Think Small !

The Value of the Small Church

Stanley Sherman

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Disband With Dignity

In 2002, recognizing there was no congregation of the Lord's church meeting in the area between Baltimore Maryland and Washington D.C., a group of 6 Christians established the Columbia Street church of Christ, meeting first in an apartment.

When they grew to 12 members, through intensive evangelistic efforts, they rented a room in a local elementary school. After about 2 years, they built up to

25 members! They were joyful because they felt they had reached critical mass, and the Lord's work was being done. The enthusiasm and optimism was infectious!

Then, the letter came. It included a copy of an article, published in a brotherhood newspaper with the title, “Disband With Dignity”. The author of the letter said there had already been a Columbia Street church of Christ in the

same general area before, and when the attendance dropped down to 25 members, they disbanded in discouragement. Members then chose to drive the distance to other congregations.

Can you imagine? One group reaches 25 members and was excited!! The other disbanded “with dignity” in discouragement, when the membership got down to 25.

What made the difference between those two congregations meeting in the same location? was it a matter of faith and trust in God's ability to help them grow? Was it a difference in attitude? Was it a matter of perceived ability?

It would seem that the original group gave up with a “why try again” attitude.

The Two Shoe Salesmen

This reminds me of the story of the two shoe salesmen, representing competing

shoe manufacturers, who flew to an under-developed African country to open up new business markets for their companies.

One man got off the plane and saw that all the natives were barefoot. He

immediately wired back to the home office, "No use to set up shop here. No one wears shoes!"

The other salesman stepped off the plane and saw no one wearing shoes, and

quickly wired his home office with the desperate message, "Quick, send a boat load of shoes over here! No one wears shoes!"

Gideon's Challenge

Remember the story of Gideon, in Judges 7, as he lead his army to fight the

Midianites and the Amalekites--whose armies were described as "numerous as locusts". They were spread out across the valley nearly as far as the eye could see.

Gideon had managed to assemble an army of 22,000 to go up against this hoard. As he confidently addressed his army in the pre-attack briefing of the troops, he said--"Whoever is afraid and trembling let him return and depart from Mount Gilead." And then, he watched with horror as 22,000 (over half his troops) took off for home!! 

Can you imagine being a General and half your army leaves?!!   That would surly clear your sinuses!   Well, God said to Gideon, "You still have too many", and the number  got down to only 300. Three-hundred against a numberless hoard!  But, God delivered the enemy into Gideon's hand without the loss of any of his army!

God Works With the Small

All through the Bible we see God working with an individual or a small group, rather than large numbers, in order to show the power of having faith in God and His power.  The Lord said to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My strength is made perfect in  weakness.”  (See also Hebrews 11:32-34).    On one occasion, God told Daniel about a man He was going to use for His purposes. The Lord said, "He shall come up, and shall become strong with a small group.” (Daniel 11:23).

Anchor Point—A Gospel Anchor

A few years ago Lydia and I visited Alaska, and I was invited to preach at Anchor Point, a small town on the Kenai Peninsula on the shore of Cook Inlet.   Like in most small mission field communities, the brethren there tried to reach their community with the gospel, with little success. 

Did they choose to "disband with dignity"?   Absolutely not!   If they couldn't reach their community as successfully as they wished at the time, they decided to reach out to the world by short-wave radio; and, soon, KNLS radio station was started, with a giant antenna.

It enabled them to reach out to the pacific rim nations, such as the Philippines, 

Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.  Pretty soon they began getting responses from deep inside Russia, China and the Moslem countries of the Middle-east.   

             

There's no telling how many souls have been reached, by that small group in       Alaska, all over the world!  And, the Lord has blessed them with a flourishing congregation today. Anchor Point has become an anchor for the gospel to reach

the world!

The Power of the Internet

And now, with the internet, we too can reach out to people all over the world with the gospel. Consider  World Bible School and World Video Bible School as possible personal evangelistic tools for Bible study outreach; as well as, email, Skype and other social media outlets available at our fingertips today.

True Growth

It's sad and unfortunate that our brethren, and others, erroneously measure success in church growth by how many members a congregation has in attendance. 

The bigger you are, the more successful your congregation is thought to be; and, the stronger you are perceived to be if you have a very large congregation.

But, God's concept of growth and strength is far different than most misguided  brethren, who think growth is primarily judged by numbers.  

God is not concerned about numbers. Of course, God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9), but He seeks for true worshipers--those who want to “worship Him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24).  And we should understand growth more in terms of the spiritual growth of a congregation more-so than by swelling numbers.

When you search the word “grow” in the New Testament, it's always associated 

with grace, faith, love, truth and knowledge (Ephesians 4:13; 1 Peter 2:2; 3:15), and having to do with maturity.  Yes, Acts 12:24 says that "the Word of God continued to grow and to be multiplied"  and "the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing" (Acts 19:20) implying many converts---but, those won by the Word. 

The Lord is Looking for DISCIPLES

The emphasis is still in agreement with Christ's commission: "Go ye therefore   and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I command you..."      (Matthew 28:19-20).

A disciple is a person who has been convinced by the teaching of the gospel,     convicted of sin, and commits to obeying the gospel and faithfully following Jesus.

Although a full understanding is not required before becoming a committed convert, knowledge about why Jesus died for them, and the understanding that they will be a  part of Christ's body, the church---is implied. A commitment to worship God in spirit (with the right attitude) and in truth (according to the doctrine of Christ) is also implied.

The practice of quick baptisms of low-information, half-converted from the world (for awhile) people, may increase numbers on the attendance board, but that does not necessarily constitute true congregational growth. It is more a matter of swelling the church than growing the church.

Presumed “Success” can be Deceiving

My wife, Lydia, and I went to Africa one time with a campaign team, having been invited by a small congregation of around 20, with a missionary as their 

preacher.  During the month we were there, 100 souls were baptized!  That 

sounded like great news in the reports in all the brotherhood papers.  But in reality, it was a disaster!  One hundred quickly taught new Christians were left with a congregation of 20.  It was overwhelming.  And, although measures were taken to try to accommodate follow-up, when the team left to return to the U.S., about 95% fell away.

