The problem I've personally encountered with small churches is that they tend to be cliquish and less welcoming than bigger churches. Another issue is that they don't allow people outside their group to get involved as much, which pushes newer people away.
I've been a member of churches from 30 people to 4,000 people attending. Each has potential advantages, but our devotion to prayer, the Word, worship, and obedience will determine the legitimacy of the church.
Great thoughts and very encouraging! I'm at a small church (50ish) for the first time in my life! We don't plan on staying small for long, but it's really encouraging to hear the points you brought up. Thanks!
Why? You’re there to hear the word of God, not plan takeovers and expand. If that’s what is important to the attendees then I suggest maybe a church isn’t for you.
@@andyrob3259 I'm not sure what you mean by "takeovers", but the Kingdom of God is intended to expand and grow. As a pastor, my job is to help the current "attendees" embrace the mission of Jesus to seek and to save the lost. If we're not doing that, then we are failing at the mission Jesus gave us. I doubt my little flock will ever become a megachurch, but if I'm not planning to help them grow both spiritually and numerically, then I am failing at both the great commission and the vision of the board that called me.
@@asoerens But guess what? There are too many heathens in the big Churches. Also eliticism. Judging poor people who sin while being blinded by those not poor that sin..
@@W81Researcher I'm not sure I understand your comments, but let me try. "too many heathens?" How many is too many? We invite the heathen to come hear the Word. Jesus was a friend of sinners. Do small churches not have too many heathens? "Also eliticism." That's an interesting accusation. What is your basis? I'm sure there are all sorts of fallen people in large churches. Sinners need Jesus and need a church. Do small churches not have "eliticism?" That sounds like an elitist thing to say. "Judging poor people who sin while being blinded by those not poor that sin." First of all, it sounds like you're judging big churches. But I'm sure you're right - there are people in large churches who pass judgement based on status. How do small churches avoid this same error? I'm not sure the risk of having too many heathens, "eliticism" or judgmental people should stop us from obeying Jesus command to spread the gospel and grow the Kingdom of God. From those I've been a part of, our large churches are working hard to fulfill the Great Commission. If you feel they are falling short, perhaps you can speak with those pastors personally and help set them straight.
Fantastic video, with lots of challenging stuff for those of us serving in smaller churches! Thanks for all of this great free content, and keep up the good work! The stuff you're doing is exactly the kind of resourcing that I've been trying to find for years, and I very much appreciate how accessible and to the point your videos are.
I recall a few years ago when I attended one of those mega churches in the city where I lived. The church ran about 3 services on Sunday, each service packed full in the large auditorium, it was mega. For the months that I attended I never sat with a single person that I had sat with or met from any of the previous services. The only people I recognised were pastors and worship leaders who had to feature in multiple services. 😔 That was it! I had to run and I was drawn to a smaller congregation. So it is true that as much as we're looking for God in church we're also looking for community: "As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and..." Acts 4:23- MSG. They went to their 'friends', that's community. I've got a question though, the pastor-member relationship, is it divine? Can just any pastor be the one to pastor you? Thanks for your work.
Mid-sized churches are the way to go. They give you the community and authenticity of a small church along with the professionalism of a large church. Small churches typically hold onto stale traditions and the members feel like they have a monopoly on the ministry they are in charge of...even the seat they sit in every Sunday! And large church services feel manufactured. They feel more like short concerts rather than authentic worship services especially when you are repeating the same set and sermon for 3 services in a row!
My husband and I have very different opinions on the size of a church we like. I grew up in a small town with less than 50 people at the church. I love that I know everyone everyone knows me. But my husband grew up in a city going to a church with a couple hundred and that is what he is comfortable with.
Thanks guys for this video. Just found out about you and have really been encouraged by your content. As a pastor of a church around 50-60, I have definitely believed some of these myths.
