The Benefits of a Small Church
Learning Objectives
Explain that a small church is not a failed church simply because it is small.
Identify the blessings that are often easier to develop in a smaller congregation.
Show how a small church can strengthen the family relationship among Christians.
Explain how a small church gives greater opportunity for members to grow and serve.
Warn against using smallness as an excuse for stagnation.
Call every member to help the congregation grow stronger, closer, and more fruitful.
Thesis
A small church has real blessings and real responsibilities; if it uses its closeness, opportunities, and family spirit for the glory of God, it can become stronger, more active, and more fruitful in the Lord’s work.
Smallness is not the same thing as weakness. A small church may be weak, but it does not have to be. A large church may be strong, but size alone does not make it faithful. The real question is not, “How many do we have?” The real question is, “What are we doing with what God has given us?”
Introduction.
Churches come in all kinds of sizes.
Some are large, numbering in the hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands.
Others are small, with only a few members meeting together.
Some congregations have large buildings, full classrooms, many teachers, and many workers.
Others have a small group of Christians doing the best they can with what they have.
It is hard to define exactly what makes a church small or large.
Some may think a congregation under 200 is small.
Some may think 200 is large because they have worshiped most of their lives with 30 or 40 people.
One person’s small congregation may be another person’s large congregation.
Every size has advantages and disadvantages.
There are things a large church can do that a small church may struggle to do.
A large church may have more workers, more teachers, more money, more elders, more deacons, and more programs.
But there are also things a small church can often do better than a large church.
This lesson is not meant to encourage stagnation.
We should not say, “We are small, and we like it that way,” if that means we have stopped caring about souls.
We should not use smallness as an excuse for laziness.
We should not pretend that staying small is automatically spiritual.
But neither should we despise the blessings of a small church.
A small church can be faithful.
A small church can be strong.
A small church can be loving.
A small church can be active.
A small church can grow.
So we will consider two things.
The benefits of a small church.
The obligations of a small church.
I. A Small Church Can Have a Stronger Sense of Family.
In a small church, people usually know each other.
We can remember faces.
We know who usually sits where.
We know who is missing.
We know who has been sick.
We know who has been struggling.
We can remember names.
Members are not merely faces in a crowd.
Children are not lost in a large group.
Older members are not easily forgotten.
We can know each other’s lives.
We know when someone needs encouragement.
We know when someone needs help.
We know when someone needs prayer.
We know when someone needs correction.
A small church can make it easier to develop family relationships.
Children can bond with older members.
Older Christians can become like grandparents in the faith.
Children can learn respect for age and experience.
The generations can bless one another.
Adults can participate in outings and fellowship with one another.
Members can eat together.
Members can visit together.
Members can work together.
Members can pray together.
A small church can feel like family in a very real way.
Not a club.
Not an audience.
Not a business.
A family in Christ.
Scripture teaches us to treat one another as family.
First Timothy 5:1–2 says, “Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.”
Older men are to be treated as fathers.
Younger men are to be treated as brothers.
Older women are to be treated as mothers.
Younger women are to be treated as sisters, in all purity.
That is family language.
The church is not a collection of strangers.
The church is the household of God.
Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.
This family blessing can be better experienced in a smaller church.
Not because large churches cannot love.
Not because small churches automatically love.
But because smaller numbers often make closer relationships easier to build.
Jesus promised spiritual family to those who sacrifice for Him.
Mark 10:28–30 records Peter saying, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.”
The apostles had made sacrifices.
They had left homes, families, and livelihoods.
They had followed Christ.
Jesus promised that those who sacrifice for Him and the gospel receive family in the present age and eternal life in the age to come.
Brothers.
Sisters.
Mothers.
Children.
Along with persecutions.
The church is part of that blessing.
When someone obeys the gospel, he gains a spiritual family.
When someone is rejected by earthly family for Christ, the church should receive him.
When someone is lonely, the church should be family.
A small congregation should not waste this blessing.
We should not be cold.
We should not be cliquish.
We should not be distant.
We should act like family.
II. A Small Church Gives Greater Opportunities for Individual Growth.
The work still has to be done.
Whether the congregation is large or small, the Lord’s work remains.
Prayers must be led.
Songs must be led.
Bible classes must be taught.
The Lord’s Supper must be served.
The sick must be visited.
Visitors must be welcomed.
The lost must be taught.
