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5 More Principles Small Churches Can Learn from Megachurches
No one in ministry can afford the sin of arrogance. We miss out on too much when we think our way is the only way to do ministry, or that we can’t learn from others who do ministry differently than we do. That’s certainly true for pastors of Small Churches. While Small Church ministry is
Does Jesus Want Every Church to Be a Big Church?
“Jesus wants the church to grow!” I agree. How can I not? Jesus was the one who said, “I will build my church,” and I’ve found that arguing with him is not a recipe for health or happiness. “Jesus wants your church to grow!” Wait just a second. We often make that second statement as
Six Reasons Why “There Are No Small Churches” Isn’t True
“There are no Small Churches.” I’ve heard that sentiment expressed on many occasions from well-meaning people after I tell them I pastor a Small Church. I get where they’re coming from because I used to be one of them. I said “there are no small churches” for years because I believed the lie that Small
Six Reasons Why “There Are No Small Churches” Isn’t True
“There are no Small Churches.” I’ve heard that sentiment expressed on many occasions from well-meaning people after I tell them I pastor a Small Church. I get where they’re coming from because I used to be one of them. I said “there are no small churches” for years because I believed the lie that Small
It’s Time for Small Churches to Become Great Churches
Where are all the great Small Churches? Would you know one if you saw one? They exist. There’s no doubt about that. There are great Small Churches in every country, serving every ethnic group and virtually every language. They worship in every imaginable style of music, and they meet in every type of building – including
It’s Time for Small Churches to Become Great Churches
Where are all the great Small Churches? Would you know one if you saw one? They exist. There’s no doubt about that. There are great Small Churches in every country, serving every ethnic group and virtually every language. They worship in every imaginable style of music, and they meet in every type of building – including
Why Are There So Many Unhealthy Small Churches? (Don’t Worry, It’s Good News)
“I like the idea of Small Churches. But if they’re so great, why do I see so many more unhealthy Small Churches than unhealthy big churches?” That’s the question I was asked last week during an extended conversation with a Small Church pastor. The question wasn’t from cynicism or unkindness. It was out of genuine
The Man Who Saved the World by Thinking Small: A D-Day Tribute
If you’re a Small Church pastor who feels like your church has been devalued because of your size, you’re in good company. One of the the unsung heroes of World War II faced the same problem. Andrew Jackson Higgins was a New Orleans boat builder who saw the importance of something very small, that no
We’re Pushed to Build Bigger Churches – Who Catches Us When We Fall?
The push to build bigger churches continues full steam ahead in many (maybe most) American denominations. In the past few weeks, I’ve received several cries for help from Small Church pastors because of the damage this push is causing. Today I’m posting two of those messages. One was a comment on this blog. The other was a
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Author
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Karl Vaters produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.
He's the author of five books on church leadership, including his newest, De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next. His other books include The Grasshopper Myth and Small Church Essentials.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring in-depth interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.
You can follow Karl on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, or Contact Karl to inquire about speaking, writing, and consultation.
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