(This is part 2 in a 3-part series entitled, “Why I Love Pastoring a Small Church – Most of the Time.” I pastored the same small church for 35 years)
In some ways churches are like boats. A large church can be represented by an ocean liner, a small church by a smaller yacht. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to maneuverability, ability to change direction or turn around, the yacht has a great advantage over an ocean liner. That’s one reason I appreciate pastoring a small church. While larger churches can do some things we can as far as program variety is concerned, we can get into places larger boats can’t. We can make changes and adjustments quickly while it takes an ocean liner quite some time to slow down, change direction and start up again. When a special need or unique situation arises in our church or community, we can adjust to it quickly.
That is true in my own life as pastor as well. I don’t have a large list of regular responsibilities to keep the ship afloat and moving, so I can use my time where needed most. That can be things inside or outside the church. Because I work alone (no staff) I have freedom of schedule and privacy that many pastors lack. Of course I can’t take advantage of that privilege, but since I love my work and enjoy all I do I have no problem slacking off. My wife will tell you my problem is the opposite – working too much.
This flexibility also allows me to have time to use in areas where my spiritual gifts lie. All pastors have basic responsibilities to a church, if they are gifted in those areas or not, but my list isn’t so great that I don’t have a lot of time to put into areas I really love and where my gifts lie: teaching and counseling. I can study and research, plan and present messages without having to be forced to cut corners because of limited time. I can counsel and follow up with people because my schedule is my own to make and adjust. I can spend time during the day to compensate for evening and weekend activities.
Being small and flexible means I can change things on a moment’s notice, be it the order of worship or a regularly scheduled program. Our meetings and programs must be a means to an end and not an end in themselves. They are to serve us and not us serving them. So, when a change is needed it is a simpler matter to make that adjustment.
I have elders to assist with the leadership, but basically a small church is a one man show. There are definitely down sides to that, like being expected to do anything and everything that needs doing, but there is a good side as well. I know a board is important to a healthy church in most larger churches, for the church becomes a business and must be run as such. However, a small church is run more like an extended family. Most decisions are made by consensus in the normal flow of daily activities. As a family develops a system to make plans and decisions, so does a small church. I know church boards are necessary and important and am not criticizing any who have them, but I personally much prefer a small church family process. I can pull rank whenever needed, but for the most part I feel the church belongs to the people and they should have a say in all of it. I’m not made (personality wise) to work well with a board and as part of a staff. I’m definitely a Lone Ranger kind performer. That’s how I function best, and a small church allows me to do so.
For me, a pastoring a small church is a good fit. It took me awhile to realize that, but God knew it all along! He has you where you are for a reason as well, at least for the present time. Are flexible enough for Him to move you around where He wants you and to use you as He desires? Are you willing to make quick adjustments to meet new needs and situations around you? We all need to be living the Christian life as if we are paddling a kayak, not floating downstream on a barge.
Galatians 3:28–29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are descendants of Abraham, heirs according to the promise.
Think of some small churches you know that are serving God? Thank God for them.
Think of some large churches you know that are serving God? Thank God for them.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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