Bible Question: 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. |
Bible Answer: OK let me speak on this :-) Personally, I'm not very fond of big churches for a couple of reasons. First, and foremost, as has been mentioned, I really like a one-on-one relationship with the pastor. What good is it to go to a church, yet the head of the church doesn't know who you are in some respect? It's like having an arm that you don't know how to use. The fondness of a relationship with the pastor goes out the window, and it becomes more of a "business" than a church. Secondly, just because it's a big church, doesn't necessarily mean that it's big on Christ. Many churches are blessed with having flourishing numbers, true, and those numbers can be involved in a multitude of ministries, but if the direction is not correct, then what's it all for? (The same can and has been said for smaller churches as well) At first, before I was committed to being a musician for the Lord and was more interested in "playing" in a church as opposed to ministering, I thought it would be cool to play for a bigger church. Big church means more people notice you. I've been corrected in the error of my ways, and my feeling is that even playing for a church now (pay or no pay....that's a separate issue), I've come to be blessed, to study and learn in the word, and that hopefully the Lord will use me to bring someone closer to Him. Ok I'm done ranting :-) Seriously, tho, if you don't KNOW your pastor, then what difference is it going to a building on Sunday than going to work Monday-Friday? (I might get some touchy emails on that one, hehe). The point is, and I'm not stating anything world beating (actually, I am....hehe), and everyone's tastes are suited differently, but everyone should be regularly attending a church (including myself) that is deep rooted in the Word. Comments? |