If you ever hear a country artist sing about a church, they usually sing about a small chapel where they fell to their knees and found Christ. These modest buildings with small gatherings are the heartbeat of many communities worldwide. Obviously, large or mega-churches with several thousand in attendance and services streamed in multiple countries are doing something right. Still, small churches serve an equally important Kingdom mission.
A few years ago, my husband and I decided to search for a church where our children felt most comfortable and loved. We wanted a safe place for them to learn about Jesus and make friends. In our search for a spiritual abode, I would take off my wedding ring, load the kids in the car, and visit a church as a "single mom." I grew up with a single mom, so I wanted to see how a church perceives and welcomes someone who may not have deep pockets. We always tried a new church at least three times, and each time, I would ask what my children thought first. I would listen to them, even when I loved the service, and they gave me a "no." (No, our kids do not get everything they want, but we wanted to establish a good foundation through their childhood so that they are more likely to serve in a church they love as adults.)
After a few detours and a challenging experience with what is popularly called "church hurt," we finally found a lovely little church with the most beautiful name of Providence, which means God's protective care and guidance.
Trust me, we (me included) still get many things wrong—we are a group of imperfect humans, after all, but I want to share six gems about this small church that is getting it mostly right:
Our little church has a stained-glass window above the altar with children sitting on Jesus' lap. I've visited many churches over my years, including massive cathedrals in South America, and this stained-glass window is the only one I've seen depicting Matthew 19:13-15, "Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.' And he laid his hands on them and went away" (ESV). The Children's Ministers at our church live out this command by gently leading their precious hearts toward Jesus.
From Vacation Bible School to Sunday school, small churches know the importance of great programs for children and youth and prioritize them. Everyone looks forward to the children singing in service and speaking their minds when the pastor asks them questions during "Children's Moment." Grandmas hold newborn babies in service so the weary parents can focus on the sermon. When you apologize for the commotion and loud noise children often make, you are met with gracious words and high-fives with the kids instead of severe stares. As the great C.S. Lewis writes, "Children are not a distraction from important work—they are the most important work."
The church I call home has deep roots in missions. When this church was founded twenty years ago, a small group met together, and when they took what they assumed would be their last offering, they gave it all to a local family whose house burned down. Guess what? They showed up the next week, and so did more people.
Small churches may not have significant resources and staffing to do missions abroad, but they can often be found in the local community addressing the immediate needs. They can bake casseroles to comfort those in need, pack hygiene kits for the homeless, volunteer at local food banks and shelters, and take offerings for natural disaster relief. Most importantly, small churches pray and trust an Almighty God to meet their needs.
I came from a church that underwent a three-million-dollar renovation with custom-built tables and expensive toilets, but they weren't making sure the kids at the school next door were being fed. So, I was slightly shocked when I went to decorate for Vacation Bible School and was handed posters and a stapler. The whole church was transformed into a magical under-the-sea landscape, and we put about one million tiny holes in the walls to make it happen. Small churches are lived in, and everyone is welcome in the kitchen. They are used for celebrations, funerals, and the local Cub Scout troop. The four walls are a place of worship and Kingdom work in tandem.
Everyone knows your name, and that is something to cheer about! If you want to be part of a family of believers who care about you and your family, the tiny local church does it best. Prayer requests are still printed in the Sunday bulletins and announced at the beginning of services. Meals are dropped off when babies are born, and you are greeted with a handshake and hug on Sunday mornings.
Churches doing things right welcome and embrace single parents, recovering addicts, and retirees living off limited social security checks. These churches don't spend two months preaching series on tithing and generosity or send out invoices to their members. Volunteering and mission work are considered priceless gifts.
I read a story many years ago about a homeless man sitting by the door of a large Catholic cathedral in Brazil one Sunday morning. Most people walked past him without looking his way; others dropped a couple of dollars in his cup, but no one invited him to mass that morning. When mass began, the homeless beggar cloaked in hooded rags with his head down walked down the aisle and stood behind the pulpit. The man removed his cloak, revealing that he was the priest to a rather shocked congregation. You can guess what the sermon was that day!
Jesus flipped tables because the money changers and merchants were exploiting the poor (John 2:15). They were blocking the doors to the temple for the poor, and we should expect to see the righteous anger of Jesus when we exclude based on appearance or financial status.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)
You must depend on Jehovah to provide when you don't have much. When the Body of Christ comes together with a pure heart and stays faithful, they know God will provide refuge in the storms and a way out of the wilderness. These modest sanctuaries with humble roots can testify to His miraculous provision.
I've prayed big prayers lately for my church, and I urge you to pray for the church that you call home, no matter the size. Pray that your church becomes the church in Philadelphia, the one that perseveres through trials and persecution. This church does good deeds all for the glory of God and consists of a body of believers who keep His Word and never deny His name. Pray that God opens the door no one can shut and makes the church's enemies bow down (Revelation 3:7-13).
Photo Credit: ©RNS/Bob Smietana