"The biggest is best." We apply that statement, right or wrong, to everything, even to churches.
The mega-church does have some great features:
Small groups where Christian relationships are formed
A variety of activities, some of which may interest you
A small church has:A small group where Christian friendships are born and that is why you attend
Activities where your talents are of service
Maybe every pew is not filled in the little church you attend. Remember, beloved of God, every time a child puts on warm mittens or a bright cap through a mission of your church, that child sits with you in church. Every time a marathon runner eats a bowl of warm soup from the outreach of your members, that athlete is there on the pew with you and takes your love with them wherever they go. Every time an inmate from your jail ministry turns his heart from himself and focuses his prayers on the needs of his/her family, he and that entire family join in Christian praise and fellowship in your little church each Sunday morning. Your church is full—through the extension of your love and outreach.
Praise the Lord, not for large numbers but for large hearts. Praise him not for glittering gold church adornments but for the sparkle in a child’s eye or the love in a shut-in’s heart. The church of Jesus Christ in worship of the Lord God, is not contained withing any church building or crammed into the balcony, it is on the streets, in the homes, workplaces, and agencies where the members carry his word, hope, and grace. Every church is full by an extension of each member’s love. Let us pray:
"Father of every one of us, whether we worship in large groups or small, you are always there within our midst when we gather in your name. We praise your holiness. May we dwell within your presence even after we leave your sanctuary, for your work is done beyond the building’s walls. May none of your children boast of being more blessed than another by virtue of size or wealth or opportunity. We know you choose to bless your children with the work to which you have called them. May today be the day when we look beyond the sanctuary walls and seek to expand your love in new and less familiar places. We know we will not walk alone out there. You will go with us and cover us with your own presence and the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before and those who pray for us from the church pews. Forgive us when we thought your ministry was only for those within our wall. While it begins there, it flows through the streets of our town and further outreach when we are willing to be a conduit and not a funnel. Give us courage and strength to carry your love and grace where the church doors end and your greater world begins. In the name of Jesus, your son and our redeemer we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp
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