Church Size and Dynamics (Research)

It is interesting to think through the implications of church size and how it allegedly affects the dynamics of ministry of a church. Bibby has done research on this area and reports that:

* The Family Church (50 or fewer people): maintainsthe dynamics of a family that follows the lead and temperament of a few "patriarchs and matriarchs." This happens whether it is a new church or and old church.

* The Pastoral Church (50-150 in attendance): has strong family ties and friendships and an effective pastoral leader.

* The Program Church (150-350 in attendance): the social links are not as close and more responsibility is delegated to the laity.

* The Corporation Church (350 and up in attendance): the governing boards and lead pastor have great influence, there is greater program flexibility; small groups provide the social relations.


[Reginald W. Bibby, The PCPA Congregational Resource Study, unpublished (June 1998), p. 11].