Problems in large church?!

I had a conversation with a friend today that made me think about the problems associated with large churches.

I happen to believe that God wants to use churches of all sizes and shapes to accomplish what he wants to accomplish in our world. Sometimes larger churches have certain advantages, and I think small and mid-sized churches have their advantages too. Since our church is considered by some to be in the larger category, it might be worth out time to think about what this means for us. Could some of these be our blind spots?

For example, sometimes large church leaders have attitude problems. We might be tempted to think that because we're bigger, we must be better. Or more successful. The culture of large church often creates a path that leads toward hubris. Like that word? Hubris has to do with pride and arrogance. Filthy traits.

There's institutional complexity in the large church. All the 'stuff' in the website and in the weekend bulletin can easily create the wrong idea. If we're not careful, we'll start to believe that a lot of ministry activity equals ministry effectivness. That's hardly the case.

Some people like large church because they want to be anonymous. It's fairly easy to 'hide' in a crowd, and that's why some people like churches like ours. A more critical conclusion is that a crowd inhibits opportunities to be known or loved. Is there any chance we have to own this one?

Large churches often get caught up in feeding the monster. "Feeding the monster" is the constant temptation to try to out due the last thing. Larger churches are often known for polished worship sets and extraordinary holiday and special event services. Pull off a great weekend or a jaw dropping Christmas Eve service and the next question is, "How are we going to top that?" Unfortunately, try we do.

But the most sober question that went through my mind today was this one: Is it possible that we're a big fat church that doesn't need God anymore?

There's never a shortage of demands our staff and leaders. My own 'to do' list is never ending. There are weekend services to prepare for, people to care for, meetings to attend, and budgets to prepare. This is the world of large church.

But what are we doing that requires radical dependence on God and His Spirit? If my 'to do' list doesn't drop me to my knees and draw me to prayer, maybe most of my list is goofy.

So that's what I'm thinking about today. What's our church engaged in that requires radical dependence? Want to pray into that with me? Only one rule: It can't be a building program!