Mega Churches
A “megachurch” is defined as a church that has an average of 3,000 or more regular attendees to weekend services. Megachurches tend to have twice as many visitors as other churches. Over two-thirds of congregants have attended for less than five years, while nearly half of traditional church congregants have attended for more than ten.
Attendance in and financial support of megachurches is actually climbing, while traditional sized small churches are struggling. Megachurch worship styles are usually contemporary and professional-quality, although they may have great variety between their different services.
I have noticed on many instances where Megachurch members are doing their best to get smaller church members to join their larger Megachurch. I am not pleased that this is ongoing as it takes away from the work and hardships endured by the smaller churches. Most smaller churches are more friendly by not requiring tithes and some smaller churches will go out to hte communities to give out food, clothing and others necessities to the poor. Megachurches do not donate food or other necessities unless you actually go to the Megachurch building.
Megachurchs tend to use technology in the worship service and are more likely to support a variety of artistic expressions of worship such as drama and dance. Many megachurches manage their growth by expanding to other geographical locations and broadcasting the pastor’s message from the central site. Smaller churches will embrace technology as their budgets and culture deem appropriate.
Smaller churches, often comprised of several long-attending families, are less dependent on the pastor for their internal atmosphere. Smaller churches tend to rely on their parishioners more, and the parishioners have more of an impact on the tenor and life of the church. This can be fulfilling as parishioners see how they have a personal impact on the identity of the congregation. It can also be overwhelming if the church is struggling financially.
The choice between attending a megachurch or a more traditional, smaller church is a personal one. While the above descriptions are based on statistical analysis, there are churches of all sizes that provide sound biblical teaching and opportunities for spiritual growth.
All Christian churches should preach the gospel and the headship of Christ. The ministries available should be those that edify and provide service opportunities for the attendees. There is nothing in Scripture that states the ideal size of a local congregation. It is the presence of God that makes a church, not the number of people.