By the way, your arguing against home groups, we realise there are some exceptions,
Not arguing against home groups. Have said many times that home groups are great. But, I also believe that in some areas, such as where I live, a larger group works well. I believe the Lord gives us leeway as how to conduct our time of gathering.
Yes, we have one who serves as pastor, but as I stated, he acts as leader and has 12 or more who help him on a regular basis. He is not left alone to do an impossible job.
We do meet in small groups, six different groups divided by age, for an hour every Sunday morning and evening for Bible study, prayer, and discipleship training.
We than gather together for an hour and a half of singing and the preaching of the Word every Sunday morning and evening.
We also meet as a single group for two hours on Wednesday night for singing, praying and Bible study and fellowship.
So our congregation has an opportunity to meet for 7 plus hours each week.
Out Pastor and his wife also meet with the teens every Friday night for two to three hours for Bible study and fellowship.
And then our ladies meet every first and third Monday for Bible study and fellowship and the men meet ever second and fourth Monday for Bible study and fellowship.
Many, many opportunities to gather. Not every one takes opportunity to meet in all, but most do.
You meet in many locations and we meet in one central location.
Seems God is blessing your efforts and I know He is blessing ours.