Mega-Church Vs Small Church

[MobileChapel]

I sympathize because although ekklesia refers to a gathering finding the right church is as difficult as finding the right spouse.

There is no perfect church on planet earth, just as there is no perfect spouse, but as long as your church or spouse is mostly good, you have to be satisfied.
Of course there are things that are unacceptable or deal breakers about any church or spouse and cannot be tolerated, no matter how good, the church or spouse may be

 

[Renewedstrength316]

I used to attend megachurches. At first, the production value impressed me—big screens, polished worship, charismatic speakers. But over time, something felt hollow. The preaching often felt safe, even fake. Week after week, it was about how loving God is—which is true—but the sermons seemed to avoid harder truths: repentance, suffering, holiness, and the cost of discipleship.

It began to feel like the gospel was being sugar-coated. Sin was downplayed, conviction avoided, and deep wounds were never addressed. I understand the desire to reach people, but if we dilute the truth to make it palatable, is it still truth?

Another problem for me was the lack of real connection. In a megachurch, you can walk in and out without anyone knowing your name—sometimes for years. The lead pastor doesn’t know the people. Often, neither do the assistant pastors or staff. The early church wasn’t like that. It was messy. It was personal. It was family (Acts 2:42–47).

I’m not saying all megachurches are bad—some may be doing great work—but when numbers become the focus, intimacy and accountability usually disappear. What we need isn’t better lighting or louder music. What we need is Jesus—real, raw, and present in the pain.

I’ve been through addiction, abuse, and spiritual disillusionment. I don’t need a show. I need a Savior. And I think that’s true for a lot of people.

 

[lrs68]

There is no perfect church on planet earth

I cringe about the response about no perfect Church. I believe it means no Church that believes specifically like I believe. Maybe that is God's way of saying some of my beliefs are wrong...

 

[MobileChapel]

I cringe about the response about no perfect Church. I believe it means no Church that believes specifically like I believe. Maybe that is God's way of saying some of my beliefs are wrong...

‘No perfect church‘ does not mean the doctrine or gospel, that is preached. Churches can preach or teach the perfect doctrine or gospel, but still be imperfect because they are run by humans.
Churches are made up of people and because people are imperfect and will never be perfect, no matter how much they try, they bring some of their flaws, to the church.
God and His Word are perfect, but humans are not and churches are run and attended by humans.
I have met many wonderful people, in my life, but have never met a perfect person.

 

[GWH]

There is no perfect church on planet earth, just as there is no perfect spouse, but as long as your church or spouse is mostly good, you have to be satisfied.
Of course there are things that are unacceptable or deal breakers about any church or spouse and cannot be tolerated, no matter how good, the church or spouse may be

I am satisfied, but being bored is akin to purgatory,
However, I support both churches financially while hoping to find a better fit.

My prayer regarding finding my soulmate was granted in 1968,
but my more recent prayer regarding finding fellow Christians on my wavelength
has yet to be granted.

For example, when I was a Minister of Education, I visited every member and
recruited them to serve in whatever capacity seemed to best accord with their gifts,
but no one has paid me any similar attention. Also, folks seem more interested in
prayer and fellowship than in systematic Bible study and apologetics, which is my forte,
so I turned to CC last October and consider it to be my main ministry/church for now.

 

[Snackersmom]

I attend a mega-church, but I am always surprised by the large number of people, including many fellow Christians, who hold very strong negative views, about any mega-church, without having any knowledge of how any particular mega-church is run or operated.
This is not to defend every mega-church, because we have all heard of scandalous behavior from some of them, either through the media or word of mouth, but that same scandalous behavior has also taken place in small churches, but because they are small and less well known, very few get hear of their misdeeds. Mega-churches, because of their size, tend to be well-known, therefore the news of any wrong that may happen in them, spreads wide and further, as opposed to a small church.
There is no perfect church and no church is bad or good, just because of its size.

