Being Anonymous

In a recent conversation with a pastor, the issue of declining worship attendance was brought up. Having attended all sizes of churches, I believe one of the factors behind declining worship attendance is the lack of community in the larger church. In a large church both my presence and my absence can go unnoticed — I’m just anonymous. Thus, it is easy to be a drop-in worshiper — attending at my convenience. However, in a small church, I’m not anonymous — I’m known by name and people genuinely care about both my absence and my presence. For someone somewhat shy like me, it is hard to make a personal connection with those around me during the passing of the peace. In a small church, not only do I get the chance to know others by name but I’m not allowed to remain anonymous. I believe that somehow, this sense of  ‘small church community’ needs to be developed within worship services at large churches. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to develop that sense of community.

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