The Impact of Smaller Churches

Currently we are made up of several small congregations throughout the state of IL.  16% of our population in IL live in rural areas.  100 years ago, 60 % percent of IL residents were in rural areas.

So what is the future of smaller congregations?  Can they have a powerful impact? What is the definition of a small church?  It really depends on who you ask the question.  In our tribe, I define small as 50 and less.  In other regions or groups anything under 350 people is small.    Since my interest is in IL and our 90 churches then for the sake of this article, let's say 50 and under. 

SERVE THE COMMUNITY WELL

Communities, regardless of size need churches.  Harrisburg, IL has leaned heavily upon the churches in their community to organize and help heal the community from the tornadoes.  In fact, smaller churches can have a greater influence in smaller communities.  For years I served a church in the suburbs, thousands upon thousands of individuals and hundreds of churches all around.  Churches could disappear and few people would notice.  In a small community even the smallest church everyone would know. (and talked about all over town).  What breaks my heart is when I see small churches in small communities have little to no impact.

The Church of God in Benton keeps the city food pantry stocked and running smoothly. Marseilles runs an Awana Program for 6 kids in the community. Hazel Crest has a drive through prayer time for people that remain in their car and the people just pray.  Dixon has a back to school bash and Easter Egg hunt that reaches fives times their Sunday morning attendance.  Stanford Church of God is the ONLY church in the community.  

LARGE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

I have said, "if the church is reaching people for Christ, it should be growing."  I agree with that statement but let me make a few comments.  A large church could be large for many reasons - remember we are consumer based.  Recently a friend said to me that it surprised him that the church I served for over 20 years didn't grow more with the growth in the community.  Pretty humbling statement.  The church grew consistently for 20 years at a very slow rate but we in no way kept up with the population growth.  While other communities lost population, churches lost attendance but not at the pace of the population.  Were we reaching people for Christ?  Yes.  But the pool that I was fishing in was huge compared to a smaller congregation. 

Many churches have seen few people come to Christ over the last five years but have rendered wonderful service to the community.  They are building disciples and active in missions.  They are supporting others that are growing.  There investments are global.  The key for me is always vision.  I want every Church of God in IL to win people to Christ but even more than that I would say I want every church to reach her full kingdom potential; winning people Christ, discipling one another, sending young people into ministry, supporting other churches, investing in children, serving their community....

So to all of you who serve faithfully in smaller churches, I appreciate you.  I honor you for all you do for the glory of God.  You serve faithfully in places that are seldom recognized.  On behalf of a thankful State Pastor, I want to say thank you for pouring your heart and soul into ministry.  Remember the greatest reward comes from the One who has said that the last will be first.

Thank you!