by Terri Register

Created on: May 23, 2009   Last Updated: May 25, 2009

If you are in the process of deciding between a smaller church or a larger (Mega) church there are several factors for both choices that are worth considering. Everything boils down to individual preference. What is your worshiping style? Do you like to feel involved or do you prefer to focus on praising from the congregation? Do you enjoy a community type feel, or do you like a broader congregation with more diversity? The following paragraphs provide insight as to what the differences are between smaller and larger churches.

Smaller sized churches can offer a wide range of advantages. There is a greater opportunity for intimacy between your pastor, church leaders, and congregation. Everyone tends to know each other by name and the pastor is often easily accessible. If forging relationships with your Christian brethren is a priority to you, then you may want to consider a smaller church. In addition to intimacy, with fewer people there will be fewer distractions present to take your attention off of the Holy Spirit. If you love to get regularly involved with the service, members at smaller churches often have shared responsibilities. For instance, due to the smaller number of members available responsibilities such as ushering, singing on the choir, and other program duties are often interchangeable. Smaller churches tend to have people with a similar race, culture, ethnicity, or background.

If the smaller church does not sound right for you or your family then maybe consider a larger church. These churches offer many advantages as well. Many Mega churches provide their congregation with staff to help assist them during non-traditional church hours. If you prefer not to get as involved, Mega churches have plenty of members to fill any vacancies that may be available. Mega churches also tend to offer more diversity. You may have people of different backgrounds, races, and cultures. These churches also require more revenue to sustain the facility and therefore turn many spiritual resources into commodities. They may have books, cds, and copies of the sermon for sale. The service may be televised and if you are uncomfortable with publicity during your spiritual time with the Lord then you may want to reconsider. You may have to set up an appointment in order to get guidance from church leaders. Also, keep in mind that there are excess distractions present due to the larger congregation.

It is also an excellent idea to visit smaller and larger churches to get an actual feel for what is best for your situation. You may find that there are smaller churches that offer diversity, and maybe larger churches that offer you relationships with your fellow members. There will always be exceptions, so if you don't find the full package in the traditional smaller or larger churches then pray and ask God for guidance. He will lead you to where you ultimately need to be.

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