In a small church, there are fewer people to draw from.
There may not be twenty men who can lead singing.
There may not be ten teachers waiting to rotate.
There may not be a large pool of workers.
That means there is a greater need for active members.
A small church cannot afford lazy Christianity.
A small church cannot thrive if everyone waits for someone else.
A small church needs servants, not spectators.
A small church often forces people to grow.
Many men have led prayer because they were needed.
They may have never done it before.
They may have been nervous.
But they learned.
Many men have led singing because they were needed.
They may not have thought they could.
They may have started weakly.
But they improved.
Many have learned to make announcements, serve at the Lord’s table, teach classes, and help in public ways.
Not because they were experts.
Not because they were looking for attention.
But because the work needed to be done.
In a large church, a man may go months before being asked to lead a prayer.
In a small church, he may be asked often.
That repeated opportunity helps him grow.
Service builds ability.
A small church can help members stop hiding.
Some Christians are content to sit and watch.
They attend.
They listen.
They leave.
They never serve.
A small church exposes that kind of Christianity.
The need is visible.
The lack of workers is obvious.
Everyone can see that help is needed.
That can be uncomfortable, but it is also good.
Growth is not always comfortable.
Service is not always easy.
Responsibility is part of discipleship.
Willing members should be used and trained.
When someone wants to serve, encourage him.
Do not mock his first attempts.
Do not crush his confidence.
Do not expect perfection from a beginner.
Help him grow.
Teach him.
Correct him kindly.
Give him opportunities.
Encourage improvement.
The church needs workers.
If you can lead prayer, lead prayer.
If you can teach, teach.
If you can visit, visit.
If you can invite, invite.
If you can encourage, encourage.
If you can help, help.
III. A Small Church Makes It Harder to Disappear Spiritually.
In a small church, people are quickly missed.
When someone is absent, it is noticed.
Especially when that person usually attends faithfully.
Especially when that person has responsibilities.
Especially when that person has been struggling.
That can feel uncomfortable, but it is a blessing.
It means people know you.
It means people care.
It means you are not just a number.
In a larger church, someone may disappear more easily.
Some may be absent for weeks before others notice.
Some may slip in and out without forming relationships.
Some may drift quietly.
In a small church, drifting is harder to hide.
That is good if the church responds spiritually.
That is dangerous if the church responds with gossip.
A small church can offer help quickly.
When a member is weak, someone should care.
Not to pry.
Not to control.
Not to shame.
But to restore.
Galatians 6:1–2 says, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.”
Restoration is the goal.
Gentleness is the spirit.
Self-examination is required.
The same passage says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
Christians help carry spiritual burdens.
Christians help carry emotional burdens.
Christians help carry physical burdens when able.
A small church can do this well.
We can know when help is needed.
We can respond personally.
We can encourage before someone falls farther.
Care must be handled correctly.
A small church must not become a gossip factory.
Knowing people’s struggles does not give permission to spread them.
Concern must not become whispering.
Prayer requests must not become disguised gossip.
A small church must not become harsh.
Restoration requires gentleness.
Correction requires humility.
Help requires love.
A small church must not ignore sin either.
Love does not pretend nothing is wrong.
Family does not watch someone destroy himself silently.
Spiritual people restore.
A faithful small church notices and helps.
It does not merely notice and criticize.
It does not merely notice and talk.
It notices and acts.
IV. A Small Church Has the Obligation to Nurture Its Family Spirit.
Family closeness must be cultivated.
A small church does not automatically become a loving church.
It can be cold.
It can be divided.
It can be cliquish.
It can be suspicious.
Closeness must be nurtured.
Through fellowship.
Through hospitality.
Through prayer.
Through service.
Through forgiveness.
Congregationally, we need opportunities for spiritual fellowship.
Bible classes.
Visitation.
Singing.
Work days.
Evangelistic efforts.
Times of encouragement.
Individually, members must practice hospitality.
Invite people into your home.
Not only your closest friends.
Not only people your age.
Not only people who can invite you back.
Share meals.
Potlucks can help.
Simple meals can help.
Coffee and conversation can help.
Socialize with Christians.
It is healthy to be around people of like precious faith.
Many Christians spend the week surrounded by ungodliness.
Time with Christians strengthens the soul.
A small church must be careful not to become closed.
A family spirit can become a clique if we are not careful.
Visitors may feel like outsiders.
