Less is more?

Today i drove past three churches within half a block. At Balgowlah there are two churches within half a block, the same at Seaforth and four in two blocks at Manly. I wonder why.

More importantly, i wonder if it the best method of reaching people and being the Body of Christ.

My point? Would we be better if there were less churches?

If you got rid of all/amalgamated the small dying churches, or combined those geographically close together, would it be taking a step in the right direction?

Now before i start, i want to say that i don't want to rip the heart out of churches left and right, nor do i think there is no value in smaller churches.

But... there is truth in the saying that less is more.

With fewer churches there would be a stack more money available for mission or developing buildings that are state-of-the-art and large enough to cater for community needs and increased church attendance.

With fewer churches there would be better ministers. In theory, fewer churches would mean less senior ministers, therefor the cream should rise to the top. Alternatively, there would be more ministry specific positions, creating a better fit for selective ministers.

With fewer churches there would be a critical minimum made in vital ministry areas. Numbers would inflate in service attendance and youth/children's ministry. Would there actually be more people at the start? No, but in time, numbers should rise due to the magnetic effect large gatherings have.

With fewer churches there would be less reproduction. It annoys me that churches copy what the church is doing down the road. Does it make sense that a church wants to "develop" a youth ministry, or playgroup, or whatever... when that niche is already adequately covered?

With fewer churches the power of increased people is unleashed. Your music should be better because you have more musos to chose from. Your scripture classes should be covered better because there is a larger pool of people passionate about scripture. Your techie support should be better because you have more than one techie guru.

Am i sounding the death of the local church? No. But could the local church work better with a firmer foundation? Maybe.

Finally... Don't believe me? Look at what is happening at larger churches. Better facilities, better leaders, more innovative ministries and larger impact.