“How big is your church?” It’s the question many of my colleagues dread.
I pastor a church of “about 100.” I know the feeling.
As a small church pastor, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the sidelines, a second-class citizen. Megachurches and famous preachers seem to dominate the spotlight, leaving small congregations and their pastors feeling overlooked.
But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, your role is essential in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Small church pastors bring unique contributions that make a tremendous impact. It’s time to respect what you do, and where you do it.
Here’s why.
Respect Your Position
The cold hard truth? Small churches are the backbone of the American church. The majority of churches in America are small, with fewer than 200 members. Megachurches (congregations of over 2,000 people) may get the most press, but it’s the collective presence of small churches that truly drives the Kingdom forward.
Consider This:
- There are roughly 1,500 megachurches in the U.S., but there are over 350,000 churches altogether.
- If every megachurch added 1,000 new members, that would mean an additional 1.5 million people attending church. Sounds impressive, right?
- But what if every non-megachurch added just 10 new people? That would bring 3.5 million new congregants into U.S. churches.
The numbers are clear. When small churches thrive, the Church grows exponentially.
Small church pastors should respect their position because they’re at the forefront of this potential. Your efforts, your leadership, and your faithfulness contribute to something far greater than the size of your congregation suggests.
Respect Your Pastoral Care
We live in a world where anxiety, disconnection, and loneliness are at all-time highs. Studies show that over 40% of adults struggle with anxiety, and in a culture dominated by technology and screens, people are craving real, meaningful connection. This is where small church pastors have an immense advantage.
Low-Tech, High-Impact
Small church pastors often have the privilege of knowing their congregants personally. You’re not just a face on a screen, broadcasting a sermon to a distant audience. You visit homes, attend community events, and speak face-to-face with your members. You listen to their stories, celebrate their victories, and grieve their losses.
This kind of pastoral care can’t be outsourced to an app or replaced by a digital sermon. It’s personal. It’s relational. And it’s vital in a world that’s increasingly disconnected. When you sit with someone who’s struggling, you’re embodying the love and care of Christ in ways that technology can’t. Respect your pastoral care because it’s on the front lines of addressing the emotional and spiritual crises of our time.
