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Small Churches:  The Disadvantages

Orginally published on Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 1:00 PM
by Todd Rhoades

Michael Hines has an interesting post on the advantages and disadvantages of small churches on his blog (The Discipler).  Since I’m often accused (by a very small group of people) to be pro-mega-church and anti-small church; (which I’m not, by the way); I thought this would be a great discussion topic here.  Today, we’ll look at what Michael says are some real disadvantages of small churches.  Yesterday, we looked at some of the advantages...  Michael writes…

First, in a smaller church you get to know everybody. Yes, I know I put that as a strength, but it is also one of a small church?s greatest liabilities. You can easily identify the trouble-makers, gossip-mongers, and those who are spiteful and bitter. Because they are known, they are often accepted without question. Furthermore, because everyone knows everyone every statement must be examined lest it cause offense or misunderstanding.

Second, in a smaller church a threat to leave or withdraw support creates a crisis. In large congregations, a family may ?take their ball and leave the game? without creating as much as a ripple. One unhappy individual choosing to leave a smaller church creates a crisis, especially when their friends know they?re unhappy. Those with money pose an even greater threat. A major contributor who becomes unhappy can create all kinds of problems.

Third, in a smaller church excellent leadership is often in short supply. More often than not, smaller churches are organized in a more traditional fashion with bylaws that require a specified number of leaders. Such specifications lead to ignoring biblical qualifications making availability the primary requirement. The traditional structures in most churches, including some megachurches, creates an adversarial system that leads to trouble. Fortunate are the congregations that have such systems and have successfully avoided conflict.

Fourth, in a smaller church the minister often becomes a chaplain rather than an innovative evangelist. Those smaller congregations surviving a few years with an innovative evangelist don?t stay small. The Ginghamsburg Church near Dayton is a prime example. When the Methodist Conference assigned Mike Slaughter to the Ginghamsburg pulpit, the congregation averaged about 90 in a small building located about 5 miles north of Dayton. The first year, according to Slaughter, the congregation grew to 70. Today, more than 20 years later, this congregation is one of the largest and most dynamic Methodist Churches in the country. Because of their inherent nature, most smaller congregations want a caregiver chaplain and, if the truth were known, do not expect nor do they want to grow.

Fifth, in a smaller church it is harder for new people to find acceptance. Smaller churches often see themselves as intensely friendly ? and they are ? with each other. A new family or individual often finds it difficult to break in. Only through persistence and effort can they make their way into the circle of acceptance.


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 TRACKBACKS: (0) There are 23 Comments:

  • Posted by

    I’m in a small church in a small community and certainly many of these things ring true.  Out task is to lead past these issues and seek to help the church grow towards being healthy - breaking free from these traditions. It can be done, it must be done gently with love.

  • Posted by Bernie Dehler

    Todd, you post about small churches and mega-churches.  How about the positives/negatives of a medium sized church… one in which there are 3 or 4 pastors on staff (not just 1 or more than 5)?

    Maybe the middle way, the third way, is the way to go?  It may get the best of both worlds-- enough income to support the pastors, yet small enough to have community.  As it grows, it can plant new churches… so the size is healthy and stays pretty healthy, meanwhile growing by spinning-off peer leaders/churches.

  • One of the great, and oft-forgotten hymns of our heritage is “Little Is Much When God is in it...”

    We should all sing that again very soon.

    But remember this as well:

    When God shows up in a local church...it is no small thing!

  • Posted by

    Having served as a pastor in a smaller church, about 90 people and I the only paid staff, the biggest issue there was is that if there was nobody that week, or we had a cancellation guess who cleaned, folded bulletins, took out garbage, set up tables and chairs, picked out the music-- NONE of which are below a pastor at all but does take time away from preparation and people-- Small church pastors that are successful in the long run are those who can delegate and manage their time very well! It is a tough job and I commend them!

  • Posted by Bernie Dehler

    JP said:
    “Small church pastors that are successful in the long run are those who can delegate and manage their time very well! It is a tough job and I commend them!”