The number of those who ate was five thousand men, besides women and children - Matthew 14:21

In the preceding scripture, we are given only the number of men, who were the heads of the households. The number of women and children is not given, but we can safely say, that men plus women and children, made the number more than ten thousand people.
Ten thousand people is a mega-crowd, which in our time, would equal a mega-church. So, if Jesus preached to mega-crowds, many centuries ago, when the world population was much smaller, why should anyone hold negative opinions of every mega-church, in our time, when the human population is much bigger?

Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children - Matthew 15:38

Here again, if you add the four thousand men plus women and children, the number of people will be almost or over ten thousand. Jesus preached to mega-church size crowds. And if we lived in a perfect world, every church today would be a mega-church, because there are more people today,than when Jesus preached to mega-crowds, in the past.
Furthermore, we have mega this and mega that in our time, like mega-stores and mega-farms, because small stores or small farms are not enough to meet the needs of a growing population.

I think larger churches have their place, but they are not a sufficient substitute for smaller gatherings where personal fellowship, ministry and iron-sharpening can happen.

I have spoken to a lot of people who grew up in "religious" situations and are experiencing spiritual trauma as a result (RCC, LDS, JW, Ultra-fundamentalist/legalistic Christian). They often mention that they still believe in God, but know that what they were told about Him was incorrect. Unfortunately, small gatherings are a huge trigger for them; they crave the anonymity of a big church where they can slip in and out unnoticed.

Seekers who have never been to church before tend to be more comfortable with large gatherings as well. As a result, that often requires "milk only" teachings for the main services. However, coupled with a good inner network of small-group options for deeper growth, I think a larger church can still fill an important role in the community. 😎👍

 

[MobileChapel]

I used to attend megachurches. At first, the production value impressed me—big screens, polished worship, charismatic speakers. But over time, something felt hollow. The preaching often felt safe, even fake. Week after week, it was about how loving God is—which is true—but the sermons seemed to avoid harder truths: repentance, suffering, holiness, and the cost of discipleship.

It began to feel like the gospel was being sugar-coated. Sin was downplayed, conviction avoided, and deep wounds were never addressed. I understand the desire to reach people, but if we dilute the truth to make it palatable, is it still truth?

Another problem for me was the lack of real connection. In a megachurch, you can walk in and out without anyone knowing your name—sometimes for years. The lead pastor doesn’t know the people. Often, neither do the assistant pastors or staff. The early church wasn’t like that. It was messy. It was personal. It was family (Acts 2:42–47).

I’m not saying all megachurches are bad—some may be doing great work—but when numbers become the focus, intimacy and accountability usually disappear. What we need isn’t better lighting or louder music. What we need is Jesus—real, raw, and present in the pain.

I’ve been through addiction, abuse, and spiritual disillusionment. I don’t need a show. I need a Savior. And I think that’s true for a lot of people.

You have raised many valid points, but mega-churches are not a choice. Most churches start out small, but as the number of the congregation grows, there is a need for more room, to accommodate the growing numbers.
And as I pointed out already, in one of my posts on this thread, the world population everywhere is getting bigger, which requires new ways, to deal with or accommodate the growing population, that’s why many things are becoming super-size or mega. Today we have mega-stores, mega-apartment complexes, mega-aero planes, mega-stadiums and so on. So, why not mega-churches, with all it’s imperfections.
I’ m sure that if individual problems or issues are brought to the attention of the leadership, they can find ways to accommodate that.

 

[lrs68]

‘No perfect church‘ does not mean the doctrine or gospel, that is preached. Churches can preach or teach the perfect doctrine or gospel, but still be imperfect because they are run by humans.
Churches are made up of people and because people are imperfect and will never be perfect, no matter how much they try, they bring some of their flaws, to the church.
God and His Word are perfect, but humans are not and churches are run and attended by humans.
I have met many wonderful people, in my life, but have never met a perfect person.