It would have been much better for the congregation, and the poor souls who

quickly fell away, if more teaching had been geared to discipleship (oftentimes a slower process) than the emphasis on how many baptisms could take place in a given evangelistic effort.

Congregations Under Pressure to “Grow”

Since the beginning of the modern "church growth" movement, dating from the late 1950's, local churches have been under pressure to provide programs to facilitate church "growth".

Bob DeWaay, in his article, "Faulty Premises of the Church Growth Movement" (from the publication: Critical Issues Commentary, says:  

"The Church Growth idea is that we must study man (using the latest

sociological, psychological, and anthropological insights) to determine

how to create a church that will grow and a message that will be popular

through appealing to a target audience. Something is wrong here. And,

I do not think it is the inspired Apostle John."  He refers to 1 John4:5-6

which says, "They are from the world, therefore they speak as from the

world, and the world listens to them. We are of God: he that knoweth

God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we

the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

                                      CHAPTER 2: THINKING “SMALL”

The Center for Church Growth, operated by brethren located in the Bible Belt, has the motto: "Think Big!"   In contrast, I want to exhort you to "Think Small!” for the following reasons:

First of all, when we talk about a small church, “small” is a relative term.

In  some areas of the United States, like ours, a church in excess of 100 

members is considered a large church.  Even some churches with 20 or 30 

members are large when compared to a few congregations in the area with single--digit memberships. The largest congregation in our state of Oregon has around 800 members, and the next 3 largest have around 400 members (all in the state's largest metropolitan area).

Compare that to some congregations in the Bible belt with memberships ranging in the thousands. When taken over-all, and for purposes of this study, my definition of average  “small” in the nation-wide brotherhood, would be a congregation of less 250 or less in attendance.

Thinking SMALL actually promotes true and lasting growth.  

Back in the early part of the 20th century through the 1950's, congregations grew quickly, through frequent gospel meetings, and an emphasis on personal  evangelism. 

And, some elderships were wise to determine that when their congregation grew to about 250 to 300, it was better to encourage members to volunteer to start another congregation across town, or in another neighborhood.  So, maybe 50 would volunteer for this mission. 

This gave the church more presence in the community with the opportunity of 

the gospel reaching the neighborhoods with a permanent presence. It also 

promoted more evangelistic activity and active service, especially among the 

team that set forth to build the new congregation. 

Thus, by thinking small, the church in that city, or town, actually grew bigger in quality, as well as quantity of members added to the church.    I witnessed such a scenario first hand.

Thinking SMALL also promotes more of a family atmosphere among members. 

      

Lydia and I were a part of a large congregation with around 1400 members, 

where I was on the staff of ministers and program directors. One time I was 

sitting next to a lady in the balcony, a member whom I had never met or even 

seen before. She leaned over to ask me the name of another lady coming up the aisle. I replied, "I don't know. I've never seen her before in my life."  

The atmosphere during the worship services was more like we were spectators watching the performance of worship. There was a "worship praise team" of three men and a woman leading the singing (so that the basses, the tenors, sopranos and altos all had their own song leader). They wore the same color-coordinated outfits; and, the whole thing seemed more like a synchronized theatrical entertainment production. The preacher had a great sense of humor and entertaining stories. sometimes with spiritual lessons, but little scripture was included in most presentations.  It was rare to hear an “old-time” gospel sermon.

I'm not saying that all huge congregations are like that—certainly not. But, my

experience in visiting with some, found  that to be the situation.

Robotics on Queue

One time I walked into a huge church building, down a long hallway filled with   people visiting with one another.  No one greeted me.  I sat down in a pew 

with people all around me, but no one spoke to me. I smiled and nodded when

someone looked my way, but no one initiated conversation with me.   Someone   might say, “well, why didn't you speak to someone?"  Yes, I could have, but       I wanted to see, as a stranger guest, if anyone would greet me, or talk with me.

Well, when the song leader got up, and previous to leading the first song,  announced that they were one of the friendliest congregations you could find, and asked everyone to stand and greet the ones in front and behind. All of a sudden, on queue, everyone was so friendly with me. I was a celebrity!  Then, just as soon, everyone turned around and sat down to begin the service. 

Now, I'm not saying this always happens in a big church. I've been a guest in

many large churches that were very receptive to having someone new visit. 

But, I was illustrating the point of what is not likely so much to happen in a 

smaller congregation where a guest may be more royally treated, and fellowship among members is more friendship oriented.

In the smaller church, there is more of a family atmosphere and comradery.

Thinking SMALL also promotes more member activity, involvement, and on the job training.  

In a congregation of 1400 people, a man might get called upon to lead the 

congregation in prayer once a year or even within two years, because of so 

many capable men.  I used to wonder how much talent was wasted, and how 

many never could develop or grow their abilities because of the sheer numbers of members, and the lack of opportunity to fully "grow". 

In a small church, men and women always have opportunity to serve in their 

chose capacities, or try to develop new skills.  

In a congregation I served in Canada for several years, the eldership, who was   composed of three American oil company executives and two Canadian elders, was suddenly changed when the Canadian government expelled the American oil companies back to the United States, over a political dispute.  That immedi-ately drained the congregation of about a third of the members, along with their

contribution.  In an emergency business meeting, the men were trying to decide how to downsize the budget.  A young Englishman challenged the group with "Let's not downsize the budget, let's increase it!" His idea prevailed and it was marvelous to see how that congregation met its challenge.  Members who had not been active in the past suddenly came out of the woodwork to volunteer to fill in the gaps.  The congregation grew and prospered because their faith was in God for His help.  I never enjoyed a place more.

On The Job Training

One Sunday, when I had to be away from the congregation we now serve, and several of the men were away also, my youngest son stepped in to lead               singing, preside over the Lord Supper, preach and baptize a lady who respond-ed to the invitation.  Nothing beats on-the-job training!

