Advantages of the Home Group
It is often argued that a large church is better equipped than a small church (or, in this case, a house-church) to organize and finance those causes, which are biblical, such as the sending of missionaries. However, this argument assumes that local churches are to be completely independent of each other. It certainly does not argue against a network of house-churches, which cooperate with each other in the sending out of missionaries.
In fact, the argument backfires. One mega-church with one-thousand members could never match the resource potential of a network of house-churches with one-thousand members, for the mega-church must allocate huge amounts of its resources for the building itself (initial building costs as well as maintenance and utility bills - all of which could exceed hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars). According to one recent survey, as much as 82% of church revenues in an average Protestant church goes toward buildings, staff, and internal programs, while only 18% goes toward missions!
Advantages of the Large Service.
There are a few advantages a large church meeting has over a home group meeting. For one, it's easier to leave a large meeting if you feel unwelcome being there. (God forbid) A large meeting is also a good introduction ground for people to get acquainted with the church without feeling like they've attached themselves too early. When many people visit a church for the first time they will want information before anything else and a large, less intimate gathering can provide that without making the person feel awkward about asking. A large church service can be a place where a pamphlet can be picked up in a foyer, they can acquire the church's website if they have one, get a few phone numbers, etc… all without feeling uncomfortable in asking. It gives the visitor a chance to study the church before making a commitment to keep coming back.
Another good attribute in going to a large, corporate service is that there is a unity these gatherings offer that a small group can't produce. With so many people in a large group being in one place for a common purpose you can't help but to feel a part of something big. In the most practical sense too, it is also good for everyone to hear the same plans, announcements, teachings, and events at one time. Perhaps more than anything it will emphasize that there is a central leadership team of the church because without a large gathering you in fact have a bunch of small house churches and no main leadership.
Where's the Balance?
The healthiest church growth structure perhaps is finding a balance between the large gathering and the home groups. They both have pros and cons, but if balanced right they can compliment each other greatly.
Courtesy of: The New Testament Restoration Foundation
From the Article: The New Testament Basis for
Having Church in the Home. By Eric Svendsen
http://www.ntrf.org/homes.html
