July/Aug 09: The NEW Small Church

 

In the swirl of daunting challenges—suburban and urban migration, megachurch momentum, dwindling resources, branded competition, shifting institutional loyalties, leadership deficits, economic hardship, and ingrown congregations—the resiliency of the small church in America has shone through. In fact, across America, smaller congregations are becoming models of innovation, effective community and global vision.

 

In This Issue:

 

The NEW Small Church

Many of America’s small congregations have become models of innovation and ministry effectiveness—with a sense of vision that’s transforming their communities and touching the world.

 

8 Churches That Show Just How Big Small Can Be

 

The Bivocational Pastor: Economic Necessity? Or Strategic Possibility?

 

Christ and Creativity for At-Risk Kids

 

Pro Surfer Bryan Jennings: Walking on Water

 

Easting Financial Hardships at Christmas: Plan That Outreach Now

 

Francis Chan on Planting Churches with Boldness and Prayer

 

The Outreach Interview: Andy Stanley fields questions from small-church pastors

James P. Long
James P. Longhttp://JamesPLong.com

James P. Long was formerly the editor of Outreach magazine and the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

Venture Church: Community for First-Timers

“If people don’t make a single friend at your church, they’re not going to stay.” ~Pastor Di Beals

Farm Fresh Faithfulness

By spring 2024, Cul2vate harvested over 100,000 pounds of food—including potatoes, pumpkins and watermelons—on