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Should a church disband when they have a small congregation? I'm having trouble seeing the logic or sense in such a question. Wouldn't it be more important to look at whether the spiritual leadership & nurture is effective, or not? A large congregation does not automatically mean that a church shouldn't disband- any more than a small congregation should disband for being small.

Jesus said: "wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst." So, disbanding a church on the basis that it is small, would not only be ignorant, but unnecessary.
Nowadays, I understand churches need to concern themselves with the "legal" aspects of running a church facility, from insurance to reporting income. But there was a time when my late pastors-met with us in people's homes, or at the parks, and these times were just as spiritually nurturing & effective as when we rented buildings for our church.

It's the leadership & effectiveness of a church that matters, not how many people belong to the church. God knows who His own are. If we are born-again believers, we are part of a huge church congregation that includes the believers from the past who are presently "asleep in Christ". A church made without hands, contains members that only the Lord Himself can account for-as to how many members belong.

Small congregations should occasionally gather with other believers in large assemblies, where many churches attend, so that they maintain their grasp on who the church IS, and how we are all one body. There are perks in belonging to a small congregation, and in large congregations it can be easy to be "lost in the crowd"...overlooked. Some people need more up-close & personal decipling & nurture... or accountability, which a smaller church can offer. Large congregations should also provide small-group ministries, so that every member can get the help & care they need.

A large church does not guarantee a GOOD church. We don't measure a church by how many cars are in the parking lot, or the numbers of members. The Pastors & leaders and the effectiveness of the internal ministries would be a better measuring stick. It's the FRUIT of a church we must look at. What fruit is it exhibiting? Are the Pastor's living honest, blameless lives? Are they able to effectively feed and nurture the flock? Is there an atmosphere of love and reaching out? These are the things we ought to look for.

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