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Big Ideas for Smaller Churches
Some time back, I invited readers to send me their recommendations for resources in three areas. I asked for ideas for devotional reading, management, and church revitalization. Many of you sent me letters or e-mails, and I appreciate your interest. By a wide margin, more people sent suggestions for devotional literature than the other two. There were a few suggestions in the area of management, and trailing the field were resources for revitalizing struggling churches.
Several people lamented that they did not know of any resources in that area. This sent me on a quest. What is available out there for church revitalization? I will tell you of some of the other suggestions in a future column, but I want to share some results of my search for help for struggling churches.
Megachurches have done a great service for the kingdom and in no way am I disparaging or diminishing their contributions. Still, I have heard more than once that some people who go to church growth seminars struggle when involved in discussions on how to get past the 1,000 barrier when their church is below the 100 barrier. For many megachurches, the struggles of the small church are a distant memory. What resources specifically address the minister or leader who wants to help make his smaller church healthy and a more vital force in the community?
Shepherding the Small Church
By Glenn Daman (Kregel)
This award-winning book is a must-read. Daman re-minds us that 75 percent of churches in the United States run a weekly attendance of 150 or less. The book gives attention to both ministry to members and attraction of new members. The author wants leaders to understand, know, be, do, and envision. That is, he wants them to know the culture, develop the foundational theology, develop the foundational character, develop the mission, and develop the vision.
Small Congregation, Big Potential
By Lyle Schaller (Abingdon)
Lyle Schaller has produced consistently helpful and practical books for decades, and this is one of his latest. In this book, Schaller helps the smaller church raise its self-esteem, recognizing that it has a vital role in God’s work. He accepts an adage we sometimes give lip service to: we need different kinds of churches to reach different kinds of people. Schaller is not mired in the past. He sees the small church in a contemporary light, discussing the possibilities of a network of smaller churches operating under one governing board and brand name. As with most of Schaller’s books, he is writing to a basically mainstream protestant audience, so not all the suggestions or analyses will be relevant to all readers of CHRISTIAN STANDARD.
How to Thrive as a Small Church Pastor Help for the Small Church Pastor
By Steve Bierly (Zondervan)
Ministers who struggle with leading smaller churches will also find some reassurance from these two books. Bierly comes from a Reformed church background, so some of the church polity and terminology will be different from those used by most readers of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. Still, his insights and suggestions can be a source of genuine encouragement.
PREVIOUS COLUMNS:
January 18, 2006 - Dealing With the Dark Side
January 4, 2006 - Libraries Without Walls
December 21, 2005 - Communication Concepts from Secular Circles
December 7, 2005 - Words of Wisdom for Women's Ministry
November 23, 2005 - Magnificent Help from the Magazine Rack
November 9, 2005 - Invigorating Volunteers; Developing Disciples
October 26, 2005 - Overcoming Overwhelm
September 28, 2005 - For You and Youth
September 14, 2005 - A Potpourri of Books
August 31, 2005 - A Potpourri of Web Sites
August 17, 2005 - Hart-to-Heart Talks
August 3, 2005 - Ken Can Help
July 20, 2005 - Easum Has Some Advice
July 6, 2005 - Finding Illustration Gold Mines
June 22, 2005 - Get Real with Bobb Biehl
June 9, 2005 - Let Len Lend a Hand
May 29, 2005 - A New Angle on Church Growth
May 15, 2005 - It's Your Turn
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