Robyn and I spent the weekend with two churches. Both congregations were in the transformational quadrant of the energy-satisfaction map. Both have created vital worship experiences for their congregations. Both are flexible to change so they can be more effective in their missions. Their congregations have developed meaningful relationships with each other and there is trust in the decision-making and the leadership. There is a commitment to learning and quality educational programing – meeting their congregations in all stages of their life. They are both out in the community teaching, clothing, and feeding their neighbors. The difference between the two? One church has a weekly church attendance of just under 500 people. The other church has a weekly church attendance of 50 people.
We often hear from congregations that they feel challenged by their smallness. They do not have enough people, enough resources, enough hands to help. And there is truth in this. The challenge is real and it can be overwhelming. But this weekend reminded me that even the smallest of us can have enormous impact. We can share meals with each other. We can teach each other. We can heal. We can minister to the broken. We can sit with each other in times of great sorrow and share great joy. Whether there are 500 of us or 10, we can do all of these things.
In our work with all congregations, large or small, our charge is to help them on their journey to becoming the vibrant church that Jesus spoke of when he started with just twelve. The small and mighty can do amazing things.
Blessings as we all grow together,
Emily Swanson
President of Holy Cow! Consulting
Good point.