What you say is true but you missed the point and that's ok. As a preacher I have heard many excuses. I suppose if one hasn't been told the multitude of reasons why they don't come to church then one wouldn't be privvy to knowing what my post meant.

God Bless You!

Great Thread

 

[homwardbound]

I sympathize because although ekklesia refers to a gathering finding the right church is as difficult as finding the right spouse.

You misunderstand the mystery of God for you. You looking on earth, not good for my soul ever

 

[homwardbound]

True, in God’s eyes, the real church is all the Christians collectively, that have acknowledged and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). But here on earth and from a human perspective, we see the church as the buildings. In reality, the physical church buildings are not the real church, they are just the places, where the real church or born again Christians gather or meet.

really, evil does not gather there, are you sure? if called there, right on be careful and do not swallow a camel over straining out gnats please
When the Temple was destroyed in AD 70 and not one brick left on top of another. Man took this and rebuilt it and calls it new, and we the people are suckered into this. Some are called for others to come to the truth through these buildings. Me, been there and called out
Come out of there my people. I got called out, and know there are true believers there as well
And true Pastors too. I asked Father for to discern truth over error. I heard then listen to me not self or others. I will tell you nothing but the truth in love and mercy I give you.
So, hear others great, listen and trust me God to discern the truth in you in love and mercy too, thank you
Matthew 10:16-20, Luke 21:14-15

 

[MobileChapel]

I agree, not all churches are perfect, even small ones. However, megachurches, by their very nature, have to have a large inflow of cash. Most of them (I didn't say all) resort to pressure tactics like tithing to get the cash they need. I'm not assuming that, it's a known fact.

We are on the same page, but even without any pressure tactics, mega churches already generate a lot of money to run their operations.
For instance, if you have 2,000 adult members, and each one of them on average gives $5 or $10 weekly, that would be $10,000 or $20,000 weekly! That is a lot of money, just for one week.
True, some churches get greedy and want even more and so they adopt pressure tactics, as seen on tv or YouTube videos, but these are in the minority.
Anyway, in everything there are rotten apples. I wish it was a perfect world, but it is not.

 

[GWH]

I think larger churches have their place, but they are not a sufficient substitute for smaller gatherings where personal fellowship, ministry and iron-sharpening can happen.

I have spoken to a lot of people who grew up in "religious" situations and are experiencing spiritual trauma as a result (RCC, LDS, JW, Ultra-fundamentalist/legalistic Christian). They often mention that they still believe in God, but know that what they were told about Him was incorrect. Unfortunately, small gatherings are a huge trigger for them; they crave the anonymity of a big church where they can slip in and out unnoticed.

Seekers who have never been to church before tend to be more comfortable with large gatherings as well. As a result, that often requires "milk only" teachings for the main services. However, coupled with a good inner network of small-group options for deeper growth, I think a larger church can still fill an important role in the community. 😎👍

Anonymity does have those advantages.
I certainly did not want to attend the church where reproving was recommended,
which I think should be carefully and infrequently done only by those without sin.

 

[homwardbound]

True, in God’s eyes, the real church is all the Christians collectively, that have acknowledged and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). But here on earth and from a human perspective, we see the church as the buildings. In reality, the physical church buildings are not the real church, they are just the places, where the real church or born again Christians gather or meet.

Be wise, and remain humble, Matthew 10:16, Luke 21:14-15, I hope you talk to Father personally. I know father still speaks to each kid in love and mercy, thank you

 

[homwardbound]

I sympathize because although ekklesia refers to a gathering finding the right church is as difficult as finding the right spouse.

The true Tabernacle is not here on earth anymore physically
Hebrews 8:1-4
And I know of a book called "So, you don't want to go to Church anymore"
Was very insightful to me. Also another one called
" The Prince of the House of David"
Incredibly interesting and insightful to me at least
The prince is about a niece, called Adina. Related to Martha, Mary and Lazarus
She was put in Israel, by her earth Father, to learn the customs of Israel. It so happened, it was the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.
She wrote thirty letters once a month to her Father, about the times happening then.
Wow to me, to see from a different view, that she wrote and goes along with the done work of Son and John the Baptist, baptizing Jesus. Very enlightening to me. So in-depth, I when reading Jesus being Baptized, I literally saw me watching it happen, It was that intense for me to read.

