I am 74 years old and I have pastored a small liturgical Presbyterian Church like the one described here for the last twelve years. After being an active member in larger congrgations i came here to supply preach for a few Sundays and never left. I wish more people would "taste and see" the goodness and richness such communities of faith have to offer.
Susy, as you know I will soon be moving to a new town and must find a new church. While I love my current (large Texas Baptist) church, you’ve given me inspiration to search more broadly, and hope that maybe I can find something different where I’m going.
In our early 60s, we too, have left the large style SbC church. We tried liturgical for a while and loved it but then we moved to a different area and we couldn’t find a liturgical that we felt comfortable with. But we did find a very small community of people that meet in an old storefront on small town main street where we live. Less than 50 people from different socio economic backgrounds, some recovering addicts but a community of people focused on healing hurts and not focused on church growth. It’s been a delight.
The reality is that there are more small churches like this one than big mega-churches like the one that Susy left. The future has always been the local small church - just some haven't acknowledged it yet. Bigger churches would do well to look at smaller churches regarding issues like relationships, worship ideals, etc. It's sad when you see only bigger churches approached by magazines like Outreach on how to grow and and get sharper. The smaller churches have great ideas - more relationships - less programs and smoke machines.
Interesting. I've read so many posts through Scot's blog, written mostly by women with church hurt. It made me ask "what are you wanting?" Scot answered with his study of Philippians. So I too started attending at the closest church and reading his study. My closest church is also Lutheran, I love liturgy, weekly communion. Confession moment and prayers. The congregation given freedom to speak their requests into the room.
We live in such an extraordinary time. We have so much information available to us about being human. Maybe, perhaps, we can show up, as you have, in these smaller spaces. I don't think we are designed to be observers. Mega churches become a sort of machine that demands so many tasks be completed excellently. Those tasks may not be what drives or calls you. It does create beautiful inspiring experiences. Small churches force us to be human, more grace filled. Sacrificial.
Thank you for bringing my attention back to the. beauty of the close and small. God is in it all.
I am 74 years old and I have pastored a small liturgical Presbyterian Church like the one described here for the last twelve years. After being an active member in larger congrgations i came here to supply preach for a few Sundays and never left. I wish more people would "taste and see" the goodness and richness such communities of faith have to offer.
Blessings on you and your ministry. And I only recently found out what the definition of “pulpit supply” is!
Susy, as you know I will soon be moving to a new town and must find a new church. While I love my current (large Texas Baptist) church, you’ve given me inspiration to search more broadly, and hope that maybe I can find something different where I’m going.
I’m humbled by that, Kelley. Praying you find a safe and warm place to serve and worship and connect!
In our early 60s, we too, have left the large style SbC church. We tried liturgical for a while and loved it but then we moved to a different area and we couldn’t find a liturgical that we felt comfortable with. But we did find a very small community of people that meet in an old storefront on small town main street where we live. Less than 50 people from different socio economic backgrounds, some recovering addicts but a community of people focused on healing hurts and not focused on church growth. It’s been a delight.
Good point about an undue focus on church growth.
The reality is that there are more small churches like this one than big mega-churches like the one that Susy left. The future has always been the local small church - just some haven't acknowledged it yet. Bigger churches would do well to look at smaller churches regarding issues like relationships, worship ideals, etc. It's sad when you see only bigger churches approached by magazines like Outreach on how to grow and and get sharper. The smaller churches have great ideas - more relationships - less programs and smoke machines.
Thanks for this blog post!
Yes, I think they’re almost invisible. A good friend of mine pastors a small historic church in an Indiana cornfield. A hero of mine.
I love this so much-it truly encourages me & reminds me that there is a freedom in Christ to ignore the “bigger is better” mantra.
It took me time to get used to the differences.
Thank you Susy .
Interesting. I've read so many posts through Scot's blog, written mostly by women with church hurt. It made me ask "what are you wanting?" Scot answered with his study of Philippians. So I too started attending at the closest church and reading his study. My closest church is also Lutheran, I love liturgy, weekly communion. Confession moment and prayers. The congregation given freedom to speak their requests into the room.
We live in such an extraordinary time. We have so much information available to us about being human. Maybe, perhaps, we can show up, as you have, in these smaller spaces. I don't think we are designed to be observers. Mega churches become a sort of machine that demands so many tasks be completed excellently. Those tasks may not be what drives or calls you. It does create beautiful inspiring experiences. Small churches force us to be human, more grace filled. Sacrificial.
Thank you for bringing my attention back to the. beauty of the close and small. God is in it all.
This is beautiful, Ginger--"beauty of the close and small." That's it.
Beautiful post. Thank you, Susy.
Thank you Kris!