Vital Small Churches

A church's existence is not justified merely because of its age or historic location. A church exists solely for God's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Churches of any size are called to have a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose that guides everything the church does. This does not require a lot of people. Vitality happens when even a few people possess a powerful sense of God's presence and call upon their lives!

The majority of churches (about 70 percent) in our denomination are small, defined as no more than 200 members. The temptation of a small church is to dwell in a scarcity mind-set: "What can we few do?" The healthier, more productive and faithful question (for any church) is, "What can God do through our congregation in this place and time?" This positive, abundance mind-set is the attitude of a vital congregation. The size of the membership will determine how, but not whether the church goes about its mission and ministry.

What are some of the indicators of a vital congregation? A vital congregation

• is a Christ-centered, transformational, relational community, where each person's name and gifts are known and laity are equipped and engaged in leadership;

• nurtures faith in each person by sharing the Bible, each person's story, and service, both individually and through an intentional system of small groups;

• preserves a sense of continuity and presence, despite obstacles or changes, with strong pastoral and lay leadership;

• responds to human need in a caring, gracious way with dignity and respect, supported by worship that empowers and enlarges the Christian life.

Writer and editor Brandon O'Brien, in "Five Strategic Advantages of Small Churches," notes five strengths that smaller churches, particularly, can use with great effectiveness.

• Authenticity. "First, be yourself. ... Second, make sure your behavior lines up with your stated convictions."

• Lean and Focused. Instead of running many generic programs, the small church should zero in on one or two programs that focus on the unique needs of the local context.

• People-powered. If a small church limits the number of programs it runs, then the bulk of the church's ministry has to come from its members. Empowering and releasing members to minister in the community requires that you know your congregants well enough to know what they are passionate about, gifted for, and already involved in.

• Intergenerational Relationships. Students who seek a church home after high school are those who have had meaningful relationships with other adults in the church besides their parents or have been given opportunities to serve younger children in the church, and so are more likely to view the church as important to their lives.

• Ministry on the Margins. The largest churches attract a fairly well-defined demographic. The average age of a mega-church attendee is forty. Nearly a third of them are single and, on the whole, the mega-church crowd is more educated and wealthier than the average members of smaller churches. But smaller, nimbler churches can reach the people who fall outside this demographic.

(Adapted from http://www.sermoncentral.com/pastors-preaching-articles/ brandonobrien-five-strategic-advantages-of-small-churches-740.asp.)

Small but vital churches embody Christ's activity in the world. The trap is in thinking, "We have to get bigger to get better." Freeing, energizing action comes in realizing, "We have to get better to get bigger," though bigger is not a worthy goal in itself. The goal is to focus on what God would have you do. Being faithful to and focused on the mission is what draws others in.

Think about the attitude that church members have about themselves as the church. Do they focus on assets, gifts, and relationship with God to be out in ministry, or do they seek to hold on to whatever is left from days gone by?

Biblical Witness

God has a special love and purpose for things that are small. Just as God once lifted up the tiny nation of Israel to be a witness, God still calls the small church to do the same. Jesus taught that the meek and lowly were especially blessed (Luke 6:20-23), that the widow's mite was a valued offering (21:1-4), and that seeking the one lost sheep truly mattered (15:1-7). These passages focus on nurture of the people of Christ.

The writer of Deuteronomy reminded Israel that God chose and loved them not because they were numerous but because they were "the fewest of all peoples" (7:7a), yet Isaiah taught that they were to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:5-6). Jesus taught that the tiny mustard seed had great potential (Luke 13:18-19). These Scripture passages illustrate God's call to ministries of outreach and witness.

The apostle Paul, writing to the community in Corinth, celebrated that "A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. ... In the church, God has appointed first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then miracles, then gifts of healing, the ability to help others, leadership skills, different kinds of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12: 7, 28). In the small house churches, or even a cluster of them in a wider community, Paul affirmed that in the divine economy, the people of faith are gifted with the resources they need to be in ministry and mission.

Flowing from this, we can see four basic assumptions that guide all healthy small churches.

• The congregation has a strong sense of God's mission in the world. This purpose drives the vision, stewardship, and commitment of the congregation.

• The ministry of the baptized — lay and clergy — is claimed and celebrated, and it fosters a strong sense of identity. All are included and respected, regardless of differences among them.

• There is a strong connection between church and community. The church knows the community, has clarity about its capacity to serve, and seeks effective ways to do so.

• Discipleship is primary, not a pastime. Making disciples and growing in discipleship are the priorities that guide every decision.

Model...