The Largest Church

By T. F. McNabb

[Page 137]

     In the August 25, 1966 issue of the Gospel Advocate there is an editorial extolling the connection between the growth of the Madison (Tennessee) Church of Christ and its use of the Gospel Advocate. The editor goes on to say, "The church (sic) of Christ at Madison, Tennessee, is recognized as the largest in the brotherhood."

     We do not know who does the "recognizing" of this as the "largest church in the brotherhood," nor how "largest" is determined, but to some, such apparent boasting seems but another mark of denominational pride.

     A full page advertisement in this same periodical appeared several months previous to the above editorial, in which it

[Page 138]

was announced in huge letters spanning two pages that "Madison Church Completes Auditorium with Seating Capacity of 3,000." There is a picture of a strikingly glamorous, unusually modern, architecturally designed building which any denominational group could present with pride to a community. It looks as though it would cost at least a millon dollars to build.

     Now while one can rejoice that any group of professing Christians is making progress in their work, at the same time one cannot but notice the emphasis nowadays by many, even in the non-instrumental, amillennial Church of Christ groups, toward multi-million dollar church buildings, which look like enormous temples or semi-cathedrals. High steeples tower upwards as city landmarks. Mammoth educational plants are built costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, with classrooms that are sometimes used only 45 minutes per week.

     One church boasted of a steeple tower costing nearly $100,000.00. This may attract the attention of the town; the spotlighted aluminum and gold spire may outshine steeples of the nearby Presbyterian and Methodist churches, but one cannot but feel the uselessness of such non-essentials when multitudes are going to bed hungry at night.

     This brings us to the thought: Just how does one determine what is the "largest church in the brotherhood"? Is it the seating capacity of the building? Is it the wealth in the congregation? Is it the social and business prestige status of the members or elders? (We are told in the aforementioned editorial that one of the elders in this church is a "distinguished editor of one of the great metropolitan newspapers of the nation").

     After reading the life story in the gospels of the lowly Nazarene who had no place to lay His head, we believe that His definition of the "largest church" might be far from the concept prevalent today. Could the "largest church in the brotherhood" be one that is small in "seating capacity," numbers worshiping, social status and material wealth, but could indeed be the "largest" in the things that matter most? Things such as love, humility, good works toward their fellowmen, faith in God, and a desire to see His kingdom extended?

     I recall a number of years ago dropping in on the services of one such group at a meetinghouse nestled in a rural area of the Appalachian foothills of Tennessee. The building was a little white clapboard covered frame one, resting on a foundation of uncemented field stones. It seated about forty. There was no electricity, just oil lamps hanging from the walls. No organ, great, or small; not even a piano was to be seen, even though this group was in fellowship with a segment that generally used the instrument in worship.

     These were humble folk, filling most of the seats of the meeting place. Their clothes were plain. They worked the small, rock land around them. Their calloused hands depicted their knowledge of the soil and hard work. How they could sing! It was as though the angels of heaven had come down and were close by. I do not know why they did not have an instrument. It could have been they didn't have the money for even a good piano. I felt that most likely it was because they enjoyed making melody in their hearts so much they could have cared less about mechanical augmentation.

     And when the various ones led in prayer! It was as though they were talking right to God. There were no precise awkwardly used big words, indicating they might be trying to please the ears of the listeners. Just plain, simple petitions and words of thanks and praise to God.

     A few gave testimonials. One man told of how he was so burdened for his neighbors' needs that he knelt each night at the "milk gap" to pray for them. Another talked about walking a long distance to visit a sick neighbor.

     The Word of God was read with simple beauty. The people listened attentively and with reverence. They listened as though the Word was a living verity

[Page 139]

in their lives. They listened as though God was speaking through that Word to them.

     I forgot about the unpainted pine ceiling. I forgot about the pot-bellied black stove setting off to the side, the smoky oil lamps, the crude pulpit, the rugged floors. I forgot about the discomfort of the crude benches made of two-by-fours and rough planks. I was lifted into worship and made to sit in heavenly places.

     And who knows? Could it be that such a group as that, measured by the standard of Christ, might be "the largest church" among us? I have never believed that poverty was necessarily an indication of spirituality. But I do believe that in these days of materialism and financial prosperity in the churches, we need to take a new look at what might be the "largest church" among us--not the number of pews, not a glittering architectural structure, not necessarily members of wealth and social prestige. Not even the number in attendance. Rather, it could be largeness in love, devotion to God, humility and concern for one another and for a needy world.

     (Editor's Note: The author is a chaplain, and may be addressed: Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Talmadge F. McNabb, P.O. Box J, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640).