In this edition of ReachRight Mailbag, we answer all of your burning questions. First up in today’s episode? When does church growth become a problem?
In this episode, we’ll answer that question and many more, including discussions on the Google Ad Grant, boring sermons, and toxic pastors.
All of these questions were taken from our YouTube comments. Future episodes may feature questions from our blog or social media comment sections. If you have questions you want to be featured in the next Mailbag episode, comment them down below!
Let’s jump into it.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Table of contents
- Can a Church Get Too Big for Its Own Good?
- What are the Best Growth Strategies for Small Churches?
- Does the Google Ad Grant Cover YouTube Ads?
- Why is it Hard for People to Sit Through a Sermon?
- How can Christian Content Creators Increase Engagement?
- Should Pastors Stay as Members After Stepping Down?
- Is it Toxic for a Pastor to Comment on the Offering?
- What is the Biblical Foundation for Pastor Appreciation Month?
- Answering All Your Questions
- More Resources on Ministry
Can a Church Get Too Big for Its Own Good?
This question comes from the comment section on our video about why church attendance explodes after 200 members. It’s a great video that you can check out here.
But it’s a great question. When is a church “too big”? Is that even possible?
The original comment brings up “Dunbar’s Number”. If you don’t know what that is, it is a theory that suggests people can only maintain meaningful relationships with about 150 individuals. Beyond that, connections become weaker, and true community is harder to sustain. This idea raises an important question: Can a church grow too big for its own good?
When a church grows beyond a certain size, it can lose the sense of close fellowship that smaller churches provide. Members may feel like just another face in the crowd rather than part of a spiritual family. Pastors may struggle to provide personal care, and real discipleship can suffer.
Large churches can still thrive, but they must be intentional. Small groups, strong leadership, and a focus on personal connection can help maintain community. Without these, a church risks becoming a crowd rather than a congregation.
But is a growing church a reason to stop evangelizing? Is there ever a point in which it is wise to turn away people from your doors?
So, is there a limit to church growth? Maybe the real question is: How do we keep church personal, no matter the size?
What are the Best Growth Strategies for Small Churches?
This commenter wants to grow their small church. They only have about 15 members, but they can seat 150. That opens up the door to 10X growth. So what should they do to reach this goal?
Small churches grow best by focusing on relationships, community outreach, and strong discipleship. First, build a welcoming environment where visitors feel like family. Personal connections matter more than flashy programs.
Second, encourage small groups. These help people grow spiritually and stay connected.
Third, serve the community. When a church meets real needs, people take notice. Outreach events, charity work, and local partnerships can attract new members.
Finally, use digital tools. A simple website, social media, and live-streamed services can reach more people. Growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a strong, faithful community that makes a real impact.
Does the Google Ad Grant Cover YouTube Ads?
No, the Google Ad Grant does not cover YouTube ads. The grant provides $10,000 per month for Google Search ads, but it cannot be used for video ads on YouTube or display ads.
If you want to advertise on YouTube, you’ll need a separate budget. However, you can still promote YouTube content by using Google Search ads to drive traffic to your videos.
Why is it Hard for People to Sit Through a Sermon?
Many people struggle to sit through a 45-minute sermon but can scroll on social media for hours. Why? Attention spans are shrinking. Social media gives instant rewards—quick videos, engaging posts, and endless variety. Sermons, on the other hand, require focus and deep thinking.
So, what can churches do?
- Make sermons engaging – Use storytelling, visuals, and real-life applications.
- Encourage interaction – Ask questions, use short discussions, or include audience participation.
- Break it up – Shorter sections with key takeaways help maintain focus.
- Use digital tools – Share sermon clips on social media to reach people where they are.
By adapting, churches can keep people engaged and spiritually fed in today’s fast-paced world.
How can Christian Content Creators Increase Engagement?
Christian content creators can increase engagement by making their messages relatable, visually appealing, and interactive. Storytelling helps people connect on a personal level, while high-quality visuals and clear audio keep attention.
Posting consistently and responding to comments builds community and trust. Using social media trends, such as short-form videos and live streams, can reach more people.
Most importantly, content should be authentic and focused on adding value, whether through encouragement, teaching, or inspiration. When people feel connected and inspired, they engage more, share more, and keep coming back.
Should Pastors Stay as Members After Stepping Down?
When pastors step down, staying as a member of the church can be tricky. On one hand, it shows commitment to the church family. On the other, it may cause confusion, especially for the new leader. People might still look to the former pastor for guidance, making it harder for the new leadership to take root.
Every situation is different. If a healthy transition happens and the former pastor supports the new leader, staying could work. But if it causes division or tension, it may be best to move on. The key is humility, wisdom, and doing what’s best for the church.
Is it Toxic for a Pastor to Comment on the Offering?
A pastor commenting on the offering can become toxic if done in the wrong spirit. Giving should be an act of worship, not forced or guilt-driven. If a pastor chastises the congregation for not giving enough—like for a guest speaker—it can create resentment and pressure instead of generosity.
A better approach is to teach biblical principles on giving and trust God to move hearts. Encouragement works better than guilt. When giving is done freely, it blesses both the giver and the church. Pastors should inspire generosity, not demand it, keeping the focus on faith rather than finances.
What is the Biblical Foundation for Pastor Appreciation Month?
Pastor Appreciation Month is rooted in biblical principles of honoring spiritual leaders. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul encourages believers to respect and appreciate those who work hard in ministry. Hebrews 13:17 reminds Christians to support their leaders, who care for their souls.
While the Bible doesn’t mention a specific month, the idea of honoring pastors aligns with Scripture. Pastors dedicate their lives to teaching, guiding, and praying for their congregations. Showing appreciation—through words, gifts, or acts of kindness—encourages them and strengthens the church. Gratitude reflects God’s love and builds a culture of encouragement within the faith community.
Answering All Your Questions
As we wrap up this episode, we’ve explored a variety of important topics, from the challenges of church growth to the delicate balance of pastor appreciation. Whether discussing the limits of growth for churches, understanding how to keep engagement in a digital world, or considering how to honor pastors, it’s clear that intentional care is key.
For churches to thrive, leaders must stay connected to their communities, fostering genuine relationships and promoting spiritual growth. Likewise, recognizing and supporting those who lead in ministry strengthens the entire body of Christ.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern church life, let’s remember to prioritize meaningful connections, faithful stewardship, and mutual respect. With these principles in mind, we can move forward, building churches that are both spiritually healthy and vibrant, impacting lives for the Kingdom of God.
If you have any questions you want us to answer in the next Mailbag episode, let us know in the comments below!
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