    I think this ‘delegation’ is also key for a mega-church… that’s probably how they got to be mega, by being master delegators, among other things… I think mega churches have extensive volunteer teams.

  • Posted by

    Bernie:

    “As it grows, it can plant new churches… so the size is healthy and stays pretty healthy, meanwhile growing by spinning-off peer leaders/churches.”

    Some time ago, I read about a fellowship of 350 in Florida who believed that to become any larger would cost them their community, not to mention the hell it is to drag people through never-ending building programs.

    They had it written in their by-laws that once the congregation reached 350, they planted an new fellowship in that same city.  To date, they had planted 10-12 new fellowships.

    They believed that they were called to win their city and that a single place could not do it (as has proven thus far) so they determined to plant as many fellowships as possible throughout the city.  In addition, being in the same city afforded them the opportunity to stay connected relationally with all of the subsequent, new fellowships.

  • Posted by bernie dehler

    Ricky:
    “They had it written in their by-laws that once the congregation reached 350, they planted an new fellowship in that same city. To date, they had planted 10-12 new fellowships.”

    Sounds like a good role-model to me…

    ...Bernie

  • Posted by Brian La Croix

    I pastor a small church (50-60 on a given Sunday), and I see some of these disadvantages.

    However, after our church went through a horrific split about 11 years ago (before I got here, by the way smile), the remaining people were ready to move ahead and God is moving.  So far, my biggest headaches have had to do with control of the kitchen and some of the music choices, but nothing on a major scale (thank you, Jesus!) in my five years here.

    We’ve put some programs in place, not because programs are the end all, but it gave us something tangible to use, and to measure effectiveness.  We’ve dropped and modified some things as well.

    We’re in a town of 25,000 people and are looking to impact a large amount of people, and maybe plant another church in our town near the university, Lord willing, as well as support other church plants in a neighboring state.

    I think that if small churches (in larger areas - not necessarily small churches in small towns or rural areas, but hey - I don’t want to limit God, either!) can adopt an attitude like the one mentioned in Florida, then exciting things can happen.

    To small churches, I ask this: is the job done?  Are all the people in your area either saved or been exposed to the gospel numerous times?  Are all of your people discipled and mature in the faith?  If the answer is no to any of these, then you still have a job to do.  God can and does move in the midst of the small church, if they’ll let him.

    I might also add that in our area we have a rural church that is building a huge new sanctuary because they can’t hold everybody.  This church is 15 miles from the nearest town - it’s literally on the edge of a cornfield.  But God is moving!  It’s wonderful to see such a situation.

    Brian

  • Posted by

    I too, like Brian, pastor a small church in a very rural community. Again, like Brian, the church that I serve went through a pretty nasty split before I came. Unlike Brian’s situation, most of the people who are still in this church are the ones who wanted to just mantain a sense of “status-quo.”

    Being in a small farming community that has been hit hard with the drought that many in the midwest have felt, I do understand that there are many demands for time and attention with many of the people in my church, especially in times of harvest, etc. What is heartbreaking, and I am in the midst of this heartbreak right now, is just how far down the line of priorities God is placed with many of the people in this congregation.

    The most recent example, we were to start a study last night looking at spiritual growth/spiritual formation. One person showed up (not that one person would not be worth working with, don’t misunderstand me), but we have had situations like this before where we have scheduled something, at the urging of different committees, only to have one or two people show up, and only to find out later that many of the people within the church were at other events at the same time. I do understand parents with school events, but the one that really breaks my heart (I admit this is a peeve of mine) is placing organizations such as the Masons/Eastern Star over church related activities.

    I know there are small churches who are really on fire for God. I have seen those. But in my experience, the smaller churches where I have served are more focused on tradition rather than the moving of the Holy Spirit; more interested in conforming the few younger people who do come to their idea of what should be done rather than seeking to have their hearts and lives conformed to the will of God.

