Celebrating the Small Church Pastor

For many years I have been a fan of Frank Peretti’s novels and one book in particular really won me over. “The Visitation” was a wonderful revelation of the strength of small church pastors making a tremendous difference the lives on individuals despite the lack of glory and honor. The novel also implied that the larger church can have serious problems that make it less attractive and even dangerous to the life of the believer.

I want to celebrate the dedication and hard work of the unsung hero, the pastor of the small church. They have made a difference in the world far greater than their numbers and will never be recognized or honored for their work. They are available 24hrs. a day and demonstrate a wide set of skills that make them effective in ministry.

As our nation becomes in love with big and bigger the small group ministry, the small cell, or the small home church is still the universal building block of any significant congregations. For years now the experts have been warning that the small group is far more effective than the large group in changing lives and bringing people to salvation in Jesus Christ.

Small does not make everything virtuous any more than big makes everything better. Yet it is in the small group that accountability, and teach-ability becomes effective. The world largest church in Seol Korea is actually a community of small house churches. Small is God’s plan whether we are talking about cell groups or congregations.

The Pastor of a small church, group, or house church is the front line minister who closes to the real work of Christ. Those who move up in administration over Pastors move further away from working with the lost and the recently saved.

So this is to all those individuals out there who lead a bible study group in their home, Pastor a congregation of hundred people, or have a house church meeting in their living room. You are one of the most important workers in the Kingdom of God, and we love you for your service. No fame or rewards are as great as what you do each and every week over the flock you love and nurture. Keep it small and let others learn from your example. Our reward is great in heaven.