New converts may feel like intruders.
New families may feel ignored.
That is not acceptable.
Family should be warm.
Family should be welcoming.
Family should make room at the table.
The church must not say, “We are family,” while making others feel unwanted.
That is not family.
That is selfishness.
That kills growth.
A faithful small church is close and welcoming.
Close enough to love deeply.
Welcoming enough to receive new souls.
V. A Small Church Has the Obligation to Train Workers.
Growth requires training.
Men need to be trained to serve.
Leading prayers.
Leading singing.
Teaching classes.
Preaching when able.
Serving publicly.
Women need to be equipped to teach and encourage.
Teaching children.
Encouraging younger women.
Building up other sisters.
Serving in ways God authorizes.
Young people need to be prepared.
Boys should learn reverence and service.
Girls should learn faithfulness and godly influence.
Children should grow up seeing the church work.
The preacher has a responsibility to help others teach.
Second Timothy 2:2 says, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Paul taught Timothy.
Timothy was to teach faithful men.
Those faithful men would be able to teach others also.
That is not shirking duty.
It is fulfilling duty.
A preacher who trains others is doing Bible work.
A church that expects the preacher to do everything is not thinking biblically.
A congregation is stronger when more people can serve.
Not when one man does everything.
Not when one family carries everything.
Not when a few members burn out while others watch.
A small church must not depend on one or two people forever.
What happens if the only song leader is sick?
What happens if the only Bible class teacher is gone?
What happens if the preacher moves?
What happens if the one family doing most of the work gets discouraged?
The church must train workers.
For stability.
For growth.
For future generations.
For the glory of God.
Training requires patience.
Beginners will make mistakes.
A first prayer may be nervous.
A first class may be rough.
A first song may not be smooth.
That is not a reason to stop training.
Correct kindly.
Encourage strongly.
Keep teaching.
The goal is not performance.
The goal is service.
The goal is growth.
The goal is faithfulness.
VI. A Small Church Has the Obligation Not to Remain Stagnant.
Smallness is not the problem; stagnation is.
A small church is not automatically weak.
It may be faithful.
It may be loving.
It may be active.
But a stagnant church is in danger.
No evangelism.
No training.
No zeal.
No urgency.
No growth.
There is nothing wrong with growing slowly.
Some fields are harder than others.
Some communities are difficult.
Some seasons are discouraging.
But there is something wrong with not caring whether we grow.
That is not patience.
That is indifference.
That is dangerous.
The Lord expects growth.
Matthew 13:31–32 compares the kingdom to a mustard seed.
It begins small.
It grows.
It becomes useful and visible.
Small beginnings do not bother God.
The kingdom did not begin with worldly greatness.
Jesus began with a small band of disciples.
The gospel spread through ordinary people.
But the seed was not meant to stay buried.
It was meant to grow.
It was meant to produce.
It was meant to spread.
Fruitfulness is required.
John 15:1–2 says Jesus is the true vine and the Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in Christ that does not bear fruit is taken away.
Every branch that bears fruit is pruned to bear more fruit.
God expects fruit from His people.
Personal fruit.
Spiritual fruit.
Evangelistic fruit.
Fruit of good works.
A congregation should ask hard questions.
Are we bearing fruit?
Are we reaching anyone?
Are we training anyone?
Are we restoring anyone?
Are we growing stronger?
Every Christian has responsibility.
Matthew 28:19–20 commands disciples to make disciples.
Go.
Make disciples.
Baptize them.
Teach them to observe all that Christ commanded.
That work does not belong only to the preacher.
Every Christian can invite.
Every Christian can encourage.
Every Christian can study and learn to teach.
Every Christian can help create a congregation that welcomes truth seekers.
A small church must not say:
“We are too small.”
“Nobody is interested.”
“That is the preacher’s job.”
“We tried that once.”
“We do not have enough people.”
If we are not moving toward growth, we are drifting toward decline.
A church does not have to die overnight.
It can die slowly.
It can die by comfort.
It can die by neglect.
VII. A Small Church Must Use Its Strengths for the Glory of God.
A small church has many strengths.
It can be close.
It can be personal.
It can be watchful.
It can be flexible.
It can involve members quickly.
It can train workers through necessity.
It can restore the weak personally.
It can welcome people warmly.
But strengths must be used rightly.
Knowing everyone can be used for encouragement or gossip.
