Recently I read an article that said something to the effect that 50% of all church goers attend Mega churches. Wow! That got me to thinking. Is the church headed in the same direction as healthcare? Let me explain. In most cities that have multiple hospitals you will find that just about all of the smaller ones are aligned with one or two larger ones that have formed a "Network" or "System" In the Cleveland market (which is near where I live) A hospital is either a part of the Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals network. Those who are not are really struggling or have closed. The same is probably true in your city. It's been the trend that began about 25 years ago.
Now look at the church. The Mega Churches are setting up satellites or other "campuses" all the time and in more and more cases they are taking over smaller churches struggling to make it on their own. Could the day be coming where there are less and less churches and if a church is not part of a larger church that church will cease to exist simply because the smaller cannot compete? With the consumer mentality of both the current church attender and the one who is searching this could be a real possibility. People come looking for the best programs, the best worship, the best light show and dare I say, the best bathrooms. Smaller churches do not have the funds or human resources to measure up. What they excel at, strong relationships family atmosphere, knowing your leaders, is become less and less important. People come and like what that see but crave the assets of the larger church.
I really don't know if this is good or bad but I do think this is coming. As long as the truth is being taught, the people are growing, being cared for and going out to share the gospel the structure of the church doesn't matter. Personally I prefer a smaller church. However it is getting harder and harder for the small church to survive. Just like it is for the small hospital. My hope and prayer is that rather than our churches wind up like healthcare with take overs and closures, the church would rise up and simply help each other by sharing resources so that all can not just survive, but thrive, ministering and meeting the needs of not just their congregations but their communities.
Until next time,
Pastor Paul
