The Church Has A Big Problem

I see it all over social media:

Divide mega churches because, Big is bad.

Fix it by making all church life small because, Small is good.

If your logic is that size is the problem, then it would seem reasonable that fixing the size would solve the problem.

My problem with that line of thinking is this. Toxic church culture runs the spectrum from small to big. I know of toxic leadership in churches with a handful of people and toxic church cultures of thousands. Thankfully, I also know of healthy leadership in churches of all sizes. Again, It's not about the size.

Simply dividing big churches into small churches, as the primary answer, is ridiculous. (I'm stirred up. Sorry.) Heck, I get in trouble with just me, myself, and I.

The church in America is in crisis. Thank God! This means we are at a crossroad that offers a dangerous opportunity. Let's use it for good and not divert off the true issue.

We need to respond to the great unearthing of sin - or in less poetic sounding words - get rid of hypocrisy and become authentic disciples of Christ. If not, we will become increasingly hardened to the deceitfulness of sin by shutting our eyes and ears from the truth. It happens.

We will get stuck in a rut if we attribute toxicity to being mega or small.

Having said that, I understand that our greatest test of character might lie in how we handle success or greatness in the eyes of people. It will challenge us to the core.

Flip side... we have this famous prayer: Lord, I'm doing great. I haven't gotten angry or jealous. Everything is perfect but, you're going to have to help me because I am about to get out of bed.

I agree that the church in America has a big problem. I just think the problem is not about being big in size. It’s about needing to become small in heart humility. Now, that’s a big deal!

In case you're wondering... I am involved with small church culture. I love it.