Small Churches

The United Methodist Church in Indiana announced this year at its Annual Conference that a large number of its small churches in the state had closed. In addition, several more had bought their property and became independent. Many small churches today are experiencing declining membership and struggling with the decision of whether or not to close.

This brings up a question that has been argued about for many years. One school of thought is that the denomination would be better off and the members would be better served in a large church if the small churches were closed. The people who belong to small churches do not agree with this assumption and they have many reasons to back up their beliefs.

First and foremost is what it says in the Bible: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew

18:20, NIV). God is there whether there are 2 people or 2,000 people present. The folks in a small church become a family where everyone knows each others name. In a large church, a person has to become a member of a small group to feel like they belong there. In large churches, the trend is to have the lay people do the pastoral care. When a person has to go to the emergency room or is having surgery for a serious condition, they want their pastor there to pray for them. Those who are in nursing homes or shut in at home want their pastor to come and visit with them.

It is true that the large church is likely to have more professional musicians and a highly qualified minister who can deliver a wonderful sermon. But, in a small church everyone can have the opportunity to participate in the worship service instead of just being a spectator. Large churches are likely to have ministers who spent many years in college and seminary acquiring the credentials needed to be ordained. Small churches probably will be served by

licensed local pastors who are retired or bi-vocational. Which is more important— book learning or life experiences?

Those who go to small churches are probably there because that is where they went when they were growing up. In some cases, several generations of families belonged to the church. Their friends and relatives were baptized there, married there, and their funerals were there. Their roots are at that church. Even though the attendance has dwindled, they have enough money to pay the bills and support a pastor. Not everyone would like their small church but it is what some people are looking for. They should be allowed to continue as a church as long as they want to do it. ---------

Gene Rohrer is a retired United Methodist pastor, the second oldest active minister in Whitley County, and is active in the Whitley County Ministerial Association. Pastors who would like to share an occasional column with the people of Whitley County, please e-mail Craig Alan Myers atcamyers@blueriverchurch.org for more information.