Guide to Getting the "Community" Experience in a Large Church

There is an epidemic in the American Church today. It's called the "me-mentality." When I say the "church," I'm talking about the body of Christ as a whole- not individual churches.

One of the biggest problems I've seen amongst professing Christians is that they cannot find a church where they belong. I think that the main problem, although they do not want to admit it, is not usually a problem with the churches, but with how people are pursuing them.

I've known some Christians that have found a church that had everything they were looking for, but they still chose not to continue to attend, because "no one pursued them."

A lot of people want the great upbeat music of Megachurches but want the intimate community feel of small churches. Unfortunately, for the most part, you can't have the best of both worlds.

There is a way, however, to start getting the "community" experience while attending a large church. And you may not like this, but it's not possible while having the "me-mentality."

In order to effectively and efficiently find your place in a large church, you must take three steps: Investigate, Connect, and Contribute. If you follow these three steps, you will find yourself experiencing church ministry on a whole new level!

1. Investigate

Even before you attend a church, try to already know something about it. Nowadays, most churches have a website. A lot of them even use social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc. Find out their core beliefs. Do they teach sound doctrine?

Also, find out their purpose. Are they going anywhere? Is this a ministry that you want to be a part of?

After you do this, actually attend the church. See if their actions match up to what they say they believe.

2. Connect

This is where most people go wrong. A lot of people bring in the "me-mentality" and just assume that congregation members should just walk up to every visitor and chat it up with them. Well, that's not always possible in a church that has 1,000 + people. 

You should go in there pursuing others, not waiting for them to pursue you. Talk to people. Introduce yourself. Shake hands. Make yourself known. Let people know that you have purpose. Be bright and cheerful. Everyone loves an optimist. 

If the church has a small group you can join, join it! That is an especially great way to gain that "community" experience that you desire. If you are wondering who to be-friend first, start with the people in your small group. But, don't just talk to them at church. Become their friend! Take them out to lunch. Get to know them. Very soon you will find yourself also getting connected with their friends as well. Before you know it, you will be on the inside of the church fellowship. But you shouldn't stop there...

3. Contribute

So you're on the inside now... How do you feel? Great, huh? Well, you still have one step left, and that is to contribute to your new church's ministry.

It is selfish to benefit from a church, but not give anything in return. There are three subcategories under Contribute: a. financial, b. time, c. passion.

A. Financial

Let's face it, money doesn't grow on trees. And a church (especially a large one) needs money in order to operate. It's only fair that everyone who benefits in some shape or form from the church should pitch in a little bit in order to make it continue to run.

So how much should you give? The Bible suggests a Tithe (10% of your regular income.) 

(Genesis 28:20-22)I realize that it's hard to give up any of your hard earned money, but that's exactly what a Tithe is- It's a sacrifice!

If you truly want your church to succeed, you will make financial sacrifices for the imbetterment of your church.

B. Time

 Although tithing is important, so is giving time. Time is probably more precious than money. Giving of your time to volunteer in your church is what shows people that you actually care about your ministry.

See what areas need help at your church. Maybe there's an area that your hobby or career has qualified you for or that you just enjoy doing. Trust me, your church will really appreciate you volunteering in any way.

C. Passion

So you are now a tither and a volunteer... So what's missing?

How much enthusiasm is behind the work you're doing?

In some ways a church is like a product. In order to sell it, you have to believe in it.

You must take the purpose that your church has verbally established and bring it close to your heart. You must physically live out your church's purpose.

For example, if your church's purpose is to reach the unchurched, you should be looking for unchurched people in your everyday life that you can bring to your church.

Also, you have to LOVE your church! If you don't love it yourself, how can you expect anyone else to?

You need to also remember that you are an ambassador for your church.

Conclusion

Remember that you are not just an ambassador for your church, but for Christ himself. You are to be a light where there is none.

When you have done all these things, you will find yourself no longer searching for a church, but be helping others find one as well.

So I leave you with one final note: "Love God and love others."

God Bless,

Jonathan D. Graham