    Sorry for the rant, but as I said, I’m really frustrated at this point, frustrated and broken hearted, not that I feel like I’ve wasted my time (my preperations have helped me grow), but a broken heart that people who I deeply care for would rather roam around in the wilderness than draw closer to God.

    In Christ,
    Tony

  • Posted by

    In one of Tony Campolo’s books (I can’t remember which, but I read it close to 20 years ago, if that helps), he relates the story of a new pastor who was asked a year after taking the helm of his church how things were going.  The pastor replied, “I preached that church down to four people, and now we’re building it back up again.”

    Sometimes I wonder if that’s not what it may take in some churches - whatever their size.  It sure wouldn’t make for a popular pastor, and probably in most churches the pastor would be fired before the pruning was done.  But how do we lovingly and gracefully light a fire beneath people who are satisfied with the status quo - and who, quite frankly, are keeping people out of the kingdom (or at least ensuring they won’t enter the kingdom through the church)?

    As I read the gospels, I find that Jesus’ harshest words ("you whitewashed tombs!") were for the religious leaders and his most graceful words ("neither do I condemn you") were for the sinners and outcasts.

  • Posted by

    Ricky said “They believed “ I believe that would be the crux of the whole matter! God bless everyone on this site for all the wisdom and insight into the Word of God!

  • Posted by

    I attended a small church in Davidson County NC, known as Bethany Church on Bethany Church Rd. I agree with everything that has been described by the author. This church was small, family owned and supported.  New people were not welcome unless they were well know by other church member or family members. The members of this church play church.  I haven’t been back to that church in years, but I hope the congregation has tuned in to Gods word.

  • Posted by

    The first point about everyone knowing everyone in a small church can be true in a cell-church.  The goal there is to focus on the strengths/positives of small groups.  What Mike says of the small church is true also of small cell groups. 

    The second point about a person leaving a church causing a crisis can be applied to the typical cell group.  Also, I have known big churches affected by the departure of a very influential person.  If proper biblical discipline and counsel is applied, some departures can be avoided and some are necessary.

    The third point about excellent leadership in short supply - I take issue with.  Mike focuses on the by-laws and life in the small church is not limited to by-laws.  Informal leadership is the norm.  Leaders influence people to follow. Do our seminaries train pastors to lead?  The real issue I believe is that most seminary training is focused on the 400 member church model with staff when reality is that the typical church is about 80 members.  Maybe we are not training pastors for reality.

    The fourth comment is accurate for many churches.  When I was called to my present work I asked what were the two major priorities.  The church said, “Get more men involved in leadership and bring more families into the church.” Twelve months later I was being criticized by the traditional leaders.  Why?  The women felt threatened by too many men in leadership and some were wondering why the church was too big!  I kept the notes from that meeting and reminded them I was doing what they asked me to do.  I then challenged them that they either stick with God’s program or rename the church to a Chapel.  I offered to leave because I was not called to be a Chaplain but a pastor.

    The fifth point can also be applied to groups.  I was in a large church and had visited a couple of groups until I was able to fit in. 

    It is easier to pin these five criticisms on small churches.  They are a big target and some are guilty.  At the same time, there are many other circumstances that keep churches small.  I minister in a county that has only 3 Baptist churches and the vast majority of residents are either Catholic (often in name only) or secular.  The last Baptist church was started in 1978.  The county is also a military community with turnover.  Yes, we have baptisms every year - some years as low as 3 and others as high as 15.  We still remain at about 100 souls. 

    Just my two cents worth.

    Dan

  • Posted by

    I’m thinking whether a pastor must necessarily be a gifted evangelist. What if his gifts are indeed of a caregiving nature which he faithfully uses. The issue that raises itself in my mind, is he the kind of person that encourages (pushes?) other folks to use their gifts and is not afraid of allowing genuine leadership to develop from within the local church as well as bringing it in from “the outside”. It seems at least possible that this would be a way of “equipping the saints” for the work of the church rather than “pastor-centric” congregations.

