There is a Place for the Small Church

My husband and I have a very long history of serving small churches. We served a small church in the suburbs of a large urban area, and we have served multiple churches in small rural areas. Some of these have been yoked. Some independent. But all small—under 100 members.

There are some difficulties in serving small churches. First, it is often hard for newcomers to break through and play a vital role in the small church. Such roles are often held by “long termers” and don’t become available very often.. Second, those who didn’t grow up in the church can sometimes find it difficult to make friends, especially if the church is comprised of multi-generational families who have grown up in it. Third, in contrast to the first two difficulties, some small churches welcome new members with great effusiveness—and then expect them to go to work, after just a couple of Sundays of attendance, in roles the current members are anxious to shed. “Feast or famine” often defines small churches—and sadly, leads to their decline.

Some small churches buck these pitfalls and are able to grow and thrive. My husband and I attend such a church right now. The members are warm and inviting. They let you know they are glad you are worshipping with them, but they do not immediately inundate you with assignments. The church we attend is truly a healthy church, well balanced in all ways—and reflecting the community it serves.

With this in mind, and with a heart centered on small churches, this week I read with great delight an article in Churchleadership.com entitled, “A New Way to View Vitality in Smaller Congregations,” by Lewis Parks, a minister who has served small churches. In this article, he lists several features that generate the vitality of small churches. He believes that small congregations need to be places where vital worship of God is maintained, serve as a surrogate family, be a blessing to the wider community, be known as having both “holy space” and mission space, and to focus on passing the faith to coming generations.

Reverend Parks believes that rather than focusing on growing bigger, small congregations should seek a “dynamic equilibrium” in balancing these key factors. In doing so, they will remain vibrant—and vibrancy is more important than size.

So how does your small church measure up?

In speaking of “vital worship,” Reverend Parks believes “a little cooperation with the Spirit on the part of those gathered, a little striving for excellence, a little freedom to express local religious creativity, and all things sprinkled with lots of hospitality” will sustain the church members throughout the week.

In describing the small church as a surrogate family, Reverend Parks advises that churches to remember that people are looking for a place where they are known by name, where they can share their hearts and resources and be enveloped in the warmth of family-like ties.

I really like the way Reverend Parks defines how small churches can be a blessing to their communities. He urges them to “summon the energy for local extroversion.” He references Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” He notes that “the congregation (with a future) is in touch with the community narrative and then insinuates its narrative into that one with a well-targeted ministry plan.”

To be a place that serves as a holy space and a place of mission, Reverend Parks encourages churches to “address obstacles to hospitality, the creeping issue of safety, and upgrades that improve ministry and mission.

Concerning the importance of passing the faith to the next generation, he states, “We rarely have enough children present at one time for group activity. Still, we must attend to the children we have, calling them by name, teaching the faith with a one-room-school-model, encouraging their active participation in the worship.”

I think Reverend Parks summarizes these vital components of small church vitality nicely. The only additions I would make are these:

1.      Preach the true Word of God and leave people with an understanding of how it applies to their lives outside the church;

2.      Announce the needs of the church and let people respond to them. Don’t pressure or coerce people into service;

3.      Recognize visitors but don’t smother them;

4.      Give them a reason to come back!

I love the small church. But like all living and growing organisms, it needs regular care and attention.

How does your church fare?

Where does it fall short?
How can you make a difference?

We are all needed! Jump in!