In our current context, the small churches outnumber the large churches in a ratio of about 60 to 1. You can imagine how heated the discussions get in the community when a larger church’s motives are questioned in regards to their latest event, the style of worship, or the content of the sermon. The smaller church is placed in the ire over the same issues. I don’t believe this is an issue of right versus wrong—I believe it’s a case of they’re just different. Different in approach. Different in leadership. Different in context.
If you linger in the conversation long enough the conversation will generally gravitate to an issue of quality versus quantity.
Quality vs. Quantity: When we become defensive as a church about the size of our church citing that we are more about quality than quantity, this may be a sign of bigger issues. This is not to say that bigger equals better—there are most definitely issues that come through seeking only to be bigger. The ill-focused small church speaks of the quality of relationships, the richness of tradition, and the familial bond. The ill-focused large church speaks of large numbers, their great buildings, and the number of new visitors they have every week.
When we become defensive as a church about the size of our church citing that we are more about quality than quantity, this may be a sign of bigger issues.
The most telling thing about either is what is missing from the discussion. Generally, the discussion may touch on the gospel for a moment, but it never lands there. Why? Because the gospel may be the furthest thing from their minds. Not convinced?
Ask them about their heart for the community.
Do they desire to see the community impacted by the positive influence of the church—or—do they desire to have the community walk through the door on Sunday?
Do they seek the flourishing of the city—or—do they seek the flourishing of their ministry?
Do they seek “butts in the seats” –or—transformed lives?
The thing is these questions are not mutually exclusive. The thing that matters most is the message. Is the love of Jesus the message? A small church can have the same impact a large church has in the community. Framing the mission, action, and message in the love of Jesus is essential. I remember the old Sunday School training mantra, “They don’t care how much you know, till they know how much you care.”, I believe that the love of Jesus spilling into the community helps them to see how much we care.
So drop the debates and go tell them about the love of Jesus. Do for a few people what you wish you could do for them all.