Pastoring a small church can be frustrating.
We look around at our big church counterparts and it’s easy to wonder what it would be like if our church had all those resources.
So, sometime we play the “what if…” game.
We imagine ourselves in those churches, with those resources and we start thinking, if our church was bigger we could…
If Our Church Was Bigger, We Could… Read More »
Pastoring a small church can be frustrating.
We look around at our big church counterparts and it’s easy to wonder what it would be like if our church had all those resources.
So, sometime we play the “what if…” game.
We imagine ourselves in those churches, with those resources and we start thinking, if our church was bigger we could…
If Our Church Was Bigger, We Could… Read More »
Oh my. That question.
“How can you say your church is healthy if it’s not growing?”
If I’ve been asked it once…
But I still don’t know how to answer it.
I wish I did. Because it’s a perfectly valid question.
But life doesn’t tie itself up in tidy answers to tough questions like we wish it did. At least it hasn’t for this question. Not for me and the great church I serve. Not yet, anyway.
If Your Church Is Healthy, Why Is It Still Small? Read More »
Small churches aren’t just smaller versions of big churches. They have unique gifts, challenges and methods of operation.
But not everyone realizes that fact. Including some small church pastors.
This often leads to frustration when we go to ministerial conferences or read pastoral books. Most (usually all) of the speakers and authors are from large churches, so they offer large church solutions. But when we try to implement them, many of them don’t work for us.
It’s not that the speakers and authors are giving bad advice. It’s just that what works for a big church, often doesn’t work in a smaller one.
Only In a Small Church: Sometimes You Gotta Kill Cockroaches Read More »
When public schools cut back on funds and have to let teachers go, what’s the biggest worry for every parent? They don’t want the class size to be too big. Even if there’s a teacher’s assistant, they want their child to have the teacher’s attention.
We understand the value of breaking into smaller groups for schools and sports. Even megachurches understand the value of getting their members to join a small group. So why do we devalue it in smaller churches?
Yes, there is value in large groups. I love big and megachurches for what they add to the body of Christ. But there is something wonderful to be gained in a church youth group where the youth pastor knows every kid by name, school and family situation.
The Value of a Small Church: Personalized Major League Coaching Read More »
Do you have some creative, practical, encouraging ideas about small church ministry? If you can write about them in a clear, concise manner, CTPastors might want to publish an article from you.
For the first time ever, ChristianityToday.com has a section entirely devoted to small church ministry! And they’re looking for great content from pastors like you.
If you’re interested, here are some ideas about how to get started.
CTPastors Has a Small Church Section – And They Want to Hear From You! Read More »
Many churches want to start an internship ministry because they need help and want free labor.
But there’s no such thing as free labor. An internship will cost your church a great deal of time, energy, money and other resources. In fact, it is likely to cost you more than it will pay you back – at least in the short run.
There’s only one good reason for a church to start an internship ministry. Because you want to invest in the next generation of ministers.
10 Essential Ingredients for Running an Effective Small Church Internship Read More »
Was yesterday a tough Sunday, pastor?
Again?
You did everything you know to do.
You prepared, prayed and studied all week long.
A couple days ahead of time, you got in touch with volunteers to remind them this was their Sunday to teach, sing, usher, and so on.
You arrived early, unlocked the doors, made sure everything was clean, and turned on the heat, lights and sound.
But at least one volunteer didn’t show up. No reason. Just didn’t.
You scrambled to find someone to cover for them. But that position stayed empty. Again.
Still, you battled through.
Jesus Didn’t Wake Up this Morning Depressed By the Size of Your Church Read More »
Interning at a church is one of the best ways to prepare for pastoral ministry. Or to determine that pastoral ministry is not your calling (a distinction that is essential to know – and the sooner, the better.)
It’s also a wonderful opportunity for a church to expand its ministry outreach by participating in training the next generation of church leaders.
The first challenge is starting your program. Specifically, how do you get your first intern?
10 Steps to Get an Internship Ministry Started In a Small Church Read More »
Jesus was a small church pastor.
Every time I say that, people rush to remind me that massive crowds followed Jesus. Which, of course, is true.
It’s also true that Jesus is the founder, the savior, the builder and sustainer of the Church – all believers at all times and in all places. And, starting with 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost, that’s never been small.
But Jesus also had a very pastoral relationship with a specific group of people that, by virtually any definition, we would call a small church.
Are You a Small Church Pastor? So Was Jesus Read More »
