Why do some people go to small churches? Why do others go to large churches?
This is certainly an oversimplification, but track with me.
People tend to stay at small churches because they are:
1) Needed
Each week, someone is counting on them to pass out the red attendance folders, vacuum the floor, fill the communion cups, or help organize the choir robes. They are needed.
2) Known
People love small churches because they are known. If they have a toenail operation, someone knows. If they miss church, someone calls. If their pet cat gets hit by a car, someone cares. They love being known.
All things equal, why do people go to large churches? The answers vary widely:
The church has a good Mother’s Day Out.
The videos are cool.
The church has great music.
The junior high pastor pays attention to my kid.
They have a class for widows.
They have a class for addicts.
They have a class for everything including annoying people.
People have tons of reasons to go to large churches.
But why do they leave? Typically because they don’t feel:
1) Needed
The paid staff does most everything. The professional band is too good for most. The yard is mowed by a company. The daycare workers are paid. If there is no place for me to use my gifts, I just might leave.
2) Known
If a person misses church and no one calls, it hurts. If someone is in pain and no one knows, again, not good. One can be in a crowded church building and still feel all alone.
What can we do to help people become needed and known no matter what the size of the church?
