What is the average size of a church?

Answer 1

The average size of a traditional church in America is about 75-80 people including children. We all hear of the great, big, mega churches, but most churches in America are small churches pastored by one individual with a possible assistant pastor. These churches thrive on relationships and a family atmosphere. They are challenged by similar situations as with larger congregations - poor attendance at prayer meetings, poor attendance at bible studies, and attrition. However, the impact seems greater for small churches based on the fact that a ten percent attendance at a Monday night prayer service might total 6 people out of 60 as opposed to a mega church which may draw over one thousand out of 10,000 at their prayer meetings. Small churches should be careful not to develop feelings of envy against mega churches or measure their success in ministry against jumbo programs they may never have. I say thank God for the mega churches that are making a difference in their communities. Small churches are doing the same - making a difference and being the difference in their communities.

Pastor Neal Walker, PhD

Wheaton Woods Baptist Church

Rockville, Maryland