Word Count: 389 – Est Reading Time: <2 Minutes
What’s Up:
Only half of one percent of churches are mega churches, but they’re doing the lion’s share of actual disciple-making.
So What:
If your church hasn’t baptized a convert in over a year (or five), you’re not alone. You’re on par with the vast majority of other smaller-membership churches. But if you don’t fix it, you’ll be part of the next statistic.
The Point Is:
Mega Church Growth Slowed – It’s Time for You to Pick Up the Slack
Despite assumptions, there are only about 1,800 mega churches today. The pre-COVID boom has flattened what seemed like an exponential rise in very-large churches … there were 1,750 mega churches pre-pandemic (Ryan Burge).
But Small Churches Are Collapsing
With 15,000 closures expected this year and another 15,000 shifting to part-time pastors, the crisis is already here. (Thom Rainer). If the big church’s growth is slowing and the small churches are collapsing, what does that say about the faith’s future?
Conversions Tell the Story
Healthy churches make new disciples, and large-membership churches tend to do that well. But most small churches haven’t seen a conversion baptism in over a year … many, in over five.
You Either Fish or Cut Bait
Doing what didn’t work last week won’t work this week either. If you’re not seeing results, it’s time to shift your strategy, not double down on failure. Status quo is killing churches, not growing them.
And … ?
There’s something almost hypnotic about mega churches. They’re big, bold, and often controversial. But while critics throw stones, the numbers don’t lie. Most of them are still growing, still converting, and still reaching people for Jesus. Meanwhile, the average small church in the U.S. hasn’t made a new disciple in years. Not months … years.
And before you blame them for poaching your people, understand this: people who love small churches usually stay in small churches. The ones who leave are looking for something you aren’t offering. Vision. Purpose. A mission that matters. And leadership willing to change what isn’t working. You don’t need to become a mega church, but you do need to become effective. And if your current plan isn’t producing fruit, it’s time to stop making excuses and start making changes. Let’s talk.
Action!
Download the Ghost Town to Growth Track guide now and increase your first-time visitor rate: https://go.effectivechurch.com/ghost-town
