Strengths of the Small Church Part 1

By Glenn Daman

This is part 1 of a 6-part series.

1. Shepherding ministry.

The small church is strong because the pastor can provide personal care for each person in the congregation. While some have downplayed the importance of this personal care, it remains central to our role and responsibility.

Christ, as our model shepherd, not only cares for the whole flock, but he cares for each individual (Luke 15:4-7), having a personal knowledge of each person (John 10:3). One of the privileges we have in the small church is that we know our people. We know the struggles each person is
facing in the congregation. We know those who are struggling with financial difficulties. We know those who are facing problems with a rebellious teen. We know when people are facing tension in their marriage.

When we preach on Sundays, the message is not generic to the masses; it is specific to the needs of the people sitting in the pews. This care extends beyond just the message on Sunday. Because we interact with the people throughout the week we can privately address personal struggles they are facing, often in an informal setting where the person is more open to discuss the issues. We should never underestimate the value of this personal interaction.

This also means that not only can we communicate biblical truth in a way that is relevant to the specific needs of people, but we can be there with them in times of crisis. Because the church is small, we can spend time with people. When a family member is in the process of dying, we
can do more than "drop in and show our face." We can spend the whole day with them, providing comfort and care.

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The Country Shepherd (formerly entitled Mikros) is published bi-monthly
by the Center for Leadership Development, a ministry of Village Missions
and the Institute for Small Church Heath a ministry of Western Seminary.
Dr. Glenn C. Daman, editor.

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