Featured Small churches

I know of at least one small church in our town that is not dead and is striving mightily to reach the lost. It will never be a large church as that decision has been made. When it reaches a certain size it will become two churches.

One of the downsides of the church growth movement has been the killing off of small churches as one in town becomes the local mega, and another downside is that we forgot as we grow to also multiply.

 

I agree. We've recently taken steps to do just that in our church. How big do you think is "too big"?

 

So, what is that magic number? And, will that number be the same for all of us?

I understand the rationale for forming a new congregation when that number is reached. But it may not work in every locality.

Here's why. I live in the Western part of Kentucky. There is a Baptist church of one stripe or another almost on every corner, it seems. In a five-mile stretch on our road there are two Independent Baptist churches and three Southern Baptist churches. I'm guessing that anyone in my county can reach a Baptist church within 20 minutes.

So, is there a need to plant new churches in an area like this?

If there is, please explain why?

There are plenty of unchurched people around us. Would they possibly attracted to a new church plant when they weren't attracted to any of the existing churches.

This is an important subject to discuss. I am eager to hear more.

 

Tom, I live in a similar type area, a number of Baptist churches everywhere, these thoughts below have helped me understand better the need to plant even in the "Bible Belt"

 

200 is that church's maximum goal, although if feasible they will split at 100.

This is a poverty area--not many sound evangelical churches--and also mountainous terrain.

Many people probably would attend with a church in walking distance (poverty means many have no cars.)

Our town is small in population but spread out up several canyons and on a couple of benches. Often a simple 7-10 minute drive across town is treacherous. Multiplying means churches more easily in reach.

Splits would also allow for cultural diversity. We are not all English speakers here. We have some very distinct ethnicities that potentially could be better served if the language/culture/music were their own.

And part of the goal is to grow more capable leaders.

 

Some small church pastors have it right in that they are satisfied where God has placed them in ministering to the Christians in the church. It depends on the pastor's real motives. Too many pastors are really trying to increase the size of their church to enhance their careers. Perhaps these pastors have even convinced themselves that their main motive is to reach souls. You seldom hear of a pastor who does not have to leave, being called to a smaller church with less opportunities for advancement.

 

I totally agree....so how does a church grow in spirituality?

 

When members can attend regularly yet comfortably remain aloof, then I think it's gotten too big.

 

So you believe it could vary from church to church, depending on commitment to community and fellowship? Just asking ... believe it or not, a legitimate question! :laugh:

 

What do people have to do with it? Isn't it about your relationship with Christ?

 

This answer is more from the view of the person attending the church and not the pastor or their ambitons! Sorry!

You can look at this two ways .... you can be a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond! Not every pastor with a large church will end up like Warren, or Osteen, or DuPlantis!

There are good large churches, and good small churches. I think some people like a large, mega church because it is where the action is, because they can get lost, and they can count it as going to church each week, without the need to volunteer and help out. Also, a mega church can carry a name and that looks good on a personal resume and in name dropping sessions with peers!

I have come across people, new to the community who asked me, where is a large church witha good name and a solid pastor. Most of these folks want to be associated with a thriving church, because it may help them and their business such as a person in sales, and getting ots of good contacts!

Me, I prefer a more intimate church. If it has a few hundred folks, that is my niche in life.

The problem with small is, it is not as valueable to be associated with, if you are a social climber.

Then there is the small, but large church, in a small town! In a small community, maybe a church of 250 is like a mega church! It all depends on the person and their slant on what is important and more importantly why it is important!

As for a pastor .... maybe they want to tend to the flock they have in a more intimate manner, and a large group would hinder their ability to nurture the folks and really get to know them. Other pastors may be dead on the vine and their fruits may be bearing them out!

I look forward to more answers. Thanks for the OP!

 

It wouldn't vary significantly, and not on the basis of commitment, but on feasibility. No matter how committed one is, there are only so many relationships that can be maintained, and I'm not talking about close relationships.

 

...and about how you build up others.

 

Yes it is but it is also a fellowship of believers.

 

I agree 100%. How do you feel about large churches adopting a small-groups program?

 

That would be a new one for me. What church does that?

 

Often mentioned but never displayed. NOT REALLY!

No thats not true.....I once saw it this played in 1999 but now the guys dead. I now live in a post Christian environment.