Small Churches Revisited:

Straight AheadSome time ago, I wrote some comments about small and rural churches in the PC(USA. ) (Some of the comments would apply to small churches in most of the mainline Protestant denominations.) Today, I read an interesting article in the November 6 "Presbyterian Outlook" about churches that have a hard time getting full-time pastors or that cannot really afford full-time pastors. The article had some interesting facts. For example, 48% of our congregations in the PC(USA) have fewer than 100 members. The article also pointed out that we do not have a dearth of ministers. On the contrary, we have a decline in the number of small churches that can afford full-time ministers. The article also made a point that I've been trying to make for some time--namely, that even a small church needs an operating budget of about $100,000 a year to pay a full-time pastor and still have meningful missions and programs. We seem to be conflicted in our attitudes toward small churches. On the one hand, we see how important the small churches are--particularly in rural and small-town America. The small churches are the life-blood of many small communities and rural areas. They are also important to the people who belong to them and to the denomination. Yet, we seem unwilling to put the time, money and effort toward maintaining the small churches that could yield enormous benefits to present and future generations. Denominational leaders say it's a matter of stewardship. They want to put the money and the effort where they feel there is the greatest opportunity for numerical and spiritual growth. In many small towns, however, there won't be any numerical growth. Populations are either stable or declining. In other instances, Presbyterianism is not as well-established as other denominations; but that doesn't mean that our Presbyterian churches should be allowed to die. The stewardship of our presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly should begin with encouraging and supporting the work of small churches in hard-to-call areas where our services can still be very important. It is true that in some situations, the small churches themselves are to blame for their decline. Leaders have not encouraged the sharing of responsibilities. Pastors have not delegated authority. Evangelism has been neglected. I also believe that much of the decline of mainline denominations is due to the radical social positions taken by some ministers, congregations, and denominations. After all is said and done, however, our denominations need to re-examine their priorities. Instead of supporting questionable controversial causes and social policies, funds should be reallocated to make the life of the small church viable and lively across America once again. There are other areas where the expenditure of funds could be reconsidered. Some programs are not being widely used or supported. In many cases, denominational programs do not really touch the people in a meaningful way, whereas the work of the local church touches whole communities and presbyteries. We have talked for a long time about the marginalized and the disadvantaged. It now seems that one of the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups in America are the small churches. Wake up, church! Come back to the heartland so that Christ may live in the hearts of a nation in need!