  • Posted by

    I agree with the list at the top. I recently resigned from a small church (typically in the 50’s on Sunday morning)after serving as the pastor for a year that wanted a chaplain instead of a pastor.  I decided it was time to go when I was informed of the following:
    1. I preached too much about Jesus and was too evangelical.  They were tired of hearing about Jesus so much.  My Sunday morning sermon always ended with an evangelical tie-in, but I did series on Abraham, and other men of the Bible along with a series on John.  I also preached sermons on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights on prayer, discipleship, and family.

    2.  I was told that I owned too many vehicles since ministry families should own only one veh and it should be old.

    3.  It became obvious that church was on everyone’s list as something to do but it came after hunting, Volunteer Fire Dept, HS Football, fishing, and anything else you want to put in this blank.

    4.  When all the new members lead to Christ or brought back to the church were lead to other churches in the community “that better met their needs”.  These people were informed of this by members of our church who also let these people know that they weren’t welcome back to “their church” under any circumstance.

    I don’t know how you change things in these churches but appreciate any pointers.

  • Posted by Brian La Croix

    Wow - that’s sad, man.

    It sounds like this group has adopted the opposite of the first line in the first chapter of “The Purpose Driven Life,” and has decreed, “It’s all about us.”

    I’m convinced that many people in these churches will have blood on their hands, because they refused to offer the reconciliation of Christ at the cost of their comfort.

    I hope you have found another ministry position, if that is your heart.

    I, too, am not a chaplain-type.  People are going to hell in our area, and I don’t have time to hold hands with the “already convinced.” They may not like it, but at least they’re going to heaven, which is not the case with those outside the walls!

    Hospitals, nursing homes, and that kind of stuff - yes.  But visiting every member just so I can say I’ve been in their homes is ridiculous, and no one can point to one shred of Scriptural evidence to support the idea that we should do that!

    Okay - switching to decaf now…

    Brian

  • Posted by

    I am a 26 yr old pastor of a church that is much like those described.  I drive the church bus, open and close the church, clean the church from time to time, change the church sign, you get the picture.  I am also expected, with no help from the deacons, to maintain all visitation.  That also means going to everyone’s home to say that you’ve been there.  So how does one over come these obstacles?  So far for me much prayer is the only way.  Any suggestions are welcomed.

    tim

  • Posted by

    I am a pastor of a small church.  I can certainly identify with most of the disadvantages listed as well as many of the comments.  Probably the best way to approach this would be to go through the disadvantages one at a time.

    1.  In our church this has not really been either a disadvantage or an advantage.  It is simply a reality.

    2.  This has certainly been true in our church.  When I became pastor in 2003 the church averaged about 30-35 on Sunday mornings; now we run about 16-20.  About 7 of them (3 families) left because they did not care for my style or personality.  The rest of the decline is an example of how in a small church one person’s leaving can have a major impact.  One lady has stopped attending our Sunday morning worship so she can attend a local megachurch.  Her reason is that in that church the worship is stirring and vibrant.  (Admittedly, I’ve been to funerals that had more life than most of our worship services.) However, she attends our church regularly on Sunday evening and still gives through our church.  Her decision has caused our Sunday morning attendance to drop by 6 or 7 because she brought a group of children from her neighborhood, and they absolutely will not come with anyone else (our Children’s Director has offered to pick them up, but they refuse).  This has basically brought our children’s ministry to a screeching halt.

    3.  AMEN!  AMEN!  AMEN!  One of our greatest problems is that our church lacks leaders.  I’ve read that in many small churches there is a family or individual or group that runs things, but this is not true of our church.  In fact, trying to get anyone to assume a leadership role is like pulling teeth.  We have two individuals in our church who display any interest in leadership.  They hold a number of church offices, but they have so many outside interests that they really do not lead much in the church.  The result is that I have ended up having to micromanage most of our ministries, which has been inefficient because I am an administrator and not a manager.

