never puts himself out as more than just a regular guy who loves God. He is very real and his heart is clearly community outreach. I am also a "growth group" leader. Our small groups meet for a semester at a time and cover different topics. That way they never become stale because there are always new people. All in all it's a warm friendly atmosphere. I was once warned that our church was too soft on sin. The truth is, anyone can come through the door but when they do they're going to hear the truth. No condemnation, just the truth and let God convict in His time.
8:54pm • #11
SEP
27
2010
806,046 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I think you hit the nail on the head... the size of the church shouldn't be of concern.  What's more important is the quality of the members.  If you feel a good fit with the other members, then you will feel at home.
6:49pm • #12
SEP
29
2010
206,707 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

HI Irene,

Hope all is well!  I totally agree that it doesn't about the size of the church.  The most active members are a probably a quarter of the church members anyway.  I think that church has it's place for some people but for the most part it's how someone lives their life on a daily basis.

 
7:20pm • #13


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