There are many, many tiny churches in exurban and rural areas where the Gospel is preached and the Holy Spirit acts, but they never get big because there just aren't very many people in the area. Others may be preaching the Word but the pastor isn't a talented showman and doesn't have a fabulous back-up band and singers. Churches like that won't attract the millions who want to be entertained on Sunday morning, even if they proclaim Christ truly.
I have heard some valuable teaching and inspired sermons in little backwater churches. But they are only heard by a few hundred souls because there aren't too many people in the area who want a quiet traditional service with an old lady playing the piano and a few quavering voices in the choir in preference to fancier churches.
What you say is totally true, but what has that got to do with my statement? Some want to keep their church small, but that is not how it is supposes to be. It is clear that if you live in a community of 200 and 148 are divide among say four churches then it very true there’s not much room for growth, but should you stop not trying to bring in the 52 that are attending, because that might make your church to big? And that would make you uncomfortable?
Are you not using the exception though rather than the rule? The vast majority of people live in urban or semi-urban areas and most are lost the Savior has charged us to bring them to him.
Are we not instructed:
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23
You can say that again! One of the best Pastors and churches I ever was fortunate to attend for a time was small church in a small community. It's focus was on learning more about Jesus and loving him more....and that mission was indeed accomplished by many there.
The Pastor could have easily been a mega church Pastor and had turned down many invitations to be so. I asked him why he was in such a small congregation and he said that his work was to equip the saints, that he wanted to know the flock the Lord had established there and where their relationship with him was. He believed he was accountable for “the flock” and where it was led.
He further stated that in mega churches, though many Pastors work is divided among....and rare any has “charge” over the people for their spiritual condition as much as over the events, and the running of the affairs of the building, growth etc.
So he chose to preach and teach in small churches....and I will add that other Pastors from miles around came for his bible study....it was wonderful to hear the discussions and comments, imagine hearing learned men of God speaking and debating the scriptures..... and these studies always went beyond the appointed time....nobody wanted to leave until the saturation point had been met, is a good way to say it..