In the smaller church, someone may be called upon to fill in for a duty, and 

thereby discover they can do something they never imagined themselves doing   before. 

Young men are more likely to be used in worship service and get used to being in leadership situations in a smaller congregation than they would in a large one. This can lead to interest in developing song-leading talents, or preaching and teaching ability. 

Young women can get involved in teaching assistance, or teaching, preparing

communion, benevolence preparations, baby sitting on Bible studies or many

other serving possibilities.

Some of the brotherhood's greatest Bible scholars and dynamic preachers, grew up in small country churches and learned from on-the-job training, sometimes 

mentored by older preachers and teachers. Three-week Gospel meetings,     

debates and extensive Bible "Readings" that sometimes lasted 6 months or     

more, helped shape the knowledge and training of many great evangelists. Most all of this occurred before formation of Christian Colleges or Preacher Training Schools. It still continues today in many small congregations.

 Our congregation, over the years, has had young men who grew up under sound preaching and teaching, an often having to take part in leadership, go out to help other congregations with preaching and teaching, a some continued on to become located preachers and even missionaries. 

Nothing beats “on the job” training and developing a “working knowledge” of the Bible. What undeveloped talent may be in the pews of your congregation?

                         CHAPTER 3: THE CHURCH “GROWTH” MOVEMENT

"Church Growth" promoters fanned out across our nation in the 1960's trying to encourage brethren to "disband with dignity" and consolidate with other congregations  (patterned like the public school consolidation activity that was taking place during that time). The idea was to have a large central presence in the community. The theory was that so much more could be done if we were big.

The idea of "big-is-success and small-is-failure” is a commercial concept, not a spiritual one.  Naturally the church grew in the New Testament times, but the members were soon scattered abroad by persecution, and did not always meet in large groups. The day of Pentecost was an exception. Many of those new converts established churches of Christ in other places by spreading the gospel throughout the known world. Church buildings didn't even appear on the scene until the 3rd century.

The "Church Growth Consolidators" urged that with the sale of all the smaller church buildings in the community we could be as impressive an attraction to people as the denomination with their large buildings. It would perhaps attract wealthier citizens and businessmen of the community.  It was also thought, with greater attendance and giving base, more good could be accomplished.

I have first hand knowledge of this happening, because I was in attendance of one of the promotional meetings in one of the southwestern states, when a famous preacher from one of the largest congregations in the USA was touring the country urging brethren to do this, and listing some of the perceived benefits of consolidation. 

Many brethren bought into the "bigger is better" plan, especially in the cities, and millions of dollars of the Lord's money started funding magnificent facilities, which I sometimes describe as "palaces" of worship.  I was involved in one such project in the Bible belt, and saw the church budget involve over 90% for the building and less than 1% to missions, during the time of construction of our million-dollar building.

From the Colley House blog, we read this insight:  

      "What the church needs today is not primarily bigger and better facilities, bigger      

         congregations, more talent, more programs or more money. What the church

needs today is more courageous leaders: more Caleb's, more Joshua's, more

Joseph's and Daniel's.  We need men who are willing to do the hard things to

keep the body faithfully united in Truth. We need men who are soft enough to

cry about lost souls, yet tough enough to do what God says to do to keep the

body pure."

Some Negative Consequences of the Church Growth Movement

In spite of possible positive consequences of the church growth movement, there have been some severely negative consequences as well:

 The inordinate unbalanced shift of God's money from the mission fields to extravagant multi-million dollar church buildings.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not against church buildings per-se--just going over-

board--and allowing the building to be the dominate financial interest of the congregation, and possible an idol as well--if it becomes the central feature of the congregation.

I remember sitting in a business meeting, after our million dollar "worship

palace" had just been built, and one of the elders proposed that we skip

having vacation Bible school that year, "because some of the kids might

smudge the walls" of the new paint job.

We must have balance, and realize that God is certainly not concerned about

how beautiful or manicured the building is in which we worship. He is more

concerned about the beauty of holiness of His people meeting for worship in our

buildings.

The early church, probably because of persecution, did not build church build-ings until the 3rd century, as mentioned. But, the Lord wants the church to "come together" as a body for worship (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 11:18). And the early Christians did---in rented halls and houses and suitable places.  The typical house, in the Roman times throughout the empire, had a courtyard and/or a large portico that would be equivalent in capacity to a modest church building auditorium, that could accommodate a crowd.  Brethren were not necessarily crowded into little living room (like modern day "cell" groups), like we sometimes imagine when we think of house churches in that day and time,

although some could have been.

It is good to have adequate clean accommodation. But, we need to think of

what is best for the community in which we reside. Let us not think in terms of attracting the lost by means of a fancy building, but in terms of finding ways to better reach out to the community in a more neighborly, soul-conscious way.

An unusual sight which is not so unusual

I have sometimes used the illustration of a man walking down the sidewalk   

and seeing ahead of him a large crowd of people trying to make their way into     a large,magnificent church building. After making several inquiries as to what's   going on, he discovers that no one really knows. So, he joins the curious crowd   seeking to get inside. Eventually he gets to the steps and enters, walking down the aisle to the front of the auditorium. He is astonished at what he sees before   him! There,with a collar around his neck, chained to the pulpit, is Jesus! The man chokes out “Lord, what is the meaning of this?! Why are you chained to the pulpit!?!” Jesus replies sorrowfully, “My people have done this to me. Instead of following my command to go tell the world the good news of salvation, they have chained me to this pulpit, and only those who are interested enough to come into the building ever get to hear about me.”

Brethren, have we chained Jesus to the pulpit in our church buildings?   Is that the only place in your community that people, lost souls, can possibly hear  the gospel from you?

Jesus must be released from our church buildings!   We must quit focusing so 

much of our time and attention on the facility in which we gather to worship,         and get out into our communities. The building should be used as a means to an end—the gathering of old and newly converted Christians to worship God,  

rather than our building becoming an end in itself. 

