I read this over a year ago and just came across it again. This is a post from Andy Stanley or someone posing to be Andy in response to the fact that Northpoint is just too big and that large churches are ineffective at facilitating life-change. Enjoy!
I”m writing to aplogize for the size of North Point Community Church. When six of us gathered to think through the idea of beginning a church we had no idea that it would become so large. For this growth I am truly sorry. I realize that the size is intimidating.
I have read the comments on this site and have decided to make some changes. To begin with I am going to spend time with each and every parisioner so that they can get to know me personally. Like many of you, I wouldn’t want to attend a church where I could not connect personally with the pastor. I’ve shared this with my wife and three kids. They are in complete agreement. So beginning next Sunday I will be at the back door to shake hands.
Secondly, I am going to suggest to our elders that we sell our three campuses, consolidate, and move the church into a much smaller building. Smaller space will mean smaller crowds. And aparently large crowds are unbiblical. I agree, the church should be no larger than 40 to 50 people. Most of whom are believers.
Regarding my shallow, simplistic preaching – for this I am truly sorry. I am doing the best I can. I know deeper is better. I’m just not deep. I’m not really sure what to do about that.
These changes will take some time. Please be patient. If you have any helpful suggestions as to how I can transition North Point Community Church into a church made up of a handful of believers who enjoy deep preaching please let me know.
On a positive note, the 8,000 adults who meet in groups of 8 to 12 in homes throughout our community can continue to meet in spite of the fact that they will no longer be able to worship together.
Thank you for your valuable insights. And please accept my apology.
Andy Stanley
Pastor, North Point Community Church
You’ll have to be writing the same thing, soon!
nice… some people, man… they need to get a life. did you read steve furtick’s blog about “andy stanley wont meet with me.” that is priceless.
side note… its good to have you back bro. can’t wait to hear some stories first hand.
strong stuff man. i pull a little bit of this out when people tell me they are visiting lifepoint because “port city is just too big and intimidating” – when God is at work we are going to be growing very much the same way… there is power in small groups! and that is the essence of doing life with people, growing and learning together.
I have been considering a move to another church lately. The last one I visited was horrible…no neck ties (not even the pastor), they past around plastic buckets instead of those nice brass plates for offering time, I searched all over and could not find an organ anywhere, they didn’t have a Sunday School, the pastor had some kind of disease called blog, and I heard they were about to start a motorcycle Bible club or something like that…HEY! Wait a minute…nevermind!
I just read Steven Furtick’s blog…BULLSEYE!