This is the first article I've ever read from Redeemer's Church Planting Center. Very helpful perspectives as I think about my feelings, preferences, convictions, and expectations regarding church size. Take and read.
http://www.redeemer2.com/themovement/issues/2006/fall/church_size_dynamics.html
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What a great article and well articulated regarding the challenges of growing a large congregation.
i happen to enjoy going to a large church because of the sheer energy of being around people. but i am a people person for sure. i also enjoy being impacted by well-thought and crafted sermons. sometimes small churches are not able to pull off a really good sermon because the preacher doesn't have 20hours a week to devote to study and research and writing.
i also happily welcome the small group environment. probably moreso. i would desire a life group dynamic regardless how large or small...unless the whole church was just the eight of us plus our eight kids.
i don't think there should be an aim on growing large or forcing ourselves to stay small. our emphasis should be on remaining true to our biblical call mandate to start the church in the first place. we should constantly review that purpose and be certain that anything we do is aligned with that purpose.
i've seen churches go from one trend to the next all the while confusing themselves and the people who walk through their doors - because they want to keep them.
it's a people focused church rather than a Christ focused church. no matter which way you slice it, when you start to offer program after program that meets a "felt-need" then you've given into the consumer, drive-thru church.
"Hello, may I take your order?"
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