Geoff Leslie wrote:

That’s very good, Rowland. I have developed a similar comparison between rural churches and urban churches based on some sociology from Frederick Toonies. It roughly equates to your family /mega distinction but is really highlighting the mentality of a long-term settled community (rural church, aboriginal tribe) with a short-term, on-the-move group (urban mindset). As I compare the two, I prefer many of the values of rural-small churches – that’s probably because i work with them. But ultimately it is not important what we LIKE but that we UNDERSTAND our constituents. Is that the point of your exercise? Small / Large

Long-term associations/ Large turnover – shorter stay

Know everybody /Know some

Know people in their whole context/ Know people mainly in their role in the organisation

Individual known as part of family/ Families are often not known

Strong sense of belonging to group/ Contractual belonging (I’m loved as long as I perform)

High identification with building/ More committed to program

Older individuals valued more /Active individuals valued more

Cyclical or seasonal view of events/ Value newness, novelty, creativity

Oral communication primary /Written communication primary

Status determines rights and duties/ Elected to positions

Relationships an end in themselves /Relationships help achieve goals

Social recognition motivates/ Achieving benefits motivates

Stability over time is valued /Change over time is valued

Tradition is very positive /Tradition is largely a negative

Join by adoption /Join by attendance