I’ve attended a church with more than 1,000 in attendance, a church with more than 500 in attendance, and I’m currently attending a church pushing about 190 in attendance. When it came to discipleship I’ve personally experienced that the larger the church the greater the lack of personalized ministry and discipleship. One can attend most mega-churches without being noticed…they can also easily choose to leave large mega-churches without being noticed. Programs are “structured” and are not based on relationship. There’s a lot of big bang, big packaging, and big religion. It’s like being a member of a spiritual Sam’s Club.
In the church with about 500 in attendance I found a similar experience. However things were really clicking when home fellowship groups were being used. There was a sense of community and fellowship that added to being in the larger meetings. But when they ended the home fellowship groups it became a big religious show. The music was real good, the preaching was excellent, but it felt like a theatrical performance. While in ministry there it felt like a big performance. There wasn’t a personal touch and nearly every sermon was very “generalized” so that it appealed to everyone present.
I’m in the smaller church now. Rarely over 200. You can’t slip in and not be noticed. Also you can’t slip out and not be noticed. One of the most endearing things I’ve seen was when the pastor read the prayer request list before the congregation and everyone prayed for every individual and their specific need. It wasn’t a “bless those on this list prayer”….it was a, “Father, please hear Bro. Jim’s prayer Lord, and heal his son…” The music isn’t as good nor is the preaching as “spit and polished”…but it’s real. Sometimes the pastor will stop and talk to a brother or sister about something actually taking place in their lives amidst his message and give them a “Word from the Lord”. It doesn’t take an army to put together an activity either. Get-togethers are quick and relatively painless. Everyone contributes and cleans. It’s really nice. I don’t see myself returning to a larger church any time in the future. We also meet together in our homes more often for food and fellowship. Discipling takes place as we share and pray in front of the fireplace in our living rooms.
When it comes to church life I think we should turn to the Bible. The Bible alone should be our standard rule of faith and practice. Here is how the early church structured their worship during times of acceptance and persecution for nearly 300 years:
Acts 2:1-2
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the
house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:46
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from
house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Acts 8:3
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every
house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Acts 20:20
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from
house to house,
Romans. 16:3-5
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet
the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1 Corinthians. 16:19
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with
the church that is in their house.
Colossians. 4:15
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and
the church which is in his house.
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