Quote:
Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah
I have found that 3 is an ideal number for evangelism, and for being sent out to a church. I cannot see any gift that cannot be exercised by 3 saints.
Also, it has been my experience that when the church size is small, less than 100, the participation and service is very high on a per member basis. But once you get over 1,000 the participation and service on a per member basis is much lower.
But I don't think anyone would disagree that a "church" of 3 would be a very sparse meeting indeed. It is doubtful you would meet the same way, probably no "message" rather just fellowship, often around the table as you might eat at the same time. Also, the burden for evangelism would be much greater.
So then, how about looking at it the other way around. Is there a number too large to be a church?
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I have already stated that I can agree with 3, but have a problem with it being regularly viable.
But the question about are there too many is a question that has no simple answer.
The problem is with the potential lack of community. There is a sense in which church is also a community or family. Too many and you don't know anyone.
(As an aside, I read some time back that most people are unable to actually keep up with more than about 150 friends, and that most of that 150 will be somewhat distant friends. It says a lot for people with 500+ "friends" on facebook.)
But when you consider the pattern provided in Jerusalem immediately after Pentecost, there was getting the apostle's teaching in the temple and breaking bread, prayer, and fellowship from house to house. So a large church for purposes of the teaching of the word that also has a structure of smaller groups for all kinds of purposes, whether "official" or impromptu can be an effective and complete church in every sense.
Does that mean that any large church is completely successful at this? Or that there are not always people who will primarily be involved for the "ministry" or teaching? Even if you are a small enough group to meet in a house?
In other words, the potential for failing within a large church can easily be no better or worse than for a small church. It is ultimately all about the commitment, involvement, etc., of each member. (Member used loosely, not in some organizational or official sense.)