Recently, I was invited to speak at a denominational conference, which I’m always happy to do. It’s great that they’re starting to recognize the need for small-church voices.
But the denominational representative spent a significant amount of our conversation making sure I wouldn’t say anything to alienate big churches. This is a common request, and I understand the concern. I don’t want to alienate them, either.
But it makes me wonder. Do they ask the same thing of the big-church pastors that usually speak at these events?
Not to be rude, but if they are asking the big-church speakers not to offend the sensitivities of the small-church pastors, most of those speakers don’t seem to be taking the request very seriously.
Small-church pastors are expected to buckle up, sit there, and listen to harsh realities. The speakers who tell us those realities seldom show the kind of sensitivity I’m regularly asked to show when I speak.
Why is this? Do denominational leaders and pastoral conference organizers think our big-church friends are so easily offended? Are they worried they’ll lose big-church support and finances?
I’m sure that’s some of it. But I think there’s more going on.
Making The Pivot
Recently I was chatting with a young church-planting couple. They’re doing great work in the small town they’ve been called to serve. The young pastor creates very clever online videos. They are anything but the old, stodgy, stereotype that’s unfairly attached to small-town, small-church pastors.
This couple told me they’re not planning to go to their denominational leadership conference anymore. Why? Because it’s all coming from big churches and only applies in big churches. They’re not offended, they’re just not getting the help they need.
They’re not alone in feeling this way. Many small-church pastors are giving up on the typical “Ten Steps to Guaranteed Growth!” ideas that we’ve been inundated with for the last few decades.
Denominational leaders and conference organizers know they need to pivot away from the dominant church-growth paradigm, but they’re not sure how to do it without offending big-church folks.
The chase for bigger numbers can no longer be the main way (often the only way) to present and promote these events. But doing something else is radical and scary. So they’re dipping their toe in the shallow end to see if it will get bitten off.
Jump In, The Water’s Fine!
To conclude, I want to speak to three audiences:
First, to my big-church friends, please know that we’ve been blessed by what we’ve learned from you, and we want to keep learning from you. But you can learn from us as well.
I’ve watched what happens when I’ve been introduced at a conference. I’ve seen big-church pastors nod to their staff members and they all slip out together, leaving an entirely empty row of seats (yes, I’ve literally seen it happen). I know you’re not angry, and you don’t intend to be rude, you just don’t think the small-church guy has anything to say that would be of value to you. But we do.
Stick around. Lean in. The world is changing. Small is more desirable than ever.
Let’s learn together.
Second, to my small-church friends. Don’t give up getting together with other pastors. If we’re not in the room, we’ll never have a voice.
Third, to conference organizers who are considering speakers that don’t fit within the dominant church-growth paradigm.
Jump in. With both feet.
Make a huge splash that everyone can see.
Invite the small-church viewpoint to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Not as an occasional event, but as a normal representation. There’s some amazing stuff happening in small churches, microchurches, house churches, and disciple-making movements (DMM).
We don’t need to be the only voices. We shouldn’t be the only voices. We still want to hear from churches that are big and growing. But let’s stop being cautious about providing fresh alternatives, and start getting bold about it.
Your small-church friends have a lot of wisdom, and your big-church friends are not that easily offended. Yes, you’ll get some pushback. That’s okay. It’s what leaders do.
There’s room for all voices.
We want to be heard.
We have something to say.
And we’re willing to listen.
(Photo by Vancouver Film School | Flickr)
