A glass ceiling at 15,000

Ed Young, pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Dallas, Plano, Miami, FL. and maybe elsewhere says, that churches tend to hit a glass ceiling when their church rolls reach 15,000-17,000.

As I’ve talked to pastors of other large churches, we’re finding that the 15,000-17,000 mark is somewhat of a glass ceiling.
When you reach those numbers, ongoing challenges like traffic and crowd congestion move to new heights. That’s the point when you need to make critical decisions about satellites, building a bigger worship center and expanding other areas like children’s ministries, parking and more.
There’s not one right answer for every church, and we’re excited that God has led us, at this point in time, to expand through our other campuses. We’re finding that multiple locations allow us to reach diverse groups with the same great end result—a vibrant, healthy local church passionately committed to the Great Commission.


I personally feel that if a church is over 500 you should be hitting a glass ceiling. Can you as a pastor or church leadership truly be a shepherd to a flock over 500? I know there are many that say you can and that’s why you bring on new staff, bring on new pastors and initiate all sorts of ministries but I really think you’re no longer a church body at that point.
It reminds me of those cousins or second cousins you never ever see accept maybe at a wedding or a funeral. We have trouble getting to know all the new faces at encounter and we’re only averaging 200-250 a week.
I’ve been told that Dr. Criswell was once asked when First Baptist Dallas would build a new sanctuary. He said he never would. If his church was more than 2,000 in membership, they’d simply build another church in another area.
I personally think 2,000 is probably too high – but I agree with the sentiment.
Thoughts? Agree? Disagree?

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Jonathan Blundell

I'm a husband, father of three, blogger, podcaster, author and media geek who is hoping to live a simple life and follow The Way.

4 thoughts on “A glass ceiling at 15,000”

  1. I would’ve agreed with the over 500 is too much until I actually started going to Fellowship Church. First off, I know heaven will be a big place, so in my mind there is nothing wrong with a big Church. After all, the first example of a Church body in the Bible grew to thousands in it’s first day.

    Having said that, probably one of the biggest challenges that big Churches face is getting people connected. Fellowship Church has a great small group ministry called Hometeams. Through this ministry and other volunteer ministries at the Church, people can connect with others to ‘share life’ and also better connect to staff members.

    I was skeptical at first too, but it really works!

  2. I would’ve agreed with the over 500 is too much until I actually started going to Fellowship Church. First off, I know heaven will be a big place, so in my mind there is nothing wrong with a big Church. After all, the first example of a Church body in the Bible grew to thousands in it’s first day.

    Having said that, probably one of the biggest challenges that big Churches face is getting people connected. Fellowship Church has a great small group ministry called Hometeams. Through this ministry and other volunteer ministries at the Church, people can connect with others to ‘share life’ and also better connect to staff members.

    I was skeptical at first too, but it really works!

  3. Hey John,
    Thanks so much for your comment and insight. I have a friend with a similar experience. He visited Fellowship and didn’t see the point in all the videos, lights and “production” but he saw it as everyone’s talent and ministry and loves it.
    I love my church and can’t imagine going somewhere else now, but I know encounter’s not for everyone either.
    I’m glad to know that in the body of Christ there are all kinds and I’m glad we can find a place for each of us.
    Thanks again – hope you keep reading and commenting.

  4. Hey John,
    Thanks so much for your comment and insight. I have a friend with a similar experience. He visited Fellowship and didn’t see the point in all the videos, lights and “production” but he saw it as everyone’s talent and ministry and loves it.
    I love my church and can’t imagine going somewhere else now, but I know encounter’s not for everyone either.
    I’m glad to know that in the body of Christ there are all kinds and I’m glad we can find a place for each of us.
    Thanks again – hope you keep reading and commenting.

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