I dont attend right now. I didnt grow up attending one church but living in a small town I went to a few and knew almost everyone. There are two issues with that is that People act differently at church. NOW at a mega church I didnt have that experience as we didnt interact the way you do at a smaller church. I mean just finding someone you knew was a challenge... so far less personal interaction it's a lot more like a concert or a play. You dress up You find a seat and you leave Far less social activity. Your almost rushing to beat others out to avoid traffic At same time Your car sticker and mabey pin are recognized more often. And small perks to that. That said why I am not going is. I looked into churches in my area. I contacted them* I reached out online. Not one made me feel welcome. I live in a kinda small town again. It's sort of like a house at hogwarts* Its a weird comparison but it's TRUE the group you join kind of defines your activity and role within it. I make costumes, I make decoration, I have done Banners, I cook, I clean, I volunteer I do photography and I do video. Plus am single and looking* That said > churches in the area have no want or need for me. Just asking for info in a quilting group advertising a block from my house was met with ice. It sucks being invisible I show up i get super enthusiastic greetings I leave signing up for whatever and i get generic emails... No personalization About the only think that gets any attention is When they realize I am single and try to introduce me to someone* NO disrespect to those people want to find a mate for but can We please ask BOTH first mabey something beyond Male? Female? I am not a superficial person but... I am not a sports fan and so someone who only talks sports or only talks about church is never going to work out. If I am not shallow I kinda require there be some depth in the other person. They dont need to do what I do or get everything I like but a little common ground would help.
I responded to one of your previous videos and thought your points were a bit... off. Let it not be said that I don't praise when it's due. Your points were well thought out and well stated. Your showing wisdom and perspective from your younger perspective. I'll also tell you a secret: what people really need down at their core doesn't matter if you are 10 or 100. We all seek community and relationship and all have a 'hole' that points to our ultimate lack of a relationship with our Creator. It's expressed in different ways through the different generations, but as the Church we can reach out to people and give them real, authentic community and point them to the One who offers real Communion. Yes, there's a place for big and small churches but in either case you have to reach out and... touch someone. I guess. And build those bridges in your church context. Anyways, good video. 7 out of 10. :p
Early believers were not a church and had no idea what a church is. They functioned as a Christian form of the Greek and Roman Ekklesia. They followed the apostles doctrine as demonstrated in acts2v42-47 and Acts4v32-37 and practiced the agape love meal as seen in the 2nd half of 1Cor11. They sacrificed themselves for one another and ministered to one another and had untitled servant leaders.
Millennial here. I grew up going to a small hymnal-using Bible church (20-60 depending on the year). When I went away to school, I looked for a small church. I went to a large church once or twice (with a group of volunteers working at a Bible camp all summer long) and got total culture shock. Did not like how everything felt manufactured to produce an emotional response from me. Not that they were a bad church, but I could not wait to leave. I don't know why, but it just struck a nerve. Too many people. No family atmosphere. Everyone wearing a creepy smile and acting like a stereotypical Christian Blogger. The way so much money went into sound and equipment instead of missions. The really loud music made it feel like a concert, not a worship service. NOT for me. Of course, church shouldn't be about me so much as it is about GOD! Haha. I tried reminding myself that it's not about me... but the whole thing was just uncomfortable. Hopefully they are reaching people for God, but it felt very impersonal... That being said, I do wish we could grow just a bit. We have so few families and young kids. The ones we get on for AWANA either go to another church, are related to leaders, or still won't come to Sunday Service.
Personally, I feel that small churches ⛪ are better, I grew up in New Life, it was small then with Haggard before the huge scandal, I saw New Life grow with and without Haggard, the straw that broke the camels 🐫 back for me was when I found out that New Life didn’t know what was going on in their small groups and had expected certain behavior of their congregation. So I left after that (and left before) for a little bit and I felt better leaving.
Small churches close. Many people like big churches because they don't have to get involved. Many like big churches because they van afford to hire a professional band. Don't believe big churches are the Christian way. People can walk in and out of a church and nobody knows the difference that they were there or not. The small church is what church is to be. Get few hundred people at your church. Start another church. Many churches have church for an hour. That's having church.......
I've always wanted be congregated in a small church. I'm talking. 25-50 people. I also am extremely disturbed by megachurches. I don't believe our Father appreciates the whackadoofle nonsense that goes on in churches today.
The problem I've personally encountered with small churches is that they tend to be cliquish and less welcoming than bigger churches. Another issue is that they don't allow people outside their group to get involved as much, which pushes newer people away.
I've been a member of churches from 30 people to 4,000 people attending. Each has potential advantages, but our devotion to prayer, the Word, worship, and obedience will determine the legitimacy of the church.
Great thoughts and very encouraging! I'm at a small church (50ish) for the first time in my life! We don't plan on staying small for long, but it's really encouraging to hear the points you brought up. Thanks!
Glad you found it encouraging Andrew!
Why? You’re there to hear the word of God, not plan takeovers and expand. If that’s what is important to the attendees then I suggest maybe a church isn’t for you.
