Picture this imaginary scene: sitting at a large round table are a few men, neither filling the whole table, nor sitting all together. They are anxiously awaiting the beginning of the such and such pastor's conference when Pastor B.G. Deal approaches and pulls up a seat between two of them. Introductory conversation begins, "Hi, I'm Bed Deal, I'm pastor up in/at __name of the local mega-church__. What's your name?" he says to the man on his left. "I'm Pastor John." and what is the next question asked of poor pastor Jon? "How big is your church?"
Unfortunately there is a pervading superstition in our churches that attendance and membership numbers mean Biblical success. Somehow, we have come to associate the two intrinsically. One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of such churches (and i am not condemning or promoting any such church or church movement. that is for a different discussion.) is 'oh, I can just really worship so much more here.' Really? Where is the drawing near to God and the sanctifying of His name in that? No, don't just leave it at that. Tell me how and why it is true (that you are able to worship more here) and then you will have my attentive ear.
Worst of all, this size syndrome has been bought into by many pastors and church leaders. In the scene described above, there is suddenly a hierarchy created at the table by the size of each man's congregation, which some feeling inferior and/or unqualified to participate in further discussion among such heavy hitters as Pastor B.G. Deal.
Have we elevated to the level of spirituality the factor of congregational size? I fear perhaps so.
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