Seven Disadvantages of Attending a Large or Mega Church And How We Can Remedy Them

There’s something exciting about walking into a large or mega church. The energy of the crowd, the sound of hundreds of voices lifted in worship, the professional quality of the music, and the dynamic preaching can leave you in awe. For many believers, it feels like a taste of heaven on earth. Yet beneath all the lights and large gatherings, there are also some hidden challenges.

As someone who loves the church and believes in its mission, I want to share seven disadvantages that can come with attending a large church. I don’t share these to criticize but to raise awareness. My hope is that both church leaders and members will see the need to keep the body of Christ healthy and connected, no matter the size of the congregation.

1. The Risk of Being Overlooked

One of the most common struggles in a large church is the feeling of being invisible. It’s possible to miss weeks or even months of services without anyone reaching out to check in. In smaller congregations, absences are noticed immediately. In a mega church, however, people can easily slip through the cracks.

The Bible reminds us to “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Romans 12:10). That kind of love means noticing when someone is missing.

• For the member: Don’t wait for others to notice you; join a small group or ministry where your presence and absence will matter.

• For the church: Develop care systems that track members and empower lay leaders to follow up when someone disappears from fellowship.

2. Limited Access to Pastors and Leaders

In a congregation of thousands, it’s unrealistic to expect regular one-on-one time with the senior pastor. While many pastors long to shepherd every member personally, the demands of a large church make it nearly impossible. This can leave some members feeling disconnected from leadership.

Paul instructed the church, “Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Spiritual leadership should be personal, not just from a pulpit.

• For the member: Seek connection with associate pastors, elders, or deacons, and build genuine relationships with them.

• For the church: Train and release more leaders to shepherd smaller groups of members, so every believer has someone walking with them.

3. The Temptation to Be a Spectator

Mega churches often have incredible worship teams and polished programs. While this can inspire, it can also create a consumer mindset where members come to “watch” church rather than participate in it.

James 1:22 urges us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Christianity was never designed to be a spectator sport.

• For the member: Look for opportunities to serve. No matter how big or small, serving moves you from being an observer to a contributor.

• For the church: Create plenty of volunteer opportunities so that the congregation is fully engaged in ministry, not just entertained by it.

4. Shallow or Surface-Level Relationships

With thousands of people in attendance, it’s easy to know a lot of names but very few hearts. Relationships may stay on the surface level, and members may never experience the deep community that makes the church family unique.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” That sharpening happens only in real, vulnerable relationships.

• For the member: Be intentional about pursuing a few deep friendships instead of trying to know everyone.

• For the church: Encourage discipleship groups, mentorship pairings, and life groups that foster deeper bonds.

5. Focus on Programs Instead of People

Large churches usually run a lot of programs, conferences, events, workshops, and ministries. While these can be powerful, sometimes the emphasis shifts from people to production. Members may begin to feel more like event attendees than family.

Acts 2:42 paints a different picture of the early church: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Their focus was people-centered, not program-centered.

• For the member: Don’t let your calendar get so full of church events that you neglect your own spiritual growth.

• For the church: Keep discipleship, prayer, and fellowship central; programs should serve people, not the other way around.

6. Spiritual Drift Without Accountability

In a large setting, it’s easy for someone’s spiritual life to decline unnoticed. A person can sit in the back row, quietly drift from the Lord, and never have anyone ask how they’re really doing.

Hebrews 3:12 warns us: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Accountability is essential.

• For the member: Find an accountability partner or prayer group to walk with you in your faith.

• For the church: Implement systems, whether digital tools, small groups, or personal check-ins, that help track spiritual health.

7. Feeling Lost in the Crowd

Finally, many people report feeling like “just another number” in a mega church. You can be surrounded by thousands and still feel lonely. The Good Shepherd reminds us, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). If Jesus knows us personally, His church should reflect that same care.

• For the member: Take the initiative to introduce yourself and build connections rather than waiting for others to notice you.

• For the church: Invest in pastoral care teams who ensure every member is valued, seen, and shepherded.

A Final Word

Large churches are not inherently bad. In fact, they can be powerful forces for evangelism, missions, and impact. But without intentional care, the very size that makes them effective can also make them impersonal.

The truth is, the responsibility falls on both sides. Members must be intentional about seeking connection, and churches must be deliberate about creating structures that make sure no one gets lost in the crowd. When both come together, even in a mega church, the body of Christ can still function as a true family.

About Larry W. Robinson

Larry W. Robinson is an inspirational speaker, life coach, faith-based author, and syndicated media personality with a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and creatives. As the founder and publisher of Gospel Updates Magazine and host of the nationally syndicated Larry W. Robinson Show, he has dedicated his life to uplifting voices in faith, music, and business. Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, Larry encourages people to live with honor, purpose, and impact. Learn more at www.ceolarry.com