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Table of Contents
Strengthening The Struggling Smaller Church
How Stronger Churches Can Help
While many smaller churches minister effectively, others struggle. Their pastors feel discouraged. If we truly strive to be a caring Fellowship, stronger churches need to help struggling, smaller churches, believing that God will bless them even as they bless others (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8). Consider these attitudes and actions.
ATTITUDES THAT HELP
Build God’s kingdom.
God calls us to build His kingdom, not our own. If we are not careful, we close our eyes to the plight of our brethren, concerned only that our ministry succeeds. God calls us to care for the health of Christ’s body, the Church, not just our part in it.
Show honor.
Because our church is bigger or appears more successful does not mean we are superior. God has a purpose for smaller churches and their pastors. In our desire to help, we must avoid any semblance of a patronizing attitude. The apostle Paul instructs us, "Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10).
Don’t foster dependency.
While we sincerely want to help, avoid developing a long-term dependency. The overseas churches of the Assemblies of God are thriving because of the indigenous principles encouraged by our missionaries.
ACTIONS THAT HELP
Pray.
New and struggling churches need our prayers. We must deploy spiritual weapons for spiritual warfare.
Provide monthly support.
A home missions pastor seeking to start or develop a church in an area with potential for spiritual harvest deserves support for a reasonable time until his or her church can stand on its own. Wise investment multiplies resources, as these churches in turn support missions.
Provide for pastoral enrichment.
Anointed competence produces fruitful ministry. Many smaller-church pastors serve on minimal incomes and have little in their budget for enrichment. You can help them grow in various ways: Have your church provide gift subscriptions to ministry magazines or free copies of books you have found beneficial. Send tapes of your sermons to those who want them to provide ideas and inspiration. Offer scholarships to leadership conferences. Most of these suggestions can be implemented at little cost, but will be a great blessing and show that you care.
Invite for a meal.
Your fellowship provides encouragement for those who may minister in relative isolation and shoulder burdens alone.
Send short-term ministry teams.
We send teams all over the world—why not send a team to a struggling, smaller church at a fraction of the cost? Staff and volunteers from your church can hold revival services, vacation Bible schools, and youth outreaches—provided adequate follow-up is available. A boost may be just what it needs, and this will energize your members in the process.
Stephen Lim, San Francisco, California.
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