Scalable is a word usually reserved for technology insiders and it refers mainly to things like font sizes that can be resized or computer networks that can be expanded as necessary.
A Scalable Small Church Solution is a concept, resource, tool or approach to ministry that works as well in a church of 25 as it does in a church of 150. And that’s what’s needed because the “average” weekly church attendance across the US is under 100, but the solutions that get the most promotion are the programs and approaches to ministry that demand the time, money and resources that don’t exist in the average congregation.
For example over a decade ago before the Mega Churches started admitting that they may have overestimated their spiritual impact on people’s lives , all the rage was in becoming “Seeker Sensitive”. Churches desperate to grow or escape their plateau were told that by becoming “Seeker Sensitive” they could “evangelize” and “grow”. So small congregations under 100 tried to become appropriately “sensitive” meaning to attempt new music, drama presentations, new sermon styles, etc. That was a prescription for burn out and frustration. These things come around in a different format regularly, the latest one in regards to being “Purpose Driven”. There are many things to commend this model. Most recognize the intrinsic sensibility of serving Jesus Christ intentionally, however when clumsily applied, zealous “Purpose Driven Newbies” tend to run roughshod over existing people, ministries and structures never bothering to ask if these ministries originally HAD a purpose that might be retooled? The 4 part sequential “Class” structure for maturing members within the Purpose Driven framework has much to commend it as well … if a congregation has the people, resources, and momentum to sustain this program.
Because most church consultants consider the pastor the “key” to halting decline and moving off a “plateau”, scalable small church solutions must be able to be implemented by a pastor gathering and training a small core of committed leaders. They in turn must be able to pass along what they learn to another generation of disciples (2 Timothy 2:2) and they to another. In other words, they cannot presume a local pastor has a drama team, worship band, and assistant pastors on staff to make things “work”. After all, had those things been required, where would our Lord be now? He had no earthly praise band to compliment his preaching, and He continually seemed averse calling angelic choirs into action just to wow the “seekers”.
Perhaps it’s time our whole mindset changed? Traditionally churches that are planted anew are built with the intention that they will start small and build, build, build. In practice however, churches rarely break beyond the “200 Barrier”… hence the name “barrier”!
Brad Boydston, an Evangelical Covenant Church pastor, suggests we think in terms of planting clusters of networked churches. He calls his plan “half baked”, but no more half-baked than the church consulting equivalent of trying to put David in Saul’s oversized armor.
But while we’re discussing the advisability of planting churches in clusters, perhaps it’s time for existing churches with the same vision, the same desire to move ahead, etc. to implement something of this vision now on a local/regional basis.
How can small churches be supporting one another?
What have small churches learned about returning to life and moving off the plateau that other small churches need to hear?
In the emerging era of “post-denominational networks”… will one emerge to serve the interests of the vast majority of churches? Those with under 100 attending weekly?
It remains to be seen.
What are your needs?
What solutions have you found?
Now is the time to move in this direction and for small church leadership (pastors and church members) to take the initiative!
Join the conversation! Please add your recommended “Scalable Small Church Solution” to the discussion thread by that name… Also, if you’ve identified a solution your church needs, please include that information on the thread so possible resources can be identified and mentioned here.
