Recently, I read a blog by Karl Vaters titled ‘Why Small Churches are the Next Big Thing.’ Great article. In it this statement is made:
“In the face of this reality, a new opportunity is emerging. In fact, there’s growing evidence this new generation will bring the greatest opportunity for small church ministry in 2,000 years. Why? Because, as the first generation with a majority born and raised outside traditional marriage, genuine relationships and intimate worship—what small churches do best—will matter more to them than it did to their parents.”
This intrigued me because I just finished teaching a seminary class last week called “Pastor in the Small Church” and two weeks ago I preached a sermon at a local Southern Baptist Association meeting called “The Small Church is the Right Size.”
My studies and experiences affirm the fact that the small church is in the best position to fulfill the Great Commission and meet the needs of our communities. I’ve seen all the cute “Bigger is Better” AT&T commercials. But that’s not always true for a church. A church’s size has no bearing on its value to God’s kingdom.
Francis Schaeffer once said, “There are no small churches. There are no big pastors.” Most churches in Christian history have been small. Most churches in America today are small. The first church was small – 13 members.
The Bible seems to approve of small more than big many times: Of the 12 men who inspected the Holy Land for Moses, only 2 approved the military campaign. God disapproved of Gideon’s army of 32,000 until it was whittled down to 300. The only one God used to conquer the BIG giant Goliath was the SMALL teenager David.
So let me share a few things to boost the morale of the small church. Instead of bigness as the criteria of success, let’s look at other factors.
1. If a church is successful because it gets things done, small churches are the right size.
Small churches can be simple. The smaller the church, the less complexity there is in terms of administration, finances, decision-making, levels of leadership and such. Simplicity is appealing to more and more people, especially those who are disenchanted with large organizations and bureaucracies. In a small church, if a decision needs to be made the pastor can meet with a couple of deacons between Sunday School and the Worship service. Potentially leaders can meet easily, quickly, and get things done.
2. If a church is successful because of opportunities to serve, small churches are the right size.
People are more likely needed in a small church. The roles to fulfill are not much different in a small church than a big church: public worship, Bible classes, leadership, etc. But since a large pool of members to choose from is unavailable, small churches use volunteers everywhere – in the office, clean buildings, mow the lawn, even pastor the church. Larger churches often have paid staff to do a lot of the work. Talent is often the criteria for service in a big church. But in a small church, availability is key. Many pastors, teachers, leaders and church members serving and attending in big churches were developed by small churches because they were given opportunity.
3. If a church is successful because of opportunities to grow, small churches are the right size.
Every church has an idea of what it means to ‘win.’ In most churches, winning is related to numbers – attendance and offering. In a small church, you have to find another measuring stick or you’ll get depressed. So small churches usually emphasize spiritual growth. And that’s not bad. The church is healthy and doing well if the members are growing, living out the faith in greater and greater ways, no matter the attendance.
4. If a church is successful because of relationships, small churches are the right size.
Even big churches see the need to make their church feel small to encourage relationships, often through small groups or Sunday School. Small churches are already small. A small church is one where almost everyone knows each other. Face-to-face interaction is much easier. We are more likely missed in a small church. One’s absence can be overlooked for several weeks in a large church. For those needing encouragement, this is important. It is too easy to get lost in a crowd. We need family who will notice when we begin to show signs of weakness. A small church is one where it is easier to develop a ‘family’ relationship. It is an opportunity to cross generational lines – young and old benefiting from each other’s strengths. The family of God is a wonderful blessing – a blessing most often experienced in small church.
I realize there may be negative reasons a church is small. That’s something to work on and maybe a later post toic. But with all the ‘bigger is better’ talk I thought it about time to echo that just because a church is small doesn’t mean something is wrong. As a matter of fact, it may be just the right size to be used of God to reach those often neglected by big churches. God loves to use small things.
Jesus said, “…I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18). Let’s concentrate on being the church, instead of building the church. That’s His job. Remember, Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Here are other articles I’ve written about ‘small church.’ 8 Ideas to keep a church feeling ‘small’ while growing, The elephant in the room – church attendance.
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