When the Church Feels Small

Bob Loudermilk

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Across the country, there are dedicated congregations that might be quietly wondering what the future holds. Over the years, their numbers have significantly decreased for various reasons. 

Some gather in small towns where the population has been steadily declining. Once, the building was packed, but now they meet each Sunday with just twenty, fifteen, even ten people—sometimes less. 

In some places, nearly every member has gray hair. A few faithful souls unlock the doors, prepare the communion, lead the singing, and continue serving week after week because they love the Lord and love His people.

They’re putting in the effort and are eager to grow. And they are fully aware of the need to stand strong against the tide of discouragement that can sneak up on us when we least expect it. 

It is easy to begin measuring ourselves the way the world measures success: by size, influence, visibility, and numbers. But throughout Scripture, God repeatedly reminded His people that He has never depended upon large numbers to accomplish His purposes.

When Gideon prepared for battle, he started with 32,000 men. But notice carefully God’s reaction to this large number: 

“And the Lord said to Gideon, ‘The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel gain glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand saved me’,” Judges 7:2.

God intentionally reduced the army to only 300 so that Israel would understand the victory belonged to Him. What looked too small in human eyes became the very tool God used to display His power.

In Zechariah 4:10, during a difficult rebuilding period, God asked: “Who has despised the day of small things?” What a needed reminder for our time.

When writing to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus shared some words that should be encouraging for every church, regardless of their size: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it: for you have a little strength, have kept My word and have not denied My name,” Revelation 3:8.

Notice what Jesus did not say. He did not criticize them for lacking prominence, wealth, or power. Instead, He honored their faithfulness.

“A little strength.” That verse may describe a number of congregations today. Not overflowing with resources. Not packed with people. But still holding on to the Word of God. Still praying, worshipping, and serving. And still refusing to quit.

Perhaps that is exactly where one of the greatest needs exists among smaller congregations today: building a culture of encouragement.

Discouragement can slowly become part of the atmosphere of a church. Conversations can become centered around decline, problems, frustrations, or “the way things used to be.” Over time, that spirit can quietly drain energy and hope from a congregation.

But Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24 says: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”

What if smaller congregations became known not for what they lacked, but for the encouragement they overflowed with? What if every visitor encountered warmth, joy, kindness, gratitude, and genuine love?

Imagine if older Christians were more intentional about sharing their courage with younger ones. What if we focused as much on uplifting each other as we do on talking about challenges?  

What if we made a conscious effort to celebrate every success—every new friend, every mended relationship, every baptism, every act of kindness, every answered prayer?

A culture of encouragement can breathe life into weary hearts.

Small congregations still matter deeply. In fact, many possess strengths larger churches often struggle to maintain:

• deep relationships

• genuine care

• strong family atmosphere

• opportunities for involvement

• resilience through hardship

• faithful perseverance

Never underestimate what God can do through a congregation that simply refuses to stop loving people and serving Him.

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