@@andyrob3259 I'm not sure what you mean by "takeovers", but the Kingdom of God is intended to expand and grow. As a pastor, my job is to help the current "attendees" embrace the mission of Jesus to seek and to save the lost. If we're not doing that, then we are failing at the mission Jesus gave us. I doubt my little flock will ever become a megachurch, but if I'm not planning to help them grow both spiritually and numerically, then I am failing at both the great commission and the vision of the board that called me.
@@asoerens But guess what? There are too many heathens in the big Churches. Also eliticism. Judging poor people who sin while being blinded by those not poor that sin..
@@W81Researcher I'm not sure I understand your comments, but let me try.
"too many heathens?" How many is too many? We invite the heathen to come hear the Word. Jesus was a friend of sinners. Do small churches not have too many heathens?
"Also eliticism." That's an interesting accusation. What is your basis? I'm sure there are all sorts of fallen people in large churches. Sinners need Jesus and need a church. Do small churches not have "eliticism?" That sounds like an elitist thing to say.
"Judging poor people who sin while being blinded by those not poor that sin." First of all, it sounds like you're judging big churches. But I'm sure you're right - there are people in large churches who pass judgement based on status. How do small churches avoid this same error?
I'm not sure the risk of having too many heathens, "eliticism" or judgmental people should stop us from obeying Jesus command to spread the gospel and grow the Kingdom of God. From those I've been a part of, our large churches are working hard to fulfill the Great Commission. If you feel they are falling short, perhaps you can speak with those pastors personally and help set them straight.
Fantastic video, with lots of challenging stuff for those of us serving in smaller churches! Thanks for all of this great free content, and keep up the good work! The stuff you're doing is exactly the kind of resourcing that I've been trying to find for years, and I very much appreciate how accessible and to the point your videos are.
I recall a few years ago when I attended one of those mega churches in the city where I lived. The church ran about 3 services on Sunday, each service packed full in the large auditorium, it was mega. For the months that I attended I never sat with a single person that I had sat with or met from any of the previous services. The only people I recognised were pastors and worship leaders who had to feature in multiple services. 😔 That was it! I had to run and I was drawn to a smaller congregation.
So it is true that as much as we're looking for God in church we're also looking for community: "As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and..." Acts 4:23- MSG. They went to their 'friends', that's community.
I've got a question though, the pastor-member relationship, is it divine? Can just any pastor be the one to pastor you?
Thanks for your work.
Thanks again, for another very helpful video. Your ministry to pastors is very much needed and appreciated.
Thanks for watching, Mark!
Mid-sized churches are the way to go. They give you the community and authenticity of a small church along with the professionalism of a large church. Small churches typically hold onto stale traditions and the members feel like they have a monopoly on the ministry they are in charge of...even the seat they sit in every Sunday! And large church services feel manufactured. They feel more like short concerts rather than authentic worship services especially when you are repeating the same set and sermon for 3 services in a row!
Mid-size churches definitely have their pros!
My husband and I have very different opinions on the size of a church we like. I grew up in a small town with less than 50 people at the church. I love that I know everyone everyone knows me. But my husband grew up in a city going to a church with a couple hundred and that is what he is comfortable with.
Great observation Rachel! Our past contexts definitely impact where we feel most comfortable. :)
Thanks guys for this video. Just found out about you and have really been encouraged by your content. As a pastor of a church around 50-60, I have definitely believed some of these myths.
Welcome to Pro Church Nation, Aaron!
Another great video full of stuff that's really very helpful. Thanks guys!!!
I dont attend right now. I didnt grow up attending one church but living in a small town I went to a few and knew almost everyone. There are two issues with that is that People act differently at church.
NOW at a mega church I didnt have that experience as we didnt interact the way you do at a smaller church. I mean just finding someone you knew was a challenge... so far less personal interaction it's a lot more like a concert or a play. You dress up You find a seat and you leave
Far less social activity. Your almost rushing to beat others out to avoid traffic
At same time Your car sticker and mabey pin are recognized more often. And small perks to that.
That said why I am not going is. I looked into churches in my area. I contacted them* I reached out online. Not one made me feel welcome.
I live in a kinda small town again. It's sort of like a house at hogwarts* Its a weird comparison but it's TRUE the group you join kind of defines your activity and role within it.
I make costumes, I make decoration, I have done Banners, I cook, I clean, I volunteer I do photography and I do video. Plus am single and looking*
That said > churches in the area have no want or need for me. Just asking for info in a quilting group advertising a block from my house was met with ice.
It sucks being invisible
I show up i get super enthusiastic greetings I leave signing up for whatever and i get generic emails...
No personalization
About the only think that gets any attention is When they realize I am single and try to introduce me to someone* NO disrespect to those people want to find a mate for but can We please ask BOTH first mabey something beyond Male? Female?