The challenge question is this: “Where does the greatest dollar amount of the Lord's money go in your congregation—to the mortgage and maintenance of the building, or to the evangelistic mission the Lord has commanded for your congregation?”

When a Building Can Become am Idol

In the 1980's I returned from working with student preachers in the Jamaica 

School of Biblical Studies in Kingston, Jamaica.  They were some of the most     well-trained preacher potential I ever met, and had the yearning to return to 

their villages to preach and teach. The problem was there were no jobs to           support them in their villages, and there was no brotherhood support for them.   Unfortunately, today it is more important who you know to some elderships          than what you know (and the quality of your work) that determines who gets the available support.  And, there are so many multi-million dollar-budgeted brotherhood programs doing good works that take up much of the limited brotherhood resources. So, these young men were forced to stay in Kingston to find jobs in order for their families to survive, rather than pursuing their original

purpose to return to their villages to preach and evangelize. There were no

paying jobs in their villages to support them.

Well, I had just returned from working with these highly qualified and able men in Jamaica, to the city where I lived in the Bible belt. A preacher friend and I were invited for a special tour of the magnificent new "campus" of a church building

in a neighboring city. It was a magnificent structure built kind of like a mall. 

Our enthusiastic host led us into the huge wrap-around foyer which surrounded the facility. There was an large round indoor fountain and a book store near the foyer entrance. He then took us downstairs to see the two adjoining 

gymnasiums (one an indoor tennis court and the other a basketball court). As 

we stood in front of the little coffee shop by the tennis court, he excitedly

revealed that the building cost $17.5 million (which, adjusted for today's 

inflation, would be equivalent to $35 million), and they were servicing a debt of   $12 million in payments to the bank each week from the contribution.  I figured in my head that what they were paying each week from the contribution of God's money to the bank, to service the mortgage debt, would fully support 50 Jamaican preachers for a whole year! 

      

 Where are our priorities? Jesus said, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon”

(Matthew 6:24).

Another negative of the church growth consolidation movement has been 

the liberalizing of the church with a watered-down concilitory message. 

 As congregations consolidated together for a “bigger” church, preachers and 

elders were often displaced, or relegated to "staff" positions in the new situation 

with the new set of elders.  Those who were more conservative to faithfully teaching the whole council of God, were no longer as sought after, since elders now looked for more a socially-charismatic, "well-educated", public-relations, administratively-oriented preacher, with a positive image and an entertaining personality.  These would be more popular with the more lucrative and socially-connected, to whom, unfortunately, many elders would cater under pressure to

meet the costs of the facilities.

Furthermore, in order to keep the members interested (more-so, entertained), and so as not to offend someone who might leave and go to another congre-gation across town, pressure was put on the preacher to water soften the message and focus on more positive, upbeat sermons.  It reminds me of Isaiah 30:9-10 "...This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:  Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, 

Prophesy not unto ls right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy  deceits:"   

I'm not cynically indicting all congregations as being like this, but I'm speaking from  my own observation and experience.  One Sunday night, after preaching a lesson on the tools that Satan uses to deceive and corrupt,  I was taken aside by an elder and told not to preach any more sermons on Satan, because

Brother So and So, (who was the richest member in the congregation), did

not believe in the devil, and if he got offended we might lose his contribution. I replied, "Why don't you plan the budget without his contribution, and then

whatever he gives will just be gravy."

                      

In many cases, then, messages are softened so as not to offend potential members or fickle donors, who might leave for “greener pastures”, thus putting mortgage payments in jeopardy.   When we stop preaching the whole counsel of God in the way he wants it preached ("in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine"  2 Timothy 4:2),  we let the Lord down and we open the door to wolves and "change agents" who bring in liberalism and false doctrine.. (Acts 20:28-30).

A popular Virginia Slims cigarette ad used to show a model enjoying a smoke 

from long, slim cigarette, and a voice proclaimed “You've come a long way, baby.” I was reminded of that when I was told of a girl visiting a congregation from college who was asked what her major at school is.  She replied, "I'm getting my degree in worship management."  She may fit well into the modern progressive church. I wonder what role her elders will play when she comes home as a “worship manager”.

Another congregation in our state recently gave out the news that they have 

hired their first female preacher.

The Arab and the Camel

This liberalizing of the Lord's church reminds me of another story. An Arab on the desert was sitting in his tent during a cold windy night. His camel, who was outside, stuck his nose in the tent, and asked, “Is it alright if I stick my nose inside the tent, because it's  cold out here.” “Yes”, replied the Arab, “I guess that would be alright.” Pretty soon the camel said, “Could I put my front feet in the tent, because they are cold”. “Well”, I don't know. I guess it would be OK.” replied the Arab. “How about if I let my back feet in as well?” asked the camel? Well, to make a long story short, it was not long until the camel was fully in the tent. The Arab was angry and said, “It's too crowded with you in here. There isn't room enough—you must leave!” The camel then said “Well, if you don't like it, get out!”

 And that is what has happened in many congregations where the liberal element in a congregation has gradually taken over the building and the positions of authority, and changed the pattern God has given for His church.  Often, it is the faithful brethren, who established the congregation and built the building in the first place that are forced to leave.

In some cases, the preacher becomes so powerfully popular, that he dominates the elders, and they become subservient to him and his agenda. 

 Another negative of consolidation in the church growth movement is the 

 modifying or restructuring of church organization in some congregations,

 because of size and for "efficiency".

Elders, who were once chosen primarily because of their shepherd qualities,      

along with Biblical qualifications, have in some cases given way to, or have been replaced by, elders selected because of their executive talent and business savvy, more-so than shepherding qualities. Thus, some elderships have begun to be more of a corporate board of directors, than shepherds “smelling like the sheep” they should be tending with spiritual responsibilities.   Instead of guarding the flock from liberal wolves, they can actually become wolves themselves, putting the sheep in danger (Acts 20:28-30).

