Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Does God want big churches? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 1073 | ||
Church growth is a popular subject these days. Does God want big churches? | ||||||
2 | Does God want big churches? | NT general Archive 1 | bjanko | 1079 | ||
I don't think God wants churches that are so big that the minister, elders and deacons are unable to properly provide for the individual members of the flock in a personal one-on-one way. | ||||||
3 | A pastor who is there? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 1112 | ||
I like this answer, bjanko! If I may ask, do you mean that the minister (pastor) is actually around, and aware of all the individuals in his flock? I ask your clarification, because I have heard the argument that the pastor of a church of (for the sake of discussion) 2,000 souls, who has a paid ministerial staff of 20, and 40 lay-ministers, who is either out of town or has 'days off' 200 days a year, is busy building a 'network' and writing 'feel-good' books, and, though very good at remembering names, has no idea who you are (all this is hypothetical, you understand), is shepherding his flock. I find this to be contrary to the Bible. Yet, many aspire to this kind of situation, both shepherds and sheep! God bless you in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
4 | A pastor who is there? | NT general Archive 1 | bjanko | 1141 | ||
IN THEORY: if a mega-church existed where it was subdivided and there REAL pastors and elders who shepherded their assigned portions of the flock, then I suppose all would be well. Unfortunately, mega-churches seem to operate much in the way you describe and so I do not think they are healthy. Theoretically, there could be an exception, but it is certainly very difficult to consider it a wise rule. It is more biblical, because you do have a pastor familiar with the individuals of his flock, if you have a smaller congregation. I am in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery, which covers So. California and some of Arizona is really what is called the "church." So, in that sense, it is indeed a mega church. However, the Presbytery oversees Sessions, which are two to four trained men -- a teaching elder, a couple ruling elders and perhaps a deacon or two. These men are usually over a smaller congregation, from say 50 to 200. And the number of men to congregants is sufficient for their to be proper care and feeding of the sheep. If the proportion is not adequate for that, then they should make two smaller churches out of it, in my opinion. |
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5 | A pastor who is there? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 1146 | ||
Well said! bjanko. Theory is great, but doesn't shepherd the sheep! Your conclusion mad sense. I am not a Presbyterian, but I do believe in the presbuteros caring for His flock. Bless you, in Jesus' name. | ||||||