Use it for encouragement.
Use it for prayer.
Use it for restoration.
Having many opportunities can be used for growth or criticism.
Use it to train.
Use it to build confidence.
Use it to strengthen workers.
Being close can become warmth or cliquishness.
Use closeness to welcome.
Use closeness to include.
Use closeness to make others feel loved.
A small church can become stronger.
It can be done.
We can grow closer.
We can grow stronger.
We can grow more active.
We can grow in number.
But everyone must help.
Not just the preacher.
Not just the elders, if the church has elders.
Not just the same faithful few.
We have many strengths.
Let us use them.
Let us stop making excuses.
Let us work for the honor and glory of God.
Application.
For the discouraged member.
Do not despise a small congregation.
God can use small things.
Faithfulness matters more than size.
For the inactive member.
A small church needs you.
There is work you can do.
Stop waiting for someone else to carry your part.
For the older member.
Help the younger ones grow.
Encourage beginners.
Be a father or mother in the faith.
For the younger member.
Learn from older Christians.
Accept opportunities to serve.
Do not wait until you feel ready for everything.
For the congregation.
Be family.
Train workers.
Restore the weak.
Evangelize.
Grow.
Conclusion.
There are many advantages to being part of a small church.
A stronger sense of family.
Greater opportunities to serve.
Easier awareness when someone is weak or absent.
More personal encouragement.
More immediate need for growth.
But we must not become content with remaining small.
We should be thankful for the blessings.
We should use the opportunities.
We should work to grow.
Let us join hands and make the ties that bind stronger.
Build one another up.
Encourage one another.
Train one another.
Restore one another.
Teach the lost.
If we are strong as a small church, then when we grow into a larger church, we can still be strong.
The goal is not merely to be small.
The goal is not merely to be large.
The goal is to be faithful.
Let us use what God has given us.
For His honor.
For His glory.
For the saving of souls.
For the strengthening of His people.
Plan of Salvation
Hear the word.
Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ.
Reference: Romans 10:17.
Believe in Christ.
The sinner must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Reference: John 8:24.
Repent of sins.
God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Reference: Acts 17:30.
Confess Christ.
The sinner must confess Jesus as Lord.
Reference: Romans 10:9–10.
Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.
Peter commanded repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Reference: Acts 2:38.
Remain faithful.
The Lord calls His people to faithfulness until death.
Reference: Revelation 2:10.
Word Study.
| Word | Original | Meaning | Use in Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worship | προσκυνέω / proskyneō | To bow before, reverence, or offer homage. | Frames worship as submission to God rather than self-expression. |
| Sing | ᾄδω / adō | To sing praise. | Identifies the vocal action God authorizes in New Testament worship. |
| Doctrine | διδαχή / didachē | Teaching, instruction. | Shows worship must be governed by apostolic teaching. |
| Heart | καρδία / kardia | Inner person, mind, will, and affection. | Locates true worship in reverent inward submission. |
| Truth | ἀλήθεια / alētheia | Truth, reality, what is revealed by God. | Keeps worship tied to revelation rather than preference. |
| Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
|---|---|---|---| | Worship | προσκυνέω / proskyneō | To bow before, reverence, or offer homage. | Frames worship as submission to God rather than self-expression. | | Sing | ᾄδω / adō | To sing praise. | Identifies the vocal action God authorizes in New Testament worship. | | Doctrine | διδαχή / didachē | Teaching, instruction. | Shows worship must be governed by apostolic teaching. | | Heart | καρδία / kardia | Inner person, mind, will, and affection. | Locates true worship in reverent inward submission. | | Truth | ἀλήθεια / alētheia | Truth, reality, what is revealed by God. | Keeps worship tied to revelation rather than preference. | | Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
Scripture Interlock Table.
| Testament | Reference | Original Context | Connection to Main Text | Doctrinal Use | Sermon / Teaching Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. |
| Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. |
| Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. |
| New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. |
| New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. |
| New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. |
| New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. | | Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. | | Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. | | New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. | | New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. | | New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. | | New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
Invitation.
Hear the word.
Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Believe Christ.
John 8:24 warns that unless you believe that Jesus is He, you will die in your sins.
Repent.
Acts 17:30 says God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Confess Christ.
Romans 10:9–10 teaches confession with the mouth and belief in the heart.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 commands repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Live faithfully.
Revelation 2:10 calls the Christian to be faithful until death.
