Why the Future Looks Bright for Smaller Churches

I am often asked when I lead conferences, “What do you think is the future of the small church?” My consistent response has been that I think we will see the number of smaller churches increase in the coming years. The medium-size congregations, by...

Why Smaller Churches Must Focus on Unique Vision

Smaller churches often accomplish more by doing less. Sometimes a smaller church feels it must compete with the larger churches in the community to attract people. This is always a mistake because the smaller church simply does not have the resources to offer the same...

Drought and Blessing

Recent showers will make it possible for us to mow the yard again this weekend. And the hayfield out by the county hospital has been cut for the second crop of hay this summer. Usually, a third cutting has already been bailed and put in the barn. It will not produce...

A Dozen or So Resources for Smaller Churches

Those of us whose ministry is in smaller and rural churches have been blessed over the past five years by the publication of several very helpful books. Collectively, they assist in understanding the culture, processes and context of this set of churches. They also...