And the book is not easy to find today, My wife says she has found this book in thrift stores on line
Hope you. if you get either one or both, it be a good read for you too, Love to you and all who read and are interested too, and if not okay too

 

[GWH]

The true Tabernacle is not here on earth anymore physically
Hebrews 8:1-4
And I know of a book called "So, you don't want to go to Church anymore"
Was very insightful to me. Also another one called
" The Prince of the House of David"
Incredibly interesting and insightful to me at least
The prince is about a niece, called Adina. Related to Martha, Mary and Lazarus
She was put in Israel, by her earth Father, to learn the customs of Israel. It so happened, it was the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.
She wrote thirty letters once a month to her Father, about the times happening then.
Wow to me, to see from a different view, that she wrote and goes along with the done work of Son and John the Baptist, baptizing Jesus. Very enlightening to me. So in-depth, I when reading Jesus being Baptized, I literally saw me watching it happen, It was that intense for me to read.

And the book is not easy to find today, My wife says she has found this book in thrift stores on line
Hope you. if you get either one or both, it be a good read for you too, Love to you and all who read and are interested too, and if not okay too

Thanks for mentioning the books. My main Scripture informing my thoughts about the issue of church attendance is Hebrews 10:24-25,
which instructs us not to give up the habit of meeting together for encouragement, but my only discouragement is not finding folks who share my concern regarding teaching young adults what was lacking in my own church's Bible instruction when I was a teenager,
such as answers for the questions atheists ask, including the following:

These passages indicate that we should think and attempt to learn the best beliefs/opinions or solutions regarding issues including the arguments or accusations of atheists:

a. There is no objective truth.

b. There are no miracles or proof that God exists.

c. Christianity is blind faith, whereas atheism is scientific.

d. Evolution disproves creation as described in Genesis.

e. Jesus did not resurrect.

f. The Bible is not divinely inspired.

g. The doctrines of wrath and hell indicate that God is hateful.

h. There is no more reason to believe in the biblical God than in pagan gods.

i. Christians are no better than other people.

j. A loving God would not allow evil to exist.

k. The NT gospel makes no sense.

l. The Trinity makes no sense.

 

[MobileChapel]

What you say is true but you missed the point and that's ok. As a preacher I have heard many excuses. I suppose if one hasn't been told the multitude of reasons why they don't come to church then one wouldn't be privvy to knowing what my post meant.

God Bless You!

Great Thread

Please accept my sincere apologies, if I missed your point. It wasn’t intentional. I try to understand the points raised, but I’m human and don’t claim to be perfect.

 

[homwardbound]

Thanks for mentioning the books. My main Scripture informing my thoughts about the issue of church attendance is Hebrews 10:24-25,
which instructs us not to give up the habit of meeting together for encouragement, but my only discouragement is not finding folks who share my concern regarding teaching young adults what was lacking in my own church's Bible instruction when I was a teenager,
such as answers for the questions atheists ask, including the following:

These passages indicate that we should think and attempt to learn the best beliefs/opinions or solutions regarding issues including the arguments or accusations of atheists:

a. There is no objective truth.

b. There are no miracles or proof that God exists.

c. Christianity is blind faith, whereas atheism is scientific.

d. Evolution disproves creation as described in Genesis.

e. Jesus did not resurrect.

f. The Bible is not divinely inspired.

g. The doctrines of wrath and hell indicate that God is hateful.

h. There is no more reason to believe in the biblical God than in pagan gods.

i. Christians are no better than other people.

j. A loving God would not allow evil to exist.

k. The NT gospel makes no sense.

l. The Trinity makes no sense.