I am not a superficial person but... I am not a sports fan and so someone who only talks sports or only talks about church is never going to work out.
If I am not shallow I kinda require there be some depth in the other person. They dont need to do what I do or get everything I like but a little common ground would help.
When we visit a new church . My mum used to say to
1.pray 3 hail Mary's and a our father
2. To make three wishes .
I always do it
Why Mary?
@trevorwhitham6742 Because they are decieved
I responded to one of your previous videos and thought your points were a bit... off. Let it not be said that I don't praise when it's due. Your points were well thought out and well stated. Your showing wisdom and perspective from your younger perspective. I'll also tell you a secret: what people really need down at their core doesn't matter if you are 10 or 100. We all seek community and relationship and all have a 'hole' that points to our ultimate lack of a relationship with our Creator. It's expressed in different ways through the different generations, but as the Church we can reach out to people and give them real, authentic community and point them to the One who offers real Communion. Yes, there's a place for big and small churches but in either case you have to reach out and... touch someone. I guess. And build those bridges in your church context. Anyways, good video. 7 out of 10. :p
Great observation Mark! Couldn't agree more - everyone craves real community. :)
We are small church and there are challenges but its not the size it is what is being preached.
Thank you for awesome points
Early believers were not a church and had no idea what a church is. They functioned as a Christian form of the Greek and Roman Ekklesia. They followed the apostles doctrine as demonstrated in acts2v42-47 and Acts4v32-37 and practiced the agape love meal as seen in the 2nd half of 1Cor11. They sacrificed themselves for one another and ministered to one another and had untitled servant leaders.
Man, i love that Peterson quote.
Still wrecking us 🤯
Millennial here. I grew up going to a small hymnal-using Bible church (20-60 depending on the year). When I went away to school, I looked for a small church. I went to a large church once or twice (with a group of volunteers working at a Bible camp all summer long) and got total culture shock. Did not like how everything felt manufactured to produce an emotional response from me. Not that they were a bad church, but I could not wait to leave. I don't know why, but it just struck a nerve. Too many people. No family atmosphere. Everyone wearing a creepy smile and acting like a stereotypical Christian Blogger. The way so much money went into sound and equipment instead of missions. The really loud music made it feel like a concert, not a worship service. NOT for me. Of course, church shouldn't be about me so much as it is about GOD! Haha. I tried reminding myself that it's not about me... but the whole thing was just uncomfortable. Hopefully they are reaching people for God, but it felt very impersonal... That being said, I do wish we could grow just a bit. We have so few families and young kids. The ones we get on for AWANA either go to another church, are related to leaders, or still won't come to Sunday Service.
Lol. A stereotypical Christian blogger. Yes to everything you just said.
I like the Petersen quotation. But as a small church pastor, 'if only we had a great worship band. Like Hillsong.' By the bye... BAE =?
"bae: shortform of babe, used as a term of indearment towards loved ones". Club Soda is our loved one ❤️
@@prochurchtools BAE actually also stands for Before Anyone Else.
I prefer a small church but I can't find one, sadly.
Personally, I feel that small churches ⛪ are better, I grew up in New Life, it was small then with Haggard before the huge scandal, I saw New Life grow with and without Haggard, the straw that broke the camels 🐫 back for me was when I found out that New Life didn’t know what was going on in their small groups and had expected certain behavior of their congregation. So I left after that (and left before) for a little bit and I felt better leaving.
Jesus loves you✨💕🌺
Do you speak at churches? I would like information on how to get you to come speak at my church.
Thanks for the interest Caleb! The amount of speaking engagements I can take on are very limited, so I rarely take church engagements. :)
There’s myths about small churches?
Keep away from megachurches period.
It about building relationships
Completely agree!
Small churches close.
Many people like big churches because they don't have to get involved.
Many like big churches because they van afford to hire a professional band.
Don't believe big churches are the Christian way.
People can walk in and out of a church and nobody knows the difference that they were there or not. The small church is what church is to be.
Get few hundred people at your church. Start another church.
Many churches have church for an hour. That's having church.......
I've always wanted be congregated in a small church. I'm talking. 25-50 people. I also am extremely disturbed by megachurches. I don't believe our Father appreciates the whackadoofle nonsense that goes on in churches today.
? what about administration
Hey Jacob - thanks for watching! Could you clarify your question?
MEGA CHURCHES ARE NOT GODS PLAN JUST LOOK AROUND A SEE THE GROSS SIN