Small Churches vs. Big Churches?

[Shalico2007]

Which do you prefer, smaller churches or bigger churches? And why? Feel free to give your thoughts on this matter.

As for me, I tend to like the smaller churches because it seems like people, including the pastors, want to get to know people on a one-to-one basis. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are some small churches out there that tend to be "cliquish", too. But it's been my experience that in the bigger churches I have been in, that they come off as being cold, they don't seem to welcome people, you walk in and you don't feel like anybody cares.

I'm not saying that all large churches are this way, because I've only been in a few. I'm just giving my experience.

 

[chaelsworld0o]

I like medium sized churches. It's exciting to see some new faces along with a good program but not to the point where the program is over-seeking the reason why they are a church. It's like, when you have a balance of it... then it works very well. To God be the glory! I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with big, small, large, tiny, medium ect... I am just stating what I prefer.

 

[AvgJoe]

Growing up, we went to a small church, having about 50-60 people attend each Sunday and I thought I would always attend a smaller sized church. After not going for many years, recently my wife and I started looking for a church to attend, and after attending many churches in the area, we settled on what I believe would be called a mega-church. I'm not sure of the exact number of members but I would guess it is somewhere between 2,000-5,000 members. The average attendance for Sunday school is about 1500-1600 people each week.

I never expected nor saw myself going to such a large church, but after our first visit, both my wife and I felt like we had "come home." It just felt right.

Although a big church has worked out well for us, I understand how a big church could come off as cold and unwelcoming. There is just so many people nobody knows who is a visitor and who isn't. Even if we attend our church for 10 years, I will still only know a small fraction of the members. Just too many members to possibly get to know everyone. Fellowship with other believers is wonderful but the main reason I go to church is to grow closer to the Lord.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Advantanges for:

Small Church: Operate as a family & are closely knit. It naturally produces a sense of intimacy that larger churches must make a special effort to achieve, the small church sees herself as a family, the feeling of personal responsibility is more intense among her members. Small churches can cultivate a family approach to ministry. Small churches have the advantage in intergenerational ministry.

Large Church: Provides many opportunities for service for people with disabilities, more opportunties for youth, many different ministries that can help most members such as: Home Groups, Separation/Divorce Care, Deaf Ministry, Family Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Grace Marriage Ministry and many more. A large church have better opportunities to use the latest technology to help members grow.

I am a member of a large church because I have a family with different disabilities and different spiritual levels, this church provides the needs for my family.

I have been a member of a church as small as 30 people to the largest about 3,000.

 

[Laurel Crowned]

The church I got saved in is on it's way to being a mega-church... and that's sad to me. It started out a little church that met across the road from a beach in Hawaii. While I'm glad that it is experiencing growth... I felt lost there the last time I visited.

My current church is a mid-sized church in a large, impersonal city. I love my church and the pastor's messages really speak to me... but at times I feel like I'll never put down roots and never connect to other christians in meaningful ways. Now I know that much of this feeling stems from my poor people skills... but I'm leaving this city for another state. Hawaii actually, and the church where I plan to fellowship is small (100 families). It's a plant from my original home church. I WANT to have those authentic relationships with people that go beyond the "hi/goodby" that you can get on Sundays.

I think there is a church size for every individual need within the body of Christ and I am glad that there are small churches, mid-sized churches... and mega-churches. I think each one serves a unique purpose that the others could not fill.

 

[SoulFly51]

I prefer large churches with an active small group or home group ministry. That way you get the best of both worlds.

 

[Flynmonkie]

I go to wherever God calls me, even if I like it or not! Brought up in a small church, then a larger one. Didn't attend for a while, and started again a year ago. A big church! It really freaked me out, but God was there. At times He has even given me a front row seat. I learned this is where He wanted me for the time being, even if it seemed too large. Until He leads me to believe I should go somewhere else. So I have learned it makes no difference where you are, just how God wants to use us. It helps!

 

[DawnTillery]

I've been to small, medium and Mega church sizes..
The mega church, noone but the people that stood at the door shook my hand or even talked to me. Then I went to a medium size and maybe 6 people talked to me or shook my hand.. I attend a small church and each person there I shake hands with or hug..
Although the little church I have been attending is growing and with growth there are problems.. Our church has mostly members with a few non members (5 or 6) and I find the church reaching out a lot for the non members and asking them to do things that members should be doing. I don't know if its a problem or not, but I start to wonder if they arent members if they agree with everything we do and worry what they may be teaching our kids... what do you think?

 

[indagroove]

Growing up, we went to a small church, having about 50-60 people attend each Sunday and I thought I would always attend a smaller sized church. After not going for many years, recently my wife and I started looking for a church to attend, and after attending many churches in the area, we settled on what I believe would be called a mega-church. I'm not sure of the exact number of members but I would guess it is somewhere between 2,000-5,000 members. The average attendance for Sunday school is about 1500-1600 people each week.

I never expected nor saw myself going to such a large church, but after our first visit, both my wife and I felt like we had "come home." It just felt right.

Although a big church has worked out well for us, I understand how a big church could come off as cold and unwelcoming. There is just so many people nobody knows who is a visitor and who isn't. Even if we attend our church for 10 years, I will still only know a small fraction of the members. Just too many members to possibly get to know everyone. Fellowship with other believers is wonderful but the main reason I go to church is to grow closer to the Lord.

I can second exactly what avgjoe stated. From the time I walked in, I was home. My "mega" church is non-denominational, and focuses on our walk with God. There are over 150 small groups that meet at all diffrent times and places. So many minstries. Very youth oriented. Every morning there is a small group at the church, and Wednesday worship service is awesome. Any man attending our church can be expected to be approched at anytime to account for his personal relationship with Jesus. You are not assaulted, but our church wants everyone to know that they have a place, and have help anytime, anywhere. Our church focuses on the last one in the door. Their mission is to make that new comer feel very welcome, and at home in the Lord House.