I cannot dispute what others think, I can only show what I am by God for me to all to choose to either believe God or not consciously, free choice for all, as evil is still out and about to destroy God forever and to this day can't, as I see this love and mercy given for all to choose, thank you.
A. I object, truth is as one thinks truth is to them.
As a person thinks=, so is that person Proverbs 23:7
B. The air I Breath, that I do not see or even think about keeps me alive, is a miracle in itself
C. There is more to Earth, that just what one sees physically, Thought itself is not physical and
and is not found in the minds of people, as sight, feelings, touch and taste are.
D. There is this problem, what caused the supposed Big Bang, if that how it happened, then
Who, what caused the Big Bang? For our bodies to naturally heal from like a broken bone?
E. no resurrection, then we are, I am and all are still in their sins and then there is no
forgiveness period. I would then be the most insane person ever, so be it, for me at least, to
having free choice, that is the gift to have that, even after belief, not to be taken for
granted, at least for me.
F. the only inherent translation is the original Greek of the New Testament and the Hebrew
written by Moses. The translations from the Greek and the Torah are many times
misinterpreted to fit the ears and minds of peoples' wants and desires here on earth and so
justify and excuse one selves and get others with them and we have religions, that others
fight against and so we have wars and rumors of wars of people disagreeing and fighting
over it. A shame to me not to see love, God's love for us all who wins and won with the
the risen Son for us all to love one another equally, regardless of how another feels, no
more wars once love God's love takes over willingly from one another
G. That is not God, the God I know, Truthfully God loves us all. it is people that fight and war,
Not God, yet when God has to try to get us all to get along. God is blamed, when God does
God's best in love to us all, man wars, God does not, yet will step in when needed to as in
the flood of Noah back then see Jeremiah 29:11
H. Not when one does not see the Love of God in mercy and truth given us through risen Son
I. Not one person is better than any other, yet this world of people wanting the best, steal,
kill destroy anyone in their way, and use self love and faking love to others to get it.
J. If not allowed to exist, evil? Then no evil would be in existence, Wow great, yes. yet God has
allowed evil to exist, we all see it, why? Could it be if no free choice to choose, then I would
no choice would I or you or anyone else either, How can God say God loves you if you have
no free choice to choose?
K. No original birth of flesh can understand, why Jesus the perfect went to that cross willingly
L. Water, Steam and Ice, makes no sense, being all three = water. Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Can't be known or seen without all three. The same with an egg, to be an egg it has to have
all three parts, the shell (Jesus), The White (Holy Spirit), The yoke (Father himself)
John 3:12, 1 John 2:27 if do not have then ask sincerely and God will give it, Thanks, God has
given to many, depending on what ones motive to have it, gets it or not yet

 

[MobileChapel]

Thanks for mentioning the books. My main Scripture informing my thoughts about the issue of church attendance is Hebrews 10:24-25,
which instructs us not to give up the habit of meeting together for encouragement, but my only discouragement is not finding folks who share my concern regarding teaching young adults what was lacking in my own church's Bible instruction when I was a teenager,
such as answers for the questions atheists ask, including the following:

These passages indicate that we should think and attempt to learn the best beliefs/opinions or solutions regarding issues including the arguments or accusations of atheists:

a. There is no objective truth.

b. There are no miracles or proof that God exists.

c. Christianity is blind faith, whereas atheism is scientific.

d. Evolution disproves creation as described in Genesis.

e. Jesus did not resurrect.

f. The Bible is not divinely inspired.

g. The doctrines of wrath and hell indicate that God is hateful.

h. There is no more reason to believe in the biblical God than in pagan gods.

i. Christians are no better than other people.

j. A loving God would not allow evil to exist.

k. The NT gospel makes no sense.

l. The Trinity makes no sense.

I concur with you, that as Christians, we should study and know the scriptures well enough to be able rebut any contrary arguments made by non-believers