The Small Church Renaissance

Something I really do see as a transformative change in how we think church is the development of “niche” ministries. What I mean by that is working with a congregation to focus sharply on what they do best, no longer making the attempt to be all things for all people, but instead building on the strengths of a congregation’s particular character, sense of their own gifts, and zeroing in doing one thing really, really well. With an ever increasing majority of our congregations being small the shotgun approach—we’ll try everything and see what works—is no longer possible. There are not enough people in the pews to cover all bases, nor are there resources (financial or otherwise) to spread over a wide array of ministries or missions. Accepting this truth, we are able to make our use of resources more effective.

Beyond that, developing a sharply focused model of ministry allows a congregation to build on her strengths. It is surprising to see how many models of congregational development are unintentionally negative in the starting point—what are you missing? who is missing? what could you be if all else were in place? what is keeping you from being the church you want to be?—all of these foundational questions start with a problem, then move forward. A “niche” approach reverses this start—begin with what’s working, then move forward. The questions then become—what works? who is here and what do they do? what do we have to offer that no one else is offering? what are we really good at doing? where do people seem to find the most joy in our fellowship? You see? This positive base doesn’t begin with what we aren’t and can’t do, but instead becomes a foundation of strength. That can immediately set a tone of success.

The stewardship aspect of this approach cannot be undervalued, either. You are focusing people’s energy and interest on things they want to do. That sometimes gets overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. People will willingly join work that they enjoy. They will more than likely work harder because it doesn’t feel harder. They get joy from their work. They like it. Then we avoid one of the persistent pratfalls of church work—we burn folks out, burdening them with stuff they don’t like. I’ve sat with too many Sessions where no one really wanted to be there, but felt it was their duty. That taints all conversation and work. Stuff gets approved, but there is no enthusiasm for what is being done. There is a resistance to engagement. I know I felt that way; so, of course, I know the Session did, too. Blah… As to material resources, the stewardship benefits work a couple of ways. First, instead of gathering stuff and money just to gather stuff and money becomes focused giving and gathering. Something I saw a lot of in the parish was a successful campaign aimed at a specific and particular need or cause. If folks could see exactly what was being done, their giving became more free flowing. A mission collection aimed at a specific disaster or work (building a school in Mexico, for example) was fairly easy to fund. Clothes for tornado victims came in easily when there was an immediate storm being responded to. The same is true with church ministry. If focus is on the identifying work of a congregation, then people will support it, especially if they have a stake in that work. For instance, if a congregation chooses to be the walk-in ministry center for an impoverished neighborhood, providing food, clothes, etc., as well as access to necessary and needed social services, people will give to support that work because they are doing that work. Moreover, resources gathered will be gathered based on their relevance to the work being done. Thus, everything becomes more efficient and effective.

Overall, then, the tone for church life becomes much more positive. We can form our community and communion around blessings instead of weaknesses. We can shape an identity based on who we actually are, instead of who we wish we were. That, in turn, becomes inviting in and of itself. Newcomers will see the energy and enthusiasm, making them want to be a part of it. They will also see the direct engagement of a church in the world, something we are hearing again and again from the youngest disciples—show me what you believe; don’t just talk about it…—as we seek to grow in the right ways.

That idea of growth becomes the final piece to consider. Too often, church growth, like growth in all areas of a consumer culture, is based solely on numbers. Thus, something that is simply entertainment draws a huge crowd, but really offers little growth—kind of like the stubborn popularity of Big Macs—oh, you grow, but not in the right direction! The approach of focused ministry offers growth that is deep and breeds more growth. People engage in ministry that pushes them in the growth as followers of Jesus—they become disciples, working the compassionate engagement of Jesus. That deepens them as human beings. It also deepens the identity of the church. Too often, a church is simply defined by superficials—oh, that is the place where they meet for an hour a week, sing a couple of songs, hear a sermon, and go home… This approach shows a communion—a body of believers working to embody the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus as they identify their particular batch of gifts for doing and being so. They learn to love each other and all whom they meet along the way. That is what scripture tells us Jesus did, so it must be the right thing to do. 

If we apply this approach, we actively engage the very real gifts a small congregation holds, alleviating (if not eliminating) the self-denigration that so often occurs in smaller churches. We also provide hope for the church as a whole, embracing the modern reality of being a religious body in a secular world, choosing to engage the world with the best of who we are. Lastly, it reduces the focus on side-issues—i.e., the politics of the religious—keeping us centered on what really matters—proclaiming the love, healing, and redemption of Jesus in  world broken, hurting, and seemingly intent on the complete alienation of people within it.