The Small Church

Future of Small Church in America. (This is a handout and discussion guide I used for discussing small churches and the health of the church)


Introduction:
The Elephant in the Room: Big Church versus Small Church. (Talk about Bob Russell's home church illustration from When God Builds a Church)

Resources Guide: Small Church America
Outreach Magazine July/ August 2014
“The Size of a Church does not determine its health. But a Church’ Health can determine its size.” Ed Stetzer “Do Small Churches Need Self-Assessment” “Proverbs 27:23 tells us, ‘Know well the condition of your flock and pay attention to your herds.’ Obviously the sheep-shepherd relationship regarding God’s people is used frequently throughout the Bible. So it isn’t a great leap to apply this to the church.
Pastors and leaders should know the state of their church regardless of its size. Being small is normal in the kingdom. Being unhealthy is not. So small church leaders need to determine the health of the local body.”
About 63 Million People or 20.4% of the population attend Church each Sunday – American Sociological Review
The Average Church attracts fewer than 90 adults on a typical weekend. 60% of protestant churches have a 100 or fewer adults on a typical weekend. Just 2% of churches attract more than 1,000 adults on a typical weekend. – Barna. Pg. 62
In the U.S. protestant and other Christian Churches. 9 Million weekly worshipers attend 177,000 churches of less than 100 people. That’s 59% of all the churches in the U.S. – National Congregational Study. Pg. 63
Expert Tips: Small Church Pastors Values:
1. Relationships are most important
2. The ministries of your church should reflect the gifting of your people.
3. Speak the language of your community well.
4. You must thrive as the leader. – Jeff Keady and Jonny Craig Dover Church 200churches.com

“The Median US Congregation has just 75 regular participants and an annual budget of $90 000 But the median attendee worships in a congregation with about 400 regular participants and an annual budget of $280 000” – National Congregational Study pg. 64
90% of Congregations have 350 or fewer people - National Congregational Study
Churches of 200 or less are four times more likely to plant a daughter church than churches of 1000 or more. The pattern continues – the smaller the size of the church the more fertile they are in planting churches. – Lifeway. Pg. 65
Resources: SmallChurch.com Newsmallchurch.com Smallchurchpastor.com 95network.com 200churches.com
“The Church to population Ratio in the U.S. peaked at
One church for every 430 people in WW1. But today there is only one church for every 6, 194 people. In Canada the ratio is 1:115, 040. –North American Mission Board.” Pg. 71
Application:
Support for Churches of All sizes: what resources for health? Leaders, preachers etc.
Support for declining Churches: Knowing when to Close, Merge, or fight?
Attitude Adjustment: Rejoicing in all things,
Church Health is Key. The Goal is to advance the Kingdom.
Other Thoughts: