photo #8305135

THIS IS FROM SEVERAL YEARS AGO…I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THAT PREACHER OR CHURCH MEMBER WHO IS PART OF A SMALLER CHURCH. MY ADVICE ON PASTORING SMALL CHURCHES…The trend we are seeing in our circles indicates that this is probably close to normal for fundamental Baptist churches in this era. While many see this as symptomatic of a dying movement, I believe it’s the result of living in the Laodicean age where men have turned their backs on the truth. The average pastor is bi-vocational, busy raising their family, missing out on the big camp meetings, and believes he is a failure when he reads other pastor’s post detailing their miraculous services. Hearing the constant drumbeat of some telling them that their church belongs to a dying movement has caused some to question their role. Missionaries even chiming in about empty pulpits in distant lands while our churches are shrinking in size throughout the Bible Belt. “Leave that tiny church because the fields are white unto harvest else where”, they say. To the pastors of our small churches dotted throughout the country, I say, “Stay where you are because it’s not in vain”! There are 10 issues every pastor should be aware of if you have a smaller congregation….1.THERE’S THE ATTENDANCE…the size of the congregation is not an indicator of spiritual success. If we support missionaries who aren’t so “successful” by telling them that God wants them to be a witness to that people, then why do we frown on churches who aren’t busting out in the seams. Whether I see souls being saved, the baptism waters being stirred, and pews being filled, that is God’s business because he gives the increase.As a pastor, we are just supposed to be faithful to our calling.2.THERE’S THE ATTENTION…in a smaller flock, it’s impossible not to know who’s guilty of the sermon. Someone missed 2 Sundays in a row and the pastor preached on faithfulness so there’s no guessing who needs to be on the altar. Water boils faster in a smaller pot so we have to be gracious with the wayward saint in a small church. It doesn’t help when comedians want to give visitor cards to someone who’s been out either. It’s not wise to make a discouraged saint the butt of your joking so bite your tongue.3.THERE’S THE ATMOSPHERE…some smaller churches are actually “family churches”. While most preachers claim this is a bad omen, it doesn’t have to be. Why are we threatened by a “family”? Doesn’t it actually make sense that the patriarch or matriarch should be commended for winning their family to God? Shouldn’t our churches be made up of “families”? Although I know there are bad “family churches”, they don’t make up the majority of our church problems. Instead of trying to prove your manhood or install your ministry under absolute pastoral authority, be patient and wise with the congregation that you said God gave you. 4.THERE’S THE ATTRITION…although it’s painful to lose people in any church (large or small), it stings more in a smaller congregation. The empty pew will stand out like a sore thumb. The absent teacher in the Sunday School class, the silent instrument, and the missing handshake will break your heart…you never get used to it. While they have moved on or have just quit on God, you are left scrambling trying to fill the empty spot. Guard your heart in these days because Satan wants to rob you of hope. Go tell God how you are hurting. Put on your “poker face” while you’re in the pulpit and encourage your people even if you’re just bluffing. They need you to keep your head above water!5.THERE’S THE ATROCITIES…I’ve always respected those who care for the sick, elderly, and disabled because it requires a special breed of love. This also applies to the pastor who will love a handicapped congregation. There are churches that were maimed by a moral scandal, handicapped by a money hungry hireling, crippled by a cold and callous dictator, or disabled for a generation with overwhelming debt. The pastor who takes on the care of this congregation does so out of love for a hurting people. He may not pastor a vibrant, healthy church as some do, but he is a special breed of shepherd. 6.THERE’S THE ATTRACTION…it is impossible to compete with the bigger church that has larger youth ministries, mission outreaches, bigger choirs, and array of singing groups. As a result, I refuse to try. The bigger church is not my competitor nor my enemy. I will try to support their meetings and ministries as much as possible, but I’m not going to replicate them. Learn what your church can focus on effectively and do it. Whether it be missions or a certain ministry. Give your congregation something to pursue and stop trying to mimic another man’s ministry hoping to get the same results.7.THERE’S THE ATTICS…most churches that remain at a low number over the years will usually have a past issue that hinders their reputation in the community. No amount of praying, preaching, or pressuring your people will bypass the price you’ll have to pay to resolve the stigma. As the pastor, you will be the key to rebuilding their testimony. It won’t be your dynamic preaching that makes a difference in the long run, but it will be the integrity of your daily living through the years.8.THERE’S THE ATTACKS…there will be critics who will blame you for the lack of growth in the church. Former members, other preachers, and old enemies will highlight their opinions on where you’re doing it all wrong. The reality check should be clear here…who cares what they think? Go on and live for God; love on your people; and preach with the power of God this Sunday. If you’re faithful to preach the Word of God to your people, you have nothing to apologize for. If the critics really cared, they would join and help instead of trying to discourage you so just ignore them on purpose.9.THERE’S THE ATTRIBUTES…Jesus is coming back for a glorious bride without spot or wrinkle that is holy without blemish. He doesn’t mention her babies. The glory of the bride is not her children nor how many she has. Separation to her husband is her glory. The glory of each individual church is not how many converts or congregants she has, but it’s how separated to Christ she is. 10.THERE’S THE ATTITUDE…everything I have written to this point is to emphasize the final statement. Never become an adversary to your own congregation. If you’re going to preach hard, do it for their benefit - not because you’re frustrated and angry at your people. Do not allow your dreams of a bigger congregation to cause you to resent the church you actually pastor. If you say, “I don’t deserve this”, then ask God to give you what you deserve. It is a privilege to pastor God’s precious people. Don’t forget that!NOAH DIDN’T HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE ARK BAPTIST CHURCH, BUT HE DID A GREAT JOB IN BUILDING IT TO SURVIVE THE GREATEST STORM IN HUMAN HISTORY. GOD SPEED.