Small churches are the norm in America: 90% see fewer than 200 people in regular weekly attendance. In this revised and expanded edition, Brandon O’Brien helps readers understand that a smaller church is sometimes more strategic than a larger one.
O’Brien explains that the smaller-sized church is not a problem to solve or a liability to neutralize but a strategic advantage that can be leveraged for effective ministry in a variety of contexts. He demonstrates the strengths of small congregations and illustrates them with case studies. Today’s congregants want services that are local, personal, and intimate. Small churches provide space to nurture close relationships across age and lifestyle barriers, and they facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople. O’Brien shows how small churches can take full advantage of their size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies.
This new edition contains 20% changed or new material and incorporates insights from the author’s refined thinking on local church ministry after almost two decades in service to pastors worldwide. It will be invaluable for students and will help small-church pastors and leaders play to their strengths. Discussion questions for pastors are included.