Visiting Church One Time Isn’t Enough
With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #51.
This mega church does so many things right. Though I don’t want to go to a large church, this one really draws me. Of all the churches we’ve visited, this one appeals to me far more than any other.
If I were searching for a new church to attend, I’d give this one serious consideration.
This church also has a Sunday evening meeting, which allows for more intentional connections, as well as small groups. These two options offer to counteract my reluctance to go to a large church.
However, I won’t come back twelve times to see how my faith grows, as our tour guide suggested. If I did, I’m sure I’d just keep coming, having formed a comfortable habit after three months.
This would be an easy church for me to slide into. I’d feel comfortable, and surely my faith would grow. But I know that with so many people who attend this church it would be hard to consistently see the same people each week.
That would make it hard to form friendships, even if my faith grows.
[See my reflections about Church #50 and Church #52 or start with Church #1.]
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
2 replies on “Come Back Twelve Times and See How Your Faith Grows: Reflecting on Church #51”
Always read your posts, Peter, and sometimes agree. We went to a mega church for five years and everything you said it true. For all the wrong reasons,mwe changed to another small church. The service was at a time we could comfortably attend, thery were new and struggling and we felt needed our financial help, and it was 8 minutes away. God knew what He was doing, though, for we made our dearest friends there. And guess what? We knew them from the mega church! We made so many other close relationships,we can’t wait to fellowship there each week. The church has grown from 60 to 200. We are seeing lives changed, many coming to Christ, and the cast of participants growing in leaps and bounds. God led us to the right place for the wrong reasons. We have been there four years and call it home.
That is wonderful! Building close relationship with others is so important. I’m glad you found that (or should i say I’m so glad God directed you to that!)
Thanks for sharing your experience.
(By the way, feel free to comment when you disagree, too. Constructive feedback can make us all stronger.)