Mustard Seed Ministries

One issue many small churches face is relevancy, worth and avoiding defeatism. In our present church culture we are inundated by what a successful church is, usually a mega-church, with highly visible pastors/ministries, with a far-reaching community influence. Praise God for their ministry and mission. The reality is that the vast majority of churches are not mega-churches (over 2,000) in attendance; they are small churches (under 100) in attendance. Yet, we rarely think of a small church as a successful, thriving, missional church. Has God abandoned the small church? If a small church does not become, or work toward being a mega-church has it failed in its mission? Is the small church culturally and Biblically irrelevant in our present world? Is the small church a vital part of God’s plan for Christ’s body to fulfill the Great Commission?

For us at the Journey Church we are a small church, our facility will max out at 150 with multiple services. Currently we average about 60 on Sun. morning and 40 Wed. night with 30 attending Connection groups. Church finances are about the income of a two professional household. We are a typical small church.

I feel strongly that God has not abandoned the small church. The primary mission of a small church is to not become a mega-church. Small churches do not need to be culturally or biblically irrelevant. And Emphatically YES! Small churches are a vital part of God’s plan, as a member of Christ’s body, to fulfill the Great Commission in our present world?  Jesus shared a principle that emphasizes this point, Mustard Seed ministry:

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”-Matthew 13:31-32

Those attending or pastoring within a small church, the ministry may appear to be insignificant, unnoticed, or irrelevant to the world, like a small mustard seed. Yet, as we live our lives in vibrant, humble faith, we allow the Holy Spirit to use us as willing vessels for his glory. To encourage all to join this life changing journey in a life of Christ. To walk beside a struggling brother or sister who needs individual love, direction and encouragement. To fully participate and worship together as a priority in our week, proclaiming how great and awesome is our God. To grow and serve together within the intimacy and security of classes and small groups.

We, within the small church, simply need to be authentic to what God has called us to be and to fully embrace the life, worship, and service Christ has invited each one of us to. If we focus on who we are and celebrate the unique opportunities we have as a small church instead of looking wistfully in comparison to other ministries, we can then joyfully embrace the small church.  With God all He requires is the mustard seed.