Small churches are not better than big churches. Big churches aren’t better than small ones.
The arguments we have about size are silly, dangerous, and missing the point. Everyone has something unique to contribute.
But small churches have a resilience that often goes underappreciated.
Small churches have always been and will always be the most common, most resilient, and most adaptable expression of the body of Christ.
Individual congregations of all sizes will come and go, but there will always be small pockets of believers who meet to worship Jesus, read his Word, fellowship together, and share the good news with their neighbors.
The Unkillable Small Church
Small churches are like the cockroaches of the Christian world. (Stick with me, this is actually a good thing.)
After whatever cultural nuclear bomb comes along to destroy all other visible expressions of the church, small congregations will scurry out from under the baseboards, alive and well.
When the money runs out, small churches will find a way to keep going.
When there’s a failure of leadership, small churches will lead themselves.
After denominations topple, small churches will rise up.
After what’s old and stale has faded away, small churches will adapt to a new reality.
After what’s cool and new starts feeling cliched and trite, small churches will still matter.
The Adaptable Small Church
After most of our church buildings, both large and small, are empty, demolished, or converted into hipster apartments, small churches will find somewhere else to meet.
After we’ve grown sick of programs and events, small churches will thrive on relationships.
After we’ve torn ourselves apart with politically charged rhetoric, small churches will still be there to bring God’s people together.
After persecution has come, small churches will meet in secret.
After our plans have failed, small churches will still be a big part of God’s plan.
(Photo by Neil Mulholland | Flickr)
