When small is beautiful

 

The other day I was intrigued to read an article on the internet about a seeming return of interest in small churches.  It was written by a pastor of such a congregation, and he was just wondering if there is something of a sense of renewal in smaller churches since the pandemic?

Congregations often long to be bigger than they are – and nothing wrong in that.  For all sorts of right reasons such aspirations can be applauded.  Yet so too can the idea that small churches have a lot to offer.

Perhaps I should admit here that I’m not exactly sure about the numbers and the maths that makes a congregation thought of as either large or small and, of course, everything is relative!

The writer of the internet article has been pleased to see new people, especially over Christmas, come along to his small congregation.  In talking to them he’s become aware that they have enjoyed the more intimate and personal atmosphere of worship they have found and that, for some, it has brought a greater sense of belonging to a church ‘family’ than what they were used to in a bigger, yet more impersonal, context.

It made me recall a comment made at home by an extended family member over Christmas, that she actually enjoyed smaller, rather than larger, family gatherings.  When there were just five or six of us she naturally shares in the conversation, but when there are thirteen she just becomes a passive observer.

Maybe different types and sizes of congregation feel appropriate to folk at different stages of life. 

We rejoice in congregations of all sizes and the internet article reminded me that sometimes small is indeed beautiful.