Small Church

“The average Christian congregation…[has] just 65 members, about a third of whom are age 65 or older, according to a 2020 pre-pandemic survey. By contrast, a separate 2020 study found that three-quarters of megachurches were growing, many at a rapid clip.” - NPR

“Sure we want to stretch toward a greater potential, but not with the result of an inept and fake experience.” - Phil Cooke

“We couldn’t compete, so we didn’t try. We were just ourselves—faithful nobodies who wanted God to use them.” - Chuck Lawless

“…the majority of churchgoers do attend larger churches. So, we understand the objection….We would rather partner with smaller churches to help them reach more people rather than assume they don’t have the capability to grow.” - Thom Rainer

“… the members know one another. … I know every member. I’ve learned where he grew up, her vocation, his joys and sorrows, which of her kids has wandered from the Lord. So when we break for a time of fellowship, we’re actually having fellowship.” - TGC

“Barber is the first SBC president in nearly two decades not to emerge from an urban or suburban megachurch.” - RNS

“We start our service with our ‘one another’ time. We give announcements and greet one another, but then we clearly shift to a God focus. We tell people this is what we are doing with a transition statement that goes something like this.” - Kevin Schaal

“If we are in a small congregation, we ought to rejoice in our close fellowship, in the ordinary work of God lived out with the people whom God has placed us among. At the same time, we ought to see growth as a good gift and as a blessing when the Lord brings it.” - Ref21

“After a few years of pastoral ministry, I realized I didn’t fit the mold of a typical church planter, much less an urban one. Rural ministry, on the other hand, suits me just fine. What do I love so much about ministry in a small place?” - TGC

“There are plenty of challenges for small congregations, but they also bring unique strengths.” - CToday