 Again, one of the driving forces of this change has been because of the tremendous responsibility of the building and  the administration of staff and program management. But doesn't that more rightly and scripturally fall into the hands of the deacons?   Aren't the deacons the ones who should be the servants overseeing the material aspects of the church--including the building and finances?  If not, why not?

What is left for a deacon to meaningfully do?

One deacon came to me one time in frustration and said, "I 'm confused!    

What  am I supposed to be doing? The elders are all doing the deacons work!"   And that is true in too many many cases. 

In New Testament times, the “tables” (physical considerations—like finances, 

facilities, service programs were the responsibility of the deacons, so the elders

would be free for their work—the teaching, leading, and spiritual concerns and problems of the flock.  So it should be today.

CHAPTER 4:   THE FUTURE BEGINS

A.  What about the future?     Acts 8:1-4 "...there was a great persecution against the church...they that  were all scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word..."

That may be our wake-up call. As the clouds of persecution grow darker on the cultural and social horizon here in America--the possibility of loss of tax-exempt status and even confiscation of property, by means of eminent domain or otherwise, may soon come to our door. Persecution and threats against

Christianity has already begun in our country from increasingly immoral and corrupt sources, especially since the Supreme Court 5-4 decision on same-sex

marriage.

           

In an October 31, 2015 article from Townhall.com, author, Katie Pavlich wrote:     “For years conservatives and proponents of religious liberty in America have 

warned that if same-sex marriage became legal the left would then pursue

revoking the tax exempt status for religious institutions, particularly Christian

churches, around the country. Just days after the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4

decision that gay marriage is a constitutional right, progressive activists like Mike Oppenheimer of the New York Times are calling for tax-exempt statutes

to be stripped.”

 A recent statement by the Oregon Family Council said: “Changing church hiring practices, property tax exemptions and the deductibility for tithes and

contributions have all been discussed by law-makers” (October 2015).

In addition to that threat, some tax-hungry cities are looking at lucrative tax- 

exempt properties with an eye toward Eminent Domain confiscation. According to The Daily Signal (on-line), in an August 2015 report, “The Houston Housing

Authority found itself in the middle of a sticky lawsuit this week when the agencytried to used eminent domain to 'steal' two historic churches' property as part of an urban renewal project...the city intended to use some of that property to build a for-profit business.”

Some will say, “Oh you're just promoting a conspiracy paranoia. These things could never happen to us!” The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)

Wise elderships need to take heed and plan for the storm.  Jeremiah 6:16 says: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."  

This would bring us back to the wisdom of the brethren in the 1950's, who were

more concerned about starting new congregations through-out the community

than consolidating into one big building. As already mentioned, as a boy, in a congregation where my father, Joseph Sherman,  preached--when the congregation reached 250, the elders began to plan for a church planting in another promising area of town, which  would grow to eventually afford a modest worship facility, and continue the cycle. A group volunteered to begin the process, and a new congregation was established and began growing in a receptive area of the city. It exists unto this day.

Here's a Radical Idea 

What If elderships in large, multi-million dollar facilites, would choose to sell their properties, while they still can, in order to return to neighborhoods, through volunteer groups, to establish new congregations. These selected groups could acquire modest facilities for worship in their chosen neighborhoods, or nearby population centers, with the financial assistance of the sale, and begin evange-lizing those areas.

As these congregations grow to about two or three hundred members in time, they can repeat the process. This is one way by which many of the congrega-tions, in some cities in the Bible belt, were spread through-out the cities in the early 20th century. 

What a difference that would make in real church-growth and in the support of  

mission fields. I'm sure the Lord would be very pleased and would bless these 

congregations beyond their wildest imaginations. (Ephesians 3;20).

Because of new situations, more Christians would be trained in service to the Lord, and more leaders and preachers developed from the grass roots, as in

former days. Think of how many folks would be activated to meaningful service, who are now mainly pew-packing spectators in some large church settings. Some elders, by making such wise decisions, might fare much better on the on Judgment Day, when all things must be brought into account. (Romans 14:12; Ecclesiastes 12:14; James 3:1).

Again, with the increasing threat of the cultural challenge, selling expensive

properties while we still can, may not now really seem so radical. With more congregations existing, with less overhead in simple facilities, the impact of a lawsuit over a same-sex marriage challenge, or an attempt to take

potentially tax-rich property is less likely than against a multi-million dollar facility. There would also be contingency resources available in case of

potential lawsuits and litigation against churches. Don't dismiss this idea.

Think about it.

CHAPTER 5:    THE COURAGE TO SURVIVE

When I was a young preacher in Canada, I became acquainted, by letter, with Dr. Hans Grimm, a German brother in Christ, and an early church historian. He wrote the book, "Tradition and History of the Early Churches of Christ in Central Europe."  

In one  chapter he wrote about his ancestor, Gregorius Grymn, who was arrested for his faith during the persecution of Christians during the 12th century. Brother Grimm wrote,

 "As he stood before the judge at Ensisheim in 1117, he told the judge, 'I have been buried with Christ in the water of rebirth here in the little river Fecht by my

dear grandfather 30 years ago, for the remission of sins. So I became a happy

child of God.'  Neither the breaking of his arms and legs, nor the flame which burnt him alive could  make him tell the names of the little group of  Alsation Christians to which he belonged.

“From the year 1117, we can trace in official records of judges the story of little    congregations of the Lord's church. They appear there as 'Ortliber' in Germany,  Speronisti' in Italy and 'Patareni' in Yugoslavia. The only name they used for their congregations was "Kleine Gemeinde Christi" (little church of Christ) or "Kirche Christi" (church of Christ)." 

These small congregations continued to meet, faithfully holding firm to the New   Testament pattern, and keeping on in the face of opposition and persecution.

They did not decide to “disband with dignity”.

“Who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10)

                      CHAPTER 6: IDEAS FOR SURVIVAL AND GROWTH

How can we help to stem the disappearing of small congregations and revitalize them again?