    4.  I made it very clear before I accepted the position that if they were looking for someone who was a hands-on personal minister, who was nurturing, who would hold their hands, then I was not their man.  Indeed, some of those who have left did so because I “don’t have a personality.” I am not very good at hospital visitation (a couple of times I went and couldn’t even find the person), and I don’t visit in members’ homes unless I have a specific reason to do so (or unless they have asked me to come over).  Most of our members would prefer a more chaplain-type pastor, but at this point that is not what the church really needs, and they have come to accept that.  When I came they needed someone who could help them to dig deep into Scripture, think in new ways, and rediscover what it means to be the church.  In two and a half years I have laid a foundation where they now see that there can be a better future for the church, that even though the church is small they can do great things if they seek and do God’s will.  Now we are at a transition--the foundation is laid, it is time to build on it.  I am not the person to build on the foundation.  What our church needs now is someone who is a strong personal evangelist, which I am not.

    5.  This does not describe our church at all.  Since there is not a dominant family or group, it is relatively easy for newcomers to break into the inner circle.  Indeed, our visitors often commend us on how warm and friendly we are toward them.  My wife and I are part of the family, which from what I’ve read is especially unusual for pastors.

    While there are a number of disadvantages to small churches, they play a vital role in our society’s spiritual life.  With the right leadership, small churches can make a significant impact for the Kingdom.  With the wrong leadership, they can push others away from Jesus.

  • Posted by

    I am a small church pastor by choice. I served on staff at large churches and have chosen the small. I am bi-vocational, serve two tiny congregations in tiny communities. Both churches grow a person at a time in a rural area with a declining population. While we will never win any “mega” awards--we are reaching and loving the least, last and lost for Jesus.

  • Posted by David Charlton

    I just found this discussion, which is very interesting.  You might want to check out some of the discussion related to an OpEd I wrote about some of the negative implications of megachurches.  You can find it under the megachurch section of this site or find the post at my blog - davidcharlton.blogspot.com.

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  • Posted by

    I agree with so much of what you all say.  I just don’t understand people like this.  You would think there would be someone in the family that would take a stand and say Iove you too much to see you go through life this way.  But it’s an old saying i can take you to the water but I can’t make you drink it. 

    Some people can just fool you with there amens. And just as soon as it steps on their toes, oh my gosh!

    I’m reminded of an ole saying about the sweet potatoes (when you look around in so many of our churches this day and time so many are just going just to say they went),i hear that the best of a sweet potato is under ground. Our God fearing christians are dead and gone, we can only pray that this group gets it before it’s everlasting too late.

    I say to us all, let’s continue to pray for one another

  • Posted by riflescopes

    Some statistics about small churches in the U.S.
    The study, conducted by Duke University in North Carolina, despite the fact that the average number of Protestant ministers than the number of churches, many ministers do not want to work in these churches, especially in young.

    While nearly every denomination, have participated in the study, one assembly of believers account for more than a servant, and in some cases - even two, of these officers more priests, teachers or church leaders, as members of the state of the local church - reports The department of religious studies at Duke pastoral leadership. This information is taken from the yearbook “Church USA and Canada.”

    Those ministers who seek to serve the community, apparently for financial reasons, not wishing to work in small churches. As a result, many small rural and urban churches without pastors.

    Results of the study appear more receptive to conservative Protestant groups, almost all of which have more than one minister to the community. Southern Baptists have two ministers at a church. As for the moderate and liberal denominations, they have less than one minister to the meeting parishioners.

    “People are concerned about the shortage of officers, and the situation becomes worse when you drew their view of the Protestant” - shared Curtis Freeman, professor of theology and director of the Baptist Research Center at Duke Theology college.

    Limited financial resources hinder the small congregation to attract and retain officers. “In small congregations less likelihood of salary and additional benefits that could support a full-time pastor,” - says Bob Ray, who works with officers in two professions, and with small churches in the Baptist Union of Texas. He said that some pastors are seeking to retire and receive insurance benefits, which can not afford the usual small church.

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