The Theology of Small Things: Why Small Churches Matter

Faithfulness Is God’s Measure of Success

Consider Abel, Enoch, and Noah—the first three heroes of our faith mentioned in Hebrews 11. Abel offered a faithful sacrifice to God and was killed because his brother became jealous. Enoch walked with God and was miraculously removed from his surroundings by God. Noah faithfully built the ark and, through him, God preserved humanity and many animals from extinction.

Notice the progression and varying outcomes from these three heroes:

• Abel had faith, and he died.
• Enoch had faith, and God spared him from death for a time.
• Noah had faith, and he saved both his family and ultimately all of humankind.

Does the writer of Hebrews consider Enoch a greater success story than Abel since Enoch miraculously escaped death at that time? Of course not! Moreover, is Noah regarded as a greater success for saving not just himself but the human race? By no means!

Hebrews 11:32–38 goes on to describe many different outcomes of people living a life of faith.  Some—like David, Samuel, and others—“conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Hebrews 11:33–34, ESV). Others—like Paul and Stephen—“suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword” (Hebrews 11:36–37a, ESV).

Faithfulness can lead to a wide variety of outcomes. It’s important to notice, though, that all of these different figures from the Bible were “commended through their faith” (Hebrews 11:39, ESV). Whether someone preserved humanity like Noah or died because of faith like Abel, each was commended for faithfulness. Faith is God’s measuring tool for success—not money, size, or influence.

When looking at whether a church is successful or not, we should examine whether the church, the body of believers, is living a life of faith. A church of 10, 100, or 1,000 can effectively live a life of faith. The measure of a church’s success, then, is not its attendance but its faithfulness.

God Often Works Through the Small to Accomplish the Mighty

While size is not a measure of success, there is a consistent theme throughout the Scriptures of God using the small and seemingly insignificant to accomplish great and mighty deeds.  

• God chose the nomad Abraham to start a nation and be His promised people.  
• God chose Joseph, the rejected brother, to preserve many lives during famine.
• God chose Gideon, who was the least in his family from the weakest clan, to lead the Israelites against the Midianites.
• God chose the youngest brother, David, to slay the giant Goliath and later anointed that same young man to become king over Israel.
• God chose the orphaned Jewish girl, Esther, to save His people from genocide.
• God led Jesus in calling ordinary fishermen to become some of his first disciples.

Being a small church is not inherently a good or bad thing. Small churches can be comforted in knowing that God has consistently used the small things to bring about His purposes. In the same way, God continues to use small churches to accomplish His purposes.

Strengths of Small Churches

There are many advantages that come with being a part of a smaller church. These include:

A Family-Like Atmosphere

Smaller churches tend to have deeper, more personal relationships with one another. As a result, many members describe their congregation as a true family. This sense of family is expressed through members caring for one another’s needs, sharing in one another’s joys and burdens, and faithfully walking alongside each other through every season of life. In this way, a small church can catch a glimpse of the early Church in the New Testament—which was also described as a family. 

Receiving Personal, Pastoral Care

With a smaller membership, small church leadership can spend more quality time shepherding and caring for their flock. Because they are not dividing up their time between a larger group, pastors and other lay leaders can foster more personal connections within their congregation, making it easier to provide personal, pastoral care to their flock. From dinners together to attending weddings and family events, each member is a person, not just a number. 

Taking Ownership of Ministry

Typically, a larger percentage of members within a smaller church take an active role in ministry.  It’s easier for someone in a larger church to stay in the background and never roll up their sleeves and serve as the hands and feet of Christ Jesus within the church. Substantial spiritual growth often occurs when someone actively participates rather than just attending as a spectator. Small churches require each member to play a part in the body of Christ—and that is a blessing to both the member and the body of Christ.

Faithfulness Matters Most

Even though we live in a culture shaped by the motto “bigger is better,” may we understand that big does not inherently translate to good or bad when it comes to church. Size is not a measure of success in keeping with the Scriptures. Instead, we see that faithfulness is God’s measure of success.  

This does not diminish the value of healthy large churches. Scripture celebrates faithfulness, whether God entrusts a congregation with 10 people or 10,000.

God is looking for people who are faithful to Him to bring about His will here on earth.  He can do that through you no matter what size church you are a part of.  

If you are a member of a small church, don’t be discouraged.  God can and will use you and your church if you remain faithful to Him. Following the pattern seen throughout Scripture of working through the small, the overlooked, and the seemingly insignificant, God continues to accomplish His purposes through smaller churches.