In a recent issue of The Christian Chronicle (October 24,2015) a feature was on the concern of brethren in New Zealand over the decline of the church. At a gathering of brethren from Australia and New Zealand, called  “Men's Challenge”, they discussed how to reverse the trend. One elder said “We remember when others would refuse to debate us due to our knowledge and conviction...We remember when our buildings were full and almost every day brought news of more conversions.”  

One of the preachers said, “Now we see a church declining numerically, spiritually, even morally...Now we see doubt and uncertainty, loss of 

distinctiveness and even direction...We have effectively lost all the natural growth, which should have occurred as a result of births. We have lost whole generations.”

The same thing could be said of the church here in North America. We also have lost  our generational increase of children growing up in the church and leaving the faith in alarming numbers.

In a November 3, 2015 report just released from the Pew Research Center called “America's Changing Religious Landscape”, this decline generally, which includes the churches of Christ, is described in these words:

“...the major new survey of more than 35,000 Americans finds that the percentage of adults who describe themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years, from 78.4% in an equally massive Pew Research survey in 2007 to 70.6% in 2014. Over the same period, the percentage of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated – describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular” – has jumped more than six points from 16.1% to 22.8%. And the share of Americans who identify with non-Christian faiths also has inched up, rising 1.2 percentage points, from 4.7% in 2007 to 5.9% in 2014. Growth has been especially great among Muslims and Hindus, albeit from a very low base.” 

This article goes on to say that “The share of  Americans who say thy are absolutely certain God exists has dropped more sharply, from  71% in 2007 to 63% in 2014. And the percentages who say they pray every day, attend religious services regularly and consider religion to be very important in their lives also have ticked down by small but statistically significant margins. The fall off in traditional religious belief and practices coincides with changes in the religious composition of the U.S. public. A  growing share of Americans are religiously unaffiliated, including some who self identify as atheists or agnostics as well as    many who describe their religion as 'nothing in particular'.  Altogether, the religiously unaffiliated (also called 'nones') now account for 23% of the adult  population, up from 16% in 2007.”

The brethren meeting in New Zealand, according to The Christian Chronicle article, determined not to give up.  “To thrive, we have got to move past this fierce cultural independence that both the New Zealanders and the Australians share that a believer's relationship is with God alone...Your relationship with God is in the church.”

They then set a goal of making 1000 disciples in the next 10 years in New Zealand. Their attitude, as stated by one preacher, is “Even if we never achieve this goal, the fact that we tried is all that matters. My prayer therefore would be that we keep trying even when it seems hopeless. We will not surrender. We will not give in. We will not go gentle into that good night. We will rage!”

Let that attitude of spirit and enthusiasm guide us as we share some ideas that 

will help us turn the tide and establish solid, faithful growth in our 

congregations of the Lord's church.

IDEAS FOR SURVIVAL, STRENGTH AND GROWTH GOD'S WAY

Here are some ideas to help our small congregations become strong and grow God's way:

DON'T LET DISCOURAGEMENT OVERTAKE US.

In the early 1970's, my wife, Lydia, and I, on our way to Australia to visit her family,  went with Ivan Stewart's campaign for Christ group to Wellington, New Zealand.   For years an elderly man had been the only member of the church in that area,  and always faithfully prepared communion and set it out in the anticipation that there might be a visitor to his house to worship with him and the Lord. During the time we were there, 45 people were baptized into Christ, the congregation was strengthened and the man saw his prayers answered before he died.

In our area of the country, we have some small congregations ranging from single-digit attendance to 20 or 30 on Sunday. Many have declined in attendance because families had to relocate to where they could find jobs,since the economy took its toll big time.  

One congregation, having lost all its children, did not lose its hope that, after  

this downturn, they would one day see the happy faces of children in their class-rooms again. They went through their class-rooms,redecorating them for future children, setting out lesson books, and color crayons on the tables, and Bible story posters on the walls. They are ready in faith for the Lord to bless them with faithful Christian families.  

Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24  (NASV)  “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be given you.”    When we reach out in faith, planting the gospel seed,     God will give the increase.

GATHER THE WHOLE CONGREGATION TOGETHER IN SPECIAL PRAYER FOR STRENGTH OF FAITH AND SOULS AND GROWTH.

While traveling in Scotland I met with the brethren in Peterhead, a fishing port on the coast of the North Sea.  The whole congregation came together on Saturday night to pray for the safety of the fishermen and to prepare their hearts for worship on Sunday. That is probably the reason this congregation of the Lord's church has met in that location for over 100 years,  (preceding even the start of the Restoration movement in the United States). There is great power in prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”  James 5:16. 

Yes, there is great power in prayer, but even greater power in prayer when  

brethren come together on purpose in intensive pleading before God to help them with a need, and according  to His will.

HAVE A PLAN, MUTUALLY AGREED UPON, WITH A SERIOUS COMMIT-MENT TO ACTIVITY ON THE PART OF EVERY MEMBER IN THE BODY, IF POSSIBLE, TO THE DEGREE THAT THEY CAN PARTICIPATE.

I would suggest the plan that we developed in Seattle, modified from a program successfully used by a congregation in Houston, called The Program of L.I.F.E. Each letter of the word, life, stands for the title of an organized activity that will build the church with sustainable growth.

Bring L.I.F.E to your congregation...Each area should be coordinated through a selected coordinator. Records should be kept of all activity, and reported to overseers.

L= LOST SHEEP RECOVERY

Galatians 6:1-2  “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Some of the members of your congregation may want to focus on seeking to    

recover Christians who have grown weak and negligent, or who have drifted back into the world, or have quit. How can we do this?

__Make a list and commit to pray daily by name for everyone on the list.

__Once a week, join with a partner in praying together for each person on

the list..

