Monday, May 19, 2008
Big Dreams for a Small Church
I've always been a big fan of small churches. That's partly because I don't fully understand how megachurches "do" real church, and partly because I prefer the rawness, freedom and community that comes from a smaller worship gathering. Is it awkward at times? You bet. A little clumsy and unpolished? Sometimes. Yet those elements, to me, are exactly why small churches are such a treasure.
I love that there doesn't have to be soft music playing behind every prayer, altar call or offering. I love that you can get to know—really know—the people sitting next to you, and that building real relationships isn't an option when it's impossible to hide among the crowds. (What crowds?!) And maybe more than anything, I love that small churches allow everyone to be a key, active part of the body. No sideline-sitters (or at least not for long), all players. Because in small churches, everyone brings something of value.
My wife and I are currently experiencing the natural highs and lows of leading in a small church. I've never seen a church so poised for growth, and yet I'm excited because at the heart, growth isn't really the issue—being the true body of Christ is. Sure, we'll all rejoice when we begin to see God bringing dozens of new people in the doors each week. But for now, there's an excitement knowing we're simultaneously ready and still being prepared, yet the point is not how many people show up on Sundays but whether we ministered to God and those He's given us for now. We are a church full of individuals facing tough issues and rough times—which is yet another reason I feel blessed to be there. Because if there's one thing I know about God, it's that He loves hanging out with the down-and-outers!
I love that there doesn't have to be soft music playing behind every prayer, altar call or offering. I love that you can get to know—really know—the people sitting next to you, and that building real relationships isn't an option when it's impossible to hide among the crowds. (What crowds?!) And maybe more than anything, I love that small churches allow everyone to be a key, active part of the body. No sideline-sitters (or at least not for long), all players. Because in small churches, everyone brings something of value.
My wife and I are currently experiencing the natural highs and lows of leading in a small church. I've never seen a church so poised for growth, and yet I'm excited because at the heart, growth isn't really the issue—being the true body of Christ is. Sure, we'll all rejoice when we begin to see God bringing dozens of new people in the doors each week. But for now, there's an excitement knowing we're simultaneously ready and still being prepared, yet the point is not how many people show up on Sundays but whether we ministered to God and those He's given us for now. We are a church full of individuals facing tough issues and rough times—which is yet another reason I feel blessed to be there. Because if there's one thing I know about God, it's that He loves hanging out with the down-and-outers!
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I agree I love going to a small church. I like knowing the people.
I laugh when they laugh & cry when they are hurting. I like to be able to call my pastor when I have a need or a concern. We are a church family.
PO
I laugh when they laugh & cry when they are hurting. I like to be able to call my pastor when I have a need or a concern. We are a church family.
PO
# posted by 
: 8:33 PM
: 8:33 PM
That's a good word from a good man. I have to agree that small churches offer prime opportunity for folks to experience authentic community and intimate worship, that's why I pastor one. But what happens in the small church shouldn't stay in the small church. We have to take that experience and share it with the Church worldwide. For the small church to have big influence we must be willing to reach outside ourselves and link up with others around us. Thanks for the word Marcus.
# posted by : 3:25 PM
: 3:25 PM
G. Metz
my church is considered to be small numerically. However, we are a great congregation with members who genuinely care for each other only after we learn what it means to be "witnesses" for the Lord. In order to be a good witness for the Lord, in small churches,each member takes seriously the Scripture that says, let us remember to assemble ourselves togethr for: Bible study, prayer, worship and sweet fellowship. This is where we gain power to obey God's Word in a small churh.
my church is considered to be small numerically. However, we are a great congregation with members who genuinely care for each other only after we learn what it means to be "witnesses" for the Lord. In order to be a good witness for the Lord, in small churches,each member takes seriously the Scripture that says, let us remember to assemble ourselves togethr for: Bible study, prayer, worship and sweet fellowship. This is where we gain power to obey God's Word in a small churh.
# posted by : 2:07 PM
: 2:07 PM
I go to a Vineyard church in western Canada. A friend had suggested her church, one of the mega-churches, but when she found out where I ended up her response was interesting: "You'll feel more at home there."
I felt at home almost immediately. The pastor returned my initial phone message to learn about the church within a couple of hours, although I had left it on a Saturday night, and we talked for about 45 minutes.
The people are warm. There's enthusiasm. And an incredible love for the Lord and a down-to-earth vision -- but not to be a mega church. The church feels called to be a 24/7 operation to worship a 24/7 God, welcoming people at all hours, including people who might be turned away elsewhere, transitional housing, etc.
With less than $1,000 in the building fund we have no choice but to depend on God. And some of us feel that He wants to see how well we do church without walls before He gives us walls.
Our pastor works from a small desk in his bedroom, a whole range of coffee shops in the area, and the sidewalks where homeless people are met at night, and offered freshly made sandwiches and a listening/loving ear.
I have nothing against the big churches, but am sure glad this small church could welcome me and others in such a big way.
Daly
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I felt at home almost immediately. The pastor returned my initial phone message to learn about the church within a couple of hours, although I had left it on a Saturday night, and we talked for about 45 minutes.
The people are warm. There's enthusiasm. And an incredible love for the Lord and a down-to-earth vision -- but not to be a mega church. The church feels called to be a 24/7 operation to worship a 24/7 God, welcoming people at all hours, including people who might be turned away elsewhere, transitional housing, etc.
With less than $1,000 in the building fund we have no choice but to depend on God. And some of us feel that He wants to see how well we do church without walls before He gives us walls.
Our pastor works from a small desk in his bedroom, a whole range of coffee shops in the area, and the sidewalks where homeless people are met at night, and offered freshly made sandwiches and a listening/loving ear.
I have nothing against the big churches, but am sure glad this small church could welcome me and others in such a big way.
Daly
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