Do We Criticize Large Churches?

Recently, in the last few months, we have listened to our podcast and felt like it would be easy for a large church pastor to be somewhat stung by some of the things we have said on the podcast. We don’t like that!

WE ARE SORRY
That is not a trick paragraph. We really do not like that. So, we just want to say that sometimes, when we are attempting to encourage and affirm small churches and their pastors, we may inadvertently say things that sound critical of larger churches – and we are sorry! We love all churches. We respect all pastors, of any size church!

Jeff has been on staff in churches from thirty to seven hundred. Jonny has served in large and small churches. We love the church. We never want to be critical of large churches, their motives, or their methods; just as we would not want to be critical of small churches and their motives or methods.

Being critical is like picking all the low hanging fruit – it’s so easy! Of course there are a lot of things to criticize – that’s life, right? So being critical is not our purpose, and not our focus. Our focus is encouragement. Our intention is that you will never hear us being critical of others – except each other, in jest! 

Communication is a challenge, and we’ve communicated a lot! So we are going to be extra diligent to screen our language so that we are affirming small church pastors, without sounding down on large churches. The end.

HAVING SAID THAT...
WE MAKE NO APOLOGY for being focused on PASTORS OF SMALL CHURCHES! We will always believe that small church pastors are on the front lines, battling not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of spiritual darkness, and against wickedness in high places (yes, just like large church pastors!).

But, small church pastors often battle on these front lines with little support, few comrades, and great exhaustion. These men and women need encouragement and affirmation, and we love giving it to them, and finding great guests to help us along the way!

Check out a previous post/episode where we say we LOVE large churches - with Karl Vaters!

This week on episode 84, we share from our hearts about some thoughts and dreams we have as we look ahead for 200churches. As we write this, Jeff has just finished his final assignment, less than 48 hours ago, for his Master’s degree. He will have some more time to dream and invest in 200churches.

We look forward to 200churches.com and the 200churches Podcast reaching more and more pastors with encouragement, training, support, of course humor, and tons of affirmation!

Happy Monday!