Don't Judge a Church by the Size

Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV):

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. "

Devotional:

If you would’ve asked me a few years ago if I’d ever attend a mega church, I would’ve laughed and said, “Absolutely not.” I was one of those people who assumed bigger meant less personal. I thought there was no way you could build real relationships in a church with thousands of people. Jesus had other plans.

The two churches that have impacted my walk with Him the most are both considered mega churches (Lakepointe and Eleven 22). And honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful.

One thing that completely changed my perspective happened the last three weeks.

I’ve never attended a church where people start showing up an hour before service just to be there when the doors open 30 minutes early. When those doors opened, people - grown adults! - were so excited to get a front-row seat that I even heard one of the volunteers laughing and saying, “No running!” 😂 I had to glance up because you hear that at a pool, not in church, LOL.

I just stood there smiling because I’d never seen anything like it, but it's EVERY Thursday and I wouldn't trade it for the world. People weren’t running because there was a famous musician or celebrity inside. They were excited to worship Jesus, hear God’s Word, and experience His presence.

That challenged me. It made me realize that church isn’t something we have to attend. It’s something we get to be part of. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I’d spent years judging churches by their size (until I showed up at Lakepointe to be baptized) instead of by what really matters. The size of the building doesn’t determine the health of a church.

Jesus does. A church can have fifty people and faithfully preach the Gospel. A church can have ten thousand people and faithfully preach the Gospel. Likewise, a church of any size can drift away from God’s Word (trust me, I've seen it firsthand). That’s why the question isn’t, “How big is the church?”

The question is, “Does this church teach the Bible, point people to Jesus, and encourage me to grow in my relationship with Him?” One of the greatest blessings Jesus has given me since I surrendered my life to Him has been the people He’s placed around me.

There was a time when my circle consisted of people who wanted to party and drink every weekend. When I quit drinking, my circle became…me, myself, and God. It was lonely at first, but I kept following Him. Little by little, He began surrounding me with people who genuinely love Jesus. People who pray for me, encourage me (and actually mean it - not belittle you behind your bavk , challenge me, tell me the truth in love, and help me grow in my faith.

Looking back, I realize God wasn’t just changing my habits. He was changing my community. If you’re looking for a church, don’t let the size be what keeps you away. Pray for discernment. Find a church that faithfully teaches God’s Word, points people to Jesus, and encourages you to grow in your relationship with Him.

I used to think I was looking for the right church. Looking back, I think Jesus was preparing the right church for me (He knows that along the way I've experienced a church with fraud, a church only in it for money, and a church that made people feel at home when their people were gossiping about others every chance they could and people were burnt out- yet they wonder why people don't stay there and they go through the motions every week). I’m so thankful He knew exactly where I belonged.

Questions to consider:

1. Am I allowing assumptions or preferences to keep me from experiencing what God may have for me?

2. How has God used other believers to strengthen and encourage my walk with Him?

3. Is there someone I can invite to church or encourage in their faith this week?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Church. Thank You for placing other believers in our lives to encourage us, challenge us, pray for us, and help us grow closer to You. Forgive us for the times we’ve judged by appearances instead of looking for where Your truth is being preached. Give us discernment to seek churches that faithfully teach Your Word and point people to Jesus. Help us never take for granted the blessing of gathering together to worship You. Thank You for preparing a place where each of us can grow in faith and find community. In Jesus’ name, Amen.