__Send a card, or letter, or e-mail for initial contact. The content of the letter    

may be patterned after a form that is carefully designed to develop

interest and not antagonize. Such wording can we employed as follows:

                          When you first became a Christian, no doubt you

                           strongly desired to go to heaven at the end of your

                           life. Do you still want to go to heaven? Jesus loves

                           you and is not willing that you should miss heaven

                     and perish (2 Peter 3:9). May I contact you and visit

                     with you?

 __If possible, try initially to contact them through a mutual friend and meet them

      over tea or coffee. In a friendly way you can ask them a non- threatening

question after perhaps mentioning something that has been going in church

services or activity:

                          “You know, I think about you a lot and I often wonder,

                            have you ever given thought to the possibility of coming

                            back again?” 

       If they reveal a reason why they have been negligent or offended, you

can ask a series of questions you can adapt to try to bring them to a

possible Bible study with a teacher. Learn this sequence as it can be

useful in many situations:

                      (1)  Tell me more about that...(to clarify the problem)

                      (2)  Can you be more specific, or give me an example?

                      (3)  How long has that been a problem?

                      (4)  What have you tried to do about it?

                      (5)   And did that work?

                      (6)   How much do you think that has cost you? (in time

                              money, or health issues, or anything relevant)

                      (7)   How do you feel about that?

                      (8)   Have you given up trying to deal with the problem

                              on your own?

                      (9)  Suppose there was a solution we could share,

                              would you be open to learning more about it?

                     (10)  Would you have a few minutes tomorrow, or

                              Tuesday? Morning or afternoon? Your place or where would

                               be most convenient? Do you mind if (name) comes with me?

….Great...(repeat time and place).

          If in your visit they agree to a Bible study (then or later) it would be best

          to bring someone with you. If a sensitive situation, you might employ     

          introductory words like:

                        We come to you with all the kindness and gentleness

                        to be available to you in any way that will restore some

                   of the wonderful joys and bless and expectations you

                   once enjoyed in Christ at first. May we also share with

                   you some scriptures that you may find helpful?

  

__Sometimes a person has been away for years, and the question comes up:

How can you show concern and convincing love for someone you haven't

contacted for maybe years?”    

  Some elders in Texas told how they deal with that situation. They go as a

group (not an overwhelming group—maybe 3 or 4), knock on the door

and the first words out of their mouth are: 

                     “We have come to apologize and ask your forgiveness. 

                       We have neglected you and want to make amends. 

                       May we come in a few minutes? And may we share some 

                       scriptures with you?” 

            (At this point they might utilize a study guide like Ivan Stewart's First 

             Admonition—designed to bring repentance and restoration. There is

also Second Admonition to be used if no repentance takes place, but

should only be administered by the elders.)

__(6)  Once restored, a brother's keeper should be assigned to continue

assisting them. This can involve further Bible study, phoning to remind

them of worship services, activities, offering a ride, etc. Introduce them to

all members of the congregation and encourage others to extend hospi-

tality and fellowship with them.

I=INTO THE FIELD (EVANGLISTIC OUTREACH)

Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: and he that winneth souls is wise.”

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

This group of volunteers is focused on soul-winning,  (although there can be   

overlap into other areas as well).

__Add to your prayer list those souls you know whom you would like to have

in heaven with you.

__Meet with others, working in this area, to share your lists and create a master

list each month for which you have group prayer naming each prospect.

__The most effective outreach is friendship evangelism and referral evangelism

suggested by the prospect. A good place to start is to have all members of

the congregation give names of their friends and relatives.

    (Refer back to the Lost Sheep approach questions to help develop interest

for getting a Bible study appointment). The Open Bible Study, DVD studies,

and other tools are readily available to help you teach the lost.

__Encourage your congregation, or special group, to schedule a training

workshop for learning how to better effect your evangelism outreach efforts.

I'm available to share the EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM/PROGRAM OF L.I.F.E.

WEEKEND TRAINING WORKSHOP, if training is desired.

TOOLS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH THE LOST

__World Bible School

__World Video Bible School

__House to House/Heart to Heart mailing program

__Letters (prepared forms for certain purposes)

__Ladies Bible Class with utilizing Skype (for cyber-visitors). Our Ladies Bible

class, taught by Lydia, features lunch and tea, too.   Skype visitors (from

various locations in the US; also, sometimes from such locations as England,

Germany, Israel, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Scotland, and other areas) include

Christians and  non Christians).

__Social media on the internet. 

__We have have contacts who have visited Blog-sites with whom we have been     able to visit (by phone, email and skype) and teach in Kuwait, Malaysia,

Australia, South Africa, The Netherlands, Scotland, England, Germany,

Ukraine—all from a little country congregagtion in Oregon.   We have 

    had two baptisms resulting in Australia from initial internet contact;  and there

have been (through World Bible School online) two converts (athletes) in

Kenya, who are now preaching the gospel to others. 

__Radio Program (We have the longest running local program, and the second

longest running program in the KORE radio station's history) – 23 years.

__Newspaper article (In our area weekly newspaper The Tribune News, I write     articles that are published every other week. This gives our congregation

    credibility in the region served – Junction City, Harrisburg, Monroe, Blachly,   

    Alvadore, Triangle Lake and Cheshire—none of these communities have a

congregation of the church of Christ)

__Advertising flyers for Bible Study or other offerings.

__Vacation Bible School

__Benevolent Outreach

__Door Knocking Campaigns

__House to House, Heart to Heart or similar mailing pprograms.

__These are just a few of many tools and opportunities that are available. What are some more that you know of that have been effective in contacting and winning souls?

F=FOLLOW-UP WITH NEW CHRISTIANS

Winning souls is 50% of the conversion process. Jesus wants disciples who will duplicate the great commission (2 Timothy 2:2; Matthew 28:18-20)  and He is including new converts (who usually immediately have an enthusiasm to share what they did with their friends). The other 50% of the conversion process is Caring and Sharing—to mature new babes in Christian to a mature disciple, who can in turn go forth and  make disciples with a working knowledge of the Bible

(1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 1:5-11). This is what the members,  volun-teering for this work, are doing—following up.

