Small churches are the norm in America: 90 percent of churches see fewer than 200 weekly attendees. In this revised and expanded edition, Brandon O'Brien reveals how small churches aren't just surviving--they're thriving by leveraging their unique strengths.O'Brien explains that the smaller church is not a problem to solve or a liability to neutralize but a strategic advantage that can be leveraged for effective ministry in a variety of contexts. Smaller congregations offer powerful ministry opportunities in an era craving authentic community. In this transformative book, you will● learn from real-world case studies of successful small churches making significant impact;● unlock methods for higher lay involvement and commitment in smaller settings;● discover why small churches encourage bridge building across age and lifestyle barriers;● find help for implementing flexible strategies that larger churches struggle to adopt; and● explore how to meet the growing desire for services that are personal, local, and intimate.O'Brien shows how small churches can take full advantage of their size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies.This new edition includes 20 percent new material and incorporates insights from O'Brien's thinking on local church ministry after nearly two decades serving pastors worldwide. It is perfect for church leaders, students, and ministry teams seeking to maximize their impact regardless of size and includes discussion questions for pastors.
