by Dennis Bickers | Sep 21, 2015 | Opinion
I challenge the attendees of my smaller-church workshops to focus the ministries of their congregation on one or two things they can do with excellence. Many smaller churches are trying to do too many things. Often, they are still structured as they were when they... by Dennis Bickers | Aug 6, 2015 | Opinion
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... by Dennis Bickers | Apr 3, 2014 | Opinion
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... by Gary Farley | Aug 15, 2006 | Opinion
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... by Gary Farley | Jul 22, 2003 | Opinion
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...