Some of the challenges we have faced since we started the church have been valuable lessons for us and hopefully others that plant large growing congregations in the future. The reality of most church plants is that they normally last 2 years before they decline and close. Here in South Wales the average size church is between 25-30 people and most are maintaining some historical event or building rather than growing and reaching new people. Our church was birthed and within months we had seen significant growth and witnessed many coming to faith in Christ. It became quickly apparent that we were now a large congregation. Im not aware of there being any ‘mega-churches’ here in South Wales, yet! A mega-church means that a church has an average weekly attendance of 2,000. So what is a large church? In our context our average weekly attendance is over 500 which has challenges that smaller churches may not face. Here are some of those challenges and lessons.

Suspicion

The amount of suspicion surrounding our church has been quite a shock, when we were smaller in number most churches celebrated us being in the area, then when we witnessed exponential growth it seemed we were not to be trusted and became subject of a lot of suspicion.

Envy

I was aware having pastored a ‘mega-church’ before returning to Wales to start Victory that we would be the subject of envy. Churches would run us down and accuse of us of all kinds of nonsense as what we were seeing was exposing their lack. The Bible exhorts us to rejoice with those that rejoice, and as God was moving mightily we became the subject of complaints from leadership’s within other churches!

Their loveless

Some of those accusations that relate to a large church is that ‘people are not loved’, this is completely untrue, there are more people to love and to be loved! In any smaller congregation everybody knows everybody’s business including the pastors private life. A large church operates not in a better way but a different way as the people understand the demands upon their pastor and care for one another under his leadership. If a church wants to remain small all it has to do is make sure that pastor concentrates on taking care of the 30  people and rather than raise leaders and empower them for the work of the ministry he does it all himself- the one man band ‘pastor’.

Prosperity church

This one is hilarious, but we have been called a ‘rich’ church and a ‘prosperity church’. As soon as a church gets large it will face these perceptions. One person thought I had 4 top of the range cars and I was a millionaire!! I have to be honest here and tell you I take no salary from our church and serve with no financial burden to our congregation. Our church is run on a shoe string budget and most of our congregation are on welfare! We have an awesome volunteer army and people who do everything with excellence which maybe the reason why we are called a prosperity church.

Separatists

The word ‘separatists’ suggests we have nothing to do with other churches yet our experience has been that smaller churches are more protective over their dogma than larger ones. Large churches are secure about their doctrinal stance and can happily and openly dialogue and share with others. We are part of ‘churches together’ in our town of Cwmbran and we are glad to serve and be part of a unified body representing Christ to our town. When we joined we were told that other evangelical churches refused to join as they saw it as compromise. These are the churches that see us as ‘separatists!

Sheep stealers

All large churches will see transfer growth as well as new conversions, in 12 months we have had 248 first time decisions and others have joined us by moving to the area or by leaving their existing churches. We don’t steal sheep, because firstly they belong to God and secondly we concentrate on feeding the sheep! The key factor with many that have come to us has been the preaching/teaching and our children’s program.

What have you got to say?

It does seem that if any controversial ministry roles into town we have to comment on it and tell people what we think. Im probably one of the most vocal when it comes to speaking out but I have learnt hat sometimes to say nothing means it gives them no platform. Once a large church has established a healthy congregation it has more pressing matters than to argue over doctrine with the next spiritual fad.

Pastoring Victory Church and overseeing it’s growth has been challenging yet very rewarding. I have a great team of men around me that carry the weight and volunteers that are dedicated to our mission. These are just some of the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.

Pastor Richard

Come and join us at Victory Church Cwmbran Campus On Saturday, 10th of December at 7pm.

Chris Eaton along with his wife Abby will be at Victory Church Cwmbran campus presenting their Christmas Production “Birthday of the King”.
Having written such Christmas classics as Saviour’s Day for Sir Cliff Richard, Chris will be performing a mixture of traditional Christmas songs as well as material from his recent project Ethemal Hymns.

Hi Everyone,

Please be aware that this weekend there wont be a service at Victory Church Merthyr Campus instead the service will be held at the Cwmbran Campus at 6PM.

See you all there!

This weekend at our 11am service we are pleased to announce that we will be inducting Gareth Davies as a Campus Pastor. Gareth was a successful businessman and has been involved with church ministry for many years, his experience will be valuable as the church continues to grow. We will also be inducting Pastor Sergio our Brazilian Pastor who acts as the campus Pastor at our Merthyr Tydfil church plant. Come along and support them as we continue to rejoice in the goodness of God.

Discovering Christ Through John Part 34 from Victory Church on Vimeo.