Small churches aren’t just for small towns.
Big city people like small churches, too.
In fact, big cities need a lot more healthy, innovative, outward-reaching, God-honoring, neighborhood-blessing small churches.
When Big City People Have Small Church Needs
Some people love a really big church service. The crowd inspires and encourages them.
But a lot of people worship and minister best in smaller settings. They’re drawn in through a worship experience that is more intimate and relational. The size of the bigger church doesn’t draw them in, it puts them off.
And that doesn’t change just because they live in a big city.
People are typically lonelier in big cities and suburbs. The bigger the city, the shallower the relationships, so they’re looking for connection, intimacy, and family.
Cities Need Better Churches – Both Big and Small
Most people live in cities. It’s at 55 percent now, and is expected to top 70 percent by 2050. As cities grow, the personal, relational, and spiritual needs of people will grow, too.
If people are going to get out of bed on Sunday morning when they can stay at home and watch church on TV or the internet, there’s only one reason they’ll do that. Relationship. Worshiping Jesus with people they know, and who know them.
Small churches are how many people choose to answer that need.
But, now more than ever, they are putting one condition on their small church experience and expectation – especially in big cities. People won’t give up quality to gain intimacy. And they shouldn’t have to.
Big cities don’t just need bigger churches. We need better churches. Of all sizes.
A Call to Action
I have a request to pastors and church leaders who, like me, may not be called or gifted to lead a big church.
Take a serious look at planting a healthy, disciple-making, friendly, outward-reaching small church in a big city or suburb. Or leading an existing big city small church in a much-needed turnaround.
Planting or remaking a great small church in a big city won’t be easy. You’ll face opposition. Maybe even from established churches and church leaders who can’t see what you see.
But do it anyway.
Our cities are filled with the poor, the disenfranchised, the outcast, and the forgotten, but most churches aren’t.
Think different. Think quirky. Think niche.
Start a coffee shop church in Portland, a bohemian loft church in Manhattan or an artist’s studio church in Brussels, Belgium.
Calling Millennials and Bivocationals
We need innovative church leaders who aren’t constrained by how we’ve always done things. People who will try impossible things because they don’t know they’re impossible.
And we need church leaders who have a source of income outside the ministry. Strategic small churches don’t need full-time pastors or a building. They need committed, patient, innovative leaders.
If this has struck a chord in you, don’t shrug it off. Sit with it for a while. Pray about it. Talk with a mentor.
Then step out in faith. Our cities need you. And so does the church.
(Photo by Koen Jacobs | Flickr)
