A Quick Guide to Types of Churches

In the United States, there are all types of churches. Some of these types are identified by their denominational identity or their theological history. Others are identified by styles of worship or the language spoken during the primary worship services.

However, more often these days, people often look for a church based on size.

At one end of the spectrum are large churches, often called "megachurches." These churches usually have thousands of members, huge facilities, and all sorts of programs. These churches have many resources available to them, and their worship and programs are professionally produced, involving the skills and gifts of many talented people. Folks wanting a large variety of opportunities in their faith life are often happy in places like these, for these large congregations offer many different Bible study programs, small group opportunities, and mission projects. While this variety of resources is great, the size of the congregation means that the focus of personal connection and relationship is at the small group level, and it can be difficult to maintain sense of connection and belonging to the entire church, as well as hard to enter into personal relationships with the church leaders and pastors.

 

At the other end of the spectrum are small membership churches. These congregations may be located in rural areas, or they may be formerly larger churches in the city that are in decline. These churches have many fewer programs and opportunities than the large membership megachurch, however they make up for that lack in the degree to which persons in these congregations feel connected to one another. Participants in these churches often identify themselves as part of a "church family," and it is almost impossible to remain anonymous in these places. Programs generally focus on maintaining relationships (the potlucks can be amazing!) with a much more limited assortment of Bible studies and missions projects. Because of the small size, there is often fewer talented persons to lead in worship and often a premium is put on relationship rather than valuing a professional quality performance.

Both kinds of churches have their place in the Kingdom of God. The large church often has the resources available to make huge changes in the world. The smaller churches may be stretched for resources, but their valuing of family and relationship demonstrates the sacrificial love that is part and parcel of the life of faith. Neither type is necessarily better than the other. One's participation in one or the other often has to do with how one was brought up in faith, and the desire one has more more intimate relationships. In either case, God is at work in mighty ways.

 

>>   Next

Reply

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

More information about formatting options

Captcha
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.