We live in an increasingly post-denominational world.
Years ago, virtually every friend I had in ministry was within my denomination. Every program we used came from our denominational headquarters. The idea of ministering in any significant way outside our ranks wasn’t forbidden or scary, it just didn’t occur to me.
Today, my denominational connections are just one factor among many that determine my pastoral friendships, our church programs, and my ministry opportunities.
I haven’t rejected my denomination. They haven’t rejected me. It just doesn’t factor into our decision-making the way it used to.
Something else has taken over as a stronger factor in how most churches make ministry decisions.
Church size.
And I’m not alone in this.
Every Church Has a Size Culture
In The Grasshopper Myth, I quoted Lyle Schaller, who said “Churches have more in common by size than by their denomination, tradition, location, age, or any other single isolatable factor.” Since then, I came across a very popular paper by the late Tim Keller, entitled “Leadership and Church Size: How Strategy Changes with Growth” in which he made a similar argument.
According to Keller, every church is hugely influenced by its “size culture.” He wrote that “The difference between how churches of 100 and 1,000 function may be much greater than the difference between a Presbyterian and a Baptist church of the same size.”
Church Size Culture is a much bigger factor than most of us realize.
For instance, when it comes to talking shop with other pastors, the greater the difference in church size, the less we’re able to find common ground. But when church sizes are similar, we tend to connect rather quickly, and denominational differences disappear.
This presents us with some wonderful new opportunities.
Responding to Our Church Size Culture
Being a relatively new phenomenon, Church Size Culture is something we need to be aware of, observe carefully, and adapt to wisely.
Denominations are trying to figure out how to respond to this new reality. Pastors are finding better ways to connect with each other. Independent churches are discovering that there are both joys and challenges in having no denominational authority or accountability. Many denominational churches are discovering there are more like-minded churches outside their ranks than inside.
We need to see the distinctions between large and small not as reason to separate, but to appreciate what gifts each has to offer. It’s about how big and small can work together. Let’s hope the eye doesn’t ignore the hand this time.
A Post-Denominational Opportunity
Our communities no longer care what denominational tag is on our church sign. This is not a problem, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to overcome old barriers and stereotypes. To work together. To put Jesus first.
Let’s reach across denominational lines, church sizes, and other petty differences to connect with each other and reach our communities with the love of Jesus.
Maybe this time we can lead by example.
(Photo by Marco Brandstetter | Flickr)
