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The smaller church (40 years ago)

40 years ago — November 6, 1978

As almost every Presbyterian knows, our denomination is made up predominantly of smaller congregations. Without them, we would be vastly poorer not only in spirit, but also in size. … There are possibilities inherent in a small church situation that are very difficult to come by in a large congregation: opportunities for small-group closeness … strong personal ties between pastor and people … and … less of the “red tape” … . Many in our ranks seem to be rediscovering the biblical truth that “bigness” is not necessarily “best”; and thus they are starting to see that smaller churches both need and deserve ministers who are the most competent, not the least. … It’s not surprising to find that the smaller church has its not-so-favorable side … . Smallness of size is used as an excuse for smallness of mind. … And an atmosphere conducive to personal growth degenerates into an arena for personal conflict. … The smaller church has an almost limitless potential. And if that potential is tapped it really can be “valid, vital and victorious.” After all, it was Jesus’ own tiny band of followers who dramatically taught us that even a few faithful persons can turn the world up-side down. 

From “The smaller church: The agony and the ecstasy”  by H. Denmark Burnette

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