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When a lot of Christians picked up the August 2016 issue of Gospel Advocate, Eric Welch’s article “The Strength of Small Churches” surely caught their interest. The thought, “Hey, that’s about our congregation” may have crossed their minds.
One of the misconceptions mentioned was that small congregations have something wrong with them or they would be larger. Wrong. There are numerous reasons small congregations remain small.
God showed the strength of small numbers through Gideon’s victory with God on his side. This shows the more vulnerable that people feel, the more they need God and obedience to His word.
Other strengths include the close fellowship, “one another” encouragement and helping one another. It is very important that small congregations use the strength of each member being involved. Small congregations can be very much like a family.
How visitors are greeted and treated is a very helpful attraction. Paul wrote in Romans 12:9, ”Let love be genuine.” People recognize quickly the honest joy that can be shown by greeting and a worship service that is true to God.
The desire to “grow at any cost” is a dangerous goal. God has always wanted His people to be true to the word and offer themselves to the teaching of His word.
First Corinthians 3:6,7: “Let us plant and water and then trust God to give the increase.”
Carrol Duncan
Clarendon, TX
BulletinDigest.com