How Big Should a Church Be
Historical Account★★★★Thomas Helwys and loving service for our enemies. Roger Williams, founder of America’s first Baptist church, remarking on the career of the Apostle Paul, reminded those who oppose freedom of conscience that “these who appear soul-killers today, by the grace of Christ may prove, as Paul, soul-savers tomorrow.” (Acts 5:27-32; Gal 5:1) (Independence Day, Religious Liberty) (WLA) “Just How Big Should A Church Be?” In 161 1, Thomas Helwys published a remarkable little confession of faith in Amsterdam. The next year, he and a small church of perhaps ten others returned to England to face persecution and plant the General Baptist denomination in England.
Called “A Declaration of Faith of English People,” Article Sixteen speaks of the size of the church: That the members off everie Church or Congregacion ought to knowe one another, that so they may performe all the duties of love one towards another both to soule and bodie (Mat 18.15. 1 Thes 5.14. 1 Cor 12.25). And especiallie the Elders ought to know the whole flock, whereoff the HOLIE GHOST hath made them overseers (Acts 20.28; 1 Pet 5.2,3).
And therefore a Church ought not to consist off such a multitude as cannot have particuler knowledg one of another.’”
Also attributed to: Roger Williams
The point
Thomas Helwys's 1611 confession argues that a church must be small enough for members to know one another, while Roger Williams's quote about Paul reminds opponents of religious liberty that even persecutors may become soul-savers.