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In this post, we’ll be going over the beauty of small churches and what serving among the congregation means and looks like. Learn how effective leadership development in your church can begin to change your church culture in ways you didn’t know were possible! Keep reading to find out:

  • How the truth of the Bible extends beyond eternal salvation to be helpful and practical in all aspects of our lives
  • How being nimble is a unique gift in small churches that allows us to join God when He surprises us and goes off script
  • Thoughts on encouraging and equipping others to share in significant ministry to one another

The Missing Piece To The Puzzle

Oftentimes, I think we miss something when we talk about evangelism and churches that are doing outreach. We are so quick to try and bring people into our church and continue to boost our numbers that we miss an entire piece of the puzzle. Jesus didn’t just come to save our souls, He came to be an integrated part of our lives! He has so much to say about our spirit, soul, mind, and emotions, and we need to remember that He wants all of us, every part of our being.

Because Jesus came down and saved me, and I can now have a relationship with God, everything else in my life will be affected. It will work its way toward changing my relationships with others and the view I have of myself. It’s supposed to affect everything! In a broader sense, when He saves our soul, it’s an eternal salvation, but it also deeply affects everything here and now! This is a big piece of transformation. 

Dealing With The Struggle Of Church Growth

The internal fear that we all have when it comes to our church numbers is too common. When the numbers drop below 50 or even 30 it can often strike us with a fear and a level of uncertainty that is hard to manage. I want to offer a change in thought. Instead of immediately concerning yourself with ways to increase your numbers, take a step back and appreciate the people who are around you. Try to be as helpful as you can to the people who are right in front of you. 

Our focus should be less on how many more people we can get to come and more on how to serve, help, and encourage the people who are already here. The people around you, their motivation, faithfulness, and commitment are beautiful. They are gaining value from your church, and they are returning! It’s important to try and reach a place of contentment, where we can embrace being a small church and everything that comes with that. We have such a great opportunity to be like Jesus.

The Beauty Of Small Churches

There is something special that happens when we embrace small church ministry. In small churches, there is a higher value for the individual. Each person is seen, held in mind, and known. Because we are part of a small church, we have an incredible opportunity to do ministry differently. We don’t have to follow the standard mold for modern churches, we can create a new model entirely. 

Every single person in your congregation has the opportunity to contribute in whatever way they can. They can use the unique gifts that God has given them, to create and cultivate a space that is safe, meaningful, and organic. Because we are part of a small church, we get to actively bear witness to people who, in other settings, would never have the opportunity to pray publicly or bring up an idea and be able to own it and run with it. However, they have the chance to do all of that and develop their skills in a small church. 

Intentional Leadership Development In Your Church

Within the leadership roles in your small church, it can be difficult to juggle everything at the same time. More often than not, you have one person trying to run multiple programs at a time. This can be extremely exhausting and can even cause burnout. However, it doesn’t have to be this way! What if you were a part of a small church whose congregation was just as involved as you are? 

One of the best ways I’ve learned to do this is by teaching people into things. Lead them to becoming potential leaders. Explain to people that you are all in this together. This space and this church are everyone’s. It is shared. Encourage your fellowship to get involved. If they have an idea, let them know that they don’t need you to bring this idea to fruition, they can do it themselves Give them the permission to run with their ideas, develop them, and run with them. 

This allows everyone to focus on things they’re specifically passionate about, alongside the oversight, which is part of the pastoral role. People will gain a new perspective on their purpose or role in the church too!

Getting Through The Scariness Of Change

I recognize that this proposition probably left some of you feeling extremely anxious or panicky because some of the control you had won’t be there anymore. Things you used to ensure were done a certain way will probably shift. However, that might be a good thing. There is definitely a risk element involved, but I think it is worth it because of how organic things will become. You get the chance to enable and facilitate across the congregation. Each person will bring something new to each task or ministry. They have their own ideas and their own passions that will create such a beautiful space. 

Yes, the transition period will be scary, and it might take some time for things to start happening, but can you imagine the result? People will have new ideas and new passions, your whole congregation will know their purpose and their gifts. People will begin to inspire each other! There is so much potential for some really great things.

Change is scary, and not being in control of everything can be just as scary, but it also can be an incredible opportunity to change the culture of your small church. Small churches are so special, and being a part of them gives you a chance to do church a little differently. I encourage you to spend time thinking and praying about this, and letting God direct it all. He can do big things in the midst of a small church.

Read More:

Embracing Change In Small Church Ministry 

Increase Commitment, Longevity, & Passion In Service: For Leaders & Volunteers

3 Effective Strategies For Setting Volunteers Up For Success