Bigger is Better?

I read the writings and musings of many of my ministry colleagues. Those that write and publish more than a two-bit blog seem to have a large realm of influence. I go to conferences and hear the mega church-preachers talk about having six thousand people come to their churches on Sunday morning. I see church facilities that rival the Hilton Hotel chain. I must admit I am a bit envious, because we all know that bigger is better. And within church circles we celebrate, like the rest of America, the big, the well known, the popular and the glam.

One of the great joys of being a local church pastor is people. What is church if not people? Certainly not buildings and budgets. Church is people, people are church. And being the pastor of a church gives me a great opportunity to connect with people. And help people connect to one another.

Why are more people feeling lonely and alone in metropolitan areas than rural? Why do crowds amplify isolation? Shouldn't it be the other way around? The bigger the crowd the easier to get lost. So why do we think that bigger is better in church? Isn't the idea in church for folks to be known and accepted and loved by a few other folks, in order to bring a little Kingdom of God to the world?

I admire the mega church folks, with the smooth talking heads and the TV contracts and fancy buildings. They are doing their part to magnify the Lord. But the vast majority of church communities in USAmerica are significantly smaller. and the smallness of community creates an opportunity for unity, friendship, fellowship and intimacy. It is a great joy to know and be known.

Bigger is not always better. Relevant and effective is better and that is not connected to size.