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IS BIGGER BETTER?

by Morris Inch
07/11/16
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IS BIGGER BETTER?

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I recently came across an article suggesting that small congregations or persons within them join larger churches. Thus to provide greater services and encouragement. As with sponsoring youth groups, leading to Christian fellowship and the opportunity for service.

While there is some merit to this way of reasoning, there is a trade off. Or so it seems having been engaged in both large and small congregations. Such as? (1) There is an advantage to continuing among those with whom one has been associated. Meaningful relationships are characteristically forged over a period of time, and should be cherished.

(2) Moreover, the loss of persons for whatever reason is calculated to discourage those left behind by the transition. As a result, others my be inclined to follow suit. Leaving a struggling congregation or its demise.

This recalls a person who was not pleased with the situation he was experiencing. However, when asked if he was considering a change he ruled this out. Since he would do so only when his current church was not in so dire need. For the present, he felt obligated to help remedy the situation, so far as it was possible. In this regard, he was more concerned for others than for himself.

(3) We ought to promote a service ideal, rather than a consumer mentality. As for the former, we ware called to follow Jesus into community and service. As for the latter, "No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve God and Money" (Matt. 6:24).

While service can sometimes be better cultivated in a larger community, this is not always the case. As illustrated by a comment by the senior pastor of a mega-church, "We thought we were making disciples, but it has turned out that we were entertaining."

(4) If, as often suggested, the church takes on the characteristics of a family, the smaller congregation seems to better realize this analogy. As a reality check, I enjoyed my relationship with parents and siblings. My sisters were away at school by the time I became more active in the family circle, while my brother was still available.

My brother and I did not always get along well together, but this was the exception rather the rule. In addition, I am more inclined to recall the good times instead of those which are less inviting. In similar manner, the smaller congregation allows us to relate in a more intimate manner, and thus enhance our relationships.

(5) The smaller church is also more likely to serve in a feature of the community. Consequently, it tends to appeal to those located in that vicinity. It is more readily available, and associated with persons’ social identity.

This extends beyond those actually involved in the church activity. In a manner of speaking, it is their church as well. This is especially true in a village culture, such as the one in which I was raised.

(6) There is the reverse effort to sponsor smaller congregations as a means of outreach. For instance, our family attended a large church over an extended period of time. While our adult Bible class provided something akin to the closer relationships associated with a smaller congregation, it was not actually comparable.

The time came when we were alerted to the fact that a certain church was struggling, and in danger of being closed. Accordingly, about thirty of our famili8es joined this group, so that it was able to carry on an effective ministry. On another occasion, our fellowship established a new congregation, as a means of more effective ministry in a nearby community.

(7) The controversy over church strategy also reminds us of the importance of exercising our God-given creativity. Such is desirable whatever the size of the congregation. In graphic terms, this serves as a means of turning obstacles into opportunities.

We are thus assured of God's enablement. As confirmed to the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (1 Cor. 12:9). Which serves as an incentive regardless of circumstances.