Welcome to the small-membership church blog! While the definition of a small-membership church varies from denomination to denomination, for the purposes of this site a Sunday attendance of 70 people or less is used. Nearly half of all congregations in the Episcopal Church (the denomination in which I serve) fall into this category.
Small membership churches are located in a variety of different settings. In the Episcopal Church 30% are in rural and open country (in the Episcopal Church the Diocese of Virginia has the greatest number of congregations that fall into this category), larger town or small cities (50%), downtown (5%), older residential (7%), older suburb (6%) and newer suburbs (2%).
Their membership may also be growing (26.5%), stable (26.7%) or declining (46.8%).
Those that worship in small membership churches have a great deal to offer the broader church. Additionally, leaders with in small membership churches are a creative and gifted lot, and have much to share with other leaders in similar circumstances. Connecting with others can often be the biggest barrier. It is my hope and prayer that this site will become a place where people can share and learn and gain inspiration from others who serve through small congregations.
Faithfully in Christ, in whose name and mission we are all united,
Suzanne+
5 comments:
Good for you to start this, and I hope your blog helps many people come to know the love and mercy of Christ.
My church is a bit too large to contribue, I'm afraid, but I am glad that those in smaller churches can have a place to share.
Thomas+
Thank you Thomas!And you're welcome to contribute from your experience and perception.
Suzanne
I like it! Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing this wonderful site with us.
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This is nice! I am a member of a small Episcopal church in the Diocese of Georgia. Hope to visit more.
Interesting site. Useful information. Bookmarked.
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