Here are a few things this team can do:

__Brother's Keepers assigned to guide and be available to the new Christian

(this can overlap with the team working to restore the erring).

__Fellowship and Hospitality. The brother's keeper should encourage and

arrange for others to interact in a special way with the new convert. Christians

should invite the new Christian into their home for meals or take them to a

special event.

__Ideally, match the new convert with a Christian who shares common interests,     occupation, etc.

__It's very important to immediately involve them with the evangelism team    

    immediately, upon their baptism, to get their referrals, and go with them to

contact and set up studies with their friends.   I have found, for instance, that

soon letting them teach the first Open Bible Study, or share a video, with their

friends, alone, gives them purpose, confidence and success. Then, I join in on

the second lesson dealing with baptism and the church.  This helps them

benefit from on-the-job training, and helps them be in harmony with the

instructions of Christ's great commission (and 2 Timothy 2:2).

E=ESSENTIAL SERVICES...ENCOURAGEMENT...EDIVICATION and

EVERYTHING ELSE...

When we initiated the Program of L.I.F.E in Seattle, we had some members who did not choose to involve themselves on the other teams, but they were very excited about this team.

__We had some widows and disabled who got together each week and would

go through the newspaper to identify and list those just married, or new baby

arrivals, or recent graduation, or business promotion, or bereaved families,

and  coordinated those selected with form letters of congratulations, or

encouragement, or sympathy, etc. sent on church letter-head. The addresses

were kept for follow-up, either by phone, e-mail, visit, or a repeat letter (for

instance when a baby has a birthday). These letters should be designed to

include an invitation to visit church services or special occasions, home Bible

study, etc.

__This team can also be available to babysit for those who are involved in

teaching Bible studies, or be a silent partner/baby sitter for a Bible study

situation, etc.

__This team can involve building maintenance, helping with  wedding reception       assistance, assisting baptisms, bulletin board, and many other areas of

service.

__This team can manage benevolent situations like clothing and food drives, etc

         

 __It can provide transportation for those needing rides.

         

 __It Bake cookies for Vacation Bible School treats.

         

__Visitation of the sick and absentees (and can coordinate with the other

teams).

          

__  Nursery Assistance

__  Phoning and e-mailing and sending out flyers and correspondence to assist

all other teams.

CONCLUSION:

A growing church has clearly defined characteristics:

(1)   A strong commitment to worship God in honor and praise, in spirit and in truth.

(2)   An uncompromising commitment to truth.

(3)   A united and enthusiastic commitment to real growth—growth through

discipleship rather than just a swelling of the membership roles with

unconverted, poorly taught immersees from poor soil (Matthew 13:3-9; 28-

23), who most likely will not last, even with follow-up attempts and enticing

inventions. God desires the good-soil converts—taught the gospel and

committed to discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20) to be brought to be baptized

into Christ, who also commit to worship Him in spirit and in truth in His

church. (John 4:23-24). Those are the ones God seeks.  Remember, it is

not numbers that constitutes growth in God's sight. It is converts—even if

only two or three!

How many in your congregation are actually committed?

Run these questions by your members in a quick-quiz survey. It will be both

revealing and awakening, and also maybe life-changing.

(1)  What has Jesus done for you?

(2)  What have you done for Jesus?

(3)  In your Christian life,what do you enjoy the most?

(4)  In Christ, what do you enjoy the least?

(5)  Do you regularly pray for lost ones of your acquaintance by name?

(6)  Are you available and active in hospitality and benevolence?

(7)  Do you invite others to services?

(8)  Do you teach others directly or through giving tracts, dvd, social

media, etc?

(9)  How would you describe your attitude toward this

congregation?

(10) What do you believe has helped you to be faithful?

(11) What do you believe would make you even more faithful?

(12) In what areas would you like to serve more, or be trained to serve?

A growing church is further defined by:

(4)  A strong commitment to hospitality; a strong sense of one-another relation-

ships for encouraging and edifying one another in love; a strong sense of

body coordination—every member involvement in interacting with one

another which helps keep the unity of the faith in the bond of peace.

(5)  A strong commitment to outreach to the community and to the world,

preaching the truth in grace and love.

(6)  A strong commitment for standing firm as an example of morality and

righteousness without compromise.

(7)  A strong sense of submission to Christ and deep love for His body, the one

and only church.

(8)  A strong commitment to survival and growth, no matter what may come.

(9)  A strong commitment to support the weak and struggling, with an attitude of

sacrificial giving. This can and should also extend to looking to the struggling

congregations around  your area to see how you might encourage and serve

them in some way. Small congregations usually enthusiastically welcome

visitors from other congregations. That help might include leading singing

guest preaching and teaching, or just a family visit which would boost the

attendance in the classes and worship services. Many small congregations

can be helped by financial contributions from time to time to help them in

their programs, or sustained support for a while to help them get back on

their feet or boost their outreach to others.

All these characteristics will define the true church, whether large or small.

Do they characterize your congregation?    

Are they among your growth goals?

An Atheist once wrote (author unknown)....

 If I firmly believed, as millions say they do that the knowledge and practice of Christianity in this life influences destiny in another world,Christianity would be to me, everything.

 I would cast aside earthly cares as follies, and earthly thoughts and feelings as vanity.  Christianity would be my first waking thought,  and my last image before sleep sank me in unconsciousness.

 I would labor for its cause alone.   I would take thought for the morrow and eternity alone.  I would go forth to the world and preach Christ  in season and out of season and my test would be:

                                “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world

                                and lose his own soul?”

                                                                                                                                                                   

                   "...Who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10)

                       

                         Stanley Sherman – 541-998-8989 or 541-729-2329

                             29285 Lingo Lane Junction City, Oregon 97448

                                              stansherman@comcast.net

  

                                      www.lancasterchurchofchrist.blogspot.com 

© 2015 Copyright Stanley Sherman.

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