Is Weymouth Family Church too small?
The size of the church has no bearing on its value and importance in God’s kingdom. Most churches around the world are small. The very first church only had 13 members! God has never needed ‘big’ to achieve His purposes! Gideon’s 32,000 army was way too big to demonstrate to the world God’s mighty hand so God reduced it to 300. The mighty giant Goliath was defeated by the youngest and smallest of 8 brothers. So if size isn’t the most important factor for success, let’s think about other aspects:
Opportunities to get things done? A small church is the right size.
Small churches are relatively simple in terms of administration, finances, decision-making and levels of leadership. In a small church, if a decision needs to be made the elders can meet with the trustees easily, quickly, and get things done (Acts 6:1-7). Everyone knows who to ask for things.
Opportunities to serve? A small church is the right size.
In a small church, everyone is needed and appreciated. Whether it be helping with administration, newsletters, accounts, refreshments, cleaning, maintenance, security, technology, music, leading groups, feeding the poor and hungry, teaching, discipling, moving chairs, prayer, bible study and 101 other things, there are always opportunities to serve, and through serving to meet each need, we all benefit, we all learn, and we all grow to be more like Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:27, Romans 12:4-8).
Opportunities to grow? A small church is the right size.
A small church is always aware of numbers, but this can be a great benefit in that the church is constantly aware of its dependence upon God. Success in conventional worldly terms (size, wealth, prestige) can potentially result in pride, arrogance and turning away from God. Kingdom success is measured by being obedient to God in whatever situation He has called you to, and so a small church tends not to focus on what it does not have, but on spiritual growth. A small church does its heavy lifting with hands in the air in prayer, praise and worship (John 14:15, 1 John 3:24).
A Commission church leader spoke a word over WFC this past year: God has called us to be the small and versatile lifeboat that Jesus can use to minister to the lost and needy in the shallows around Weymouth and Portland that a large ship could not reach. Every fellowship within Jesus’ wider church is different and is called to fulfil unique and specific purposes for God’s kingdom.
Opportunities for developing relationships? A small church is the right size.
In a small church, everyone gets to know everyone else very quickly and easily. Everyone is known by name and the opportunities to share life together are much easier and less intimidating than in a larger group. If someone is absent for a week, the church family immediately notices and can gather round and encourage and support anyone who might be struggling. There are closer links between generations in a smaller church setting, and they are much more open to benefitting from each other’s strengths and experiences (Galatians 6:2, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, James 5:13-20).
Jesus said “…I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18) so let us focus on being His church instead of trying to build ‘our church’ – it is His job to build!! We also know that “… where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20) so in Christ and by His Spirit, let us continue to love God, love each other and love the lost, all for His glory.
Adapted from the online article “The small church is the right size” by Greg Burdine, 8th June 2013. https://gregburdine.com/the-small-church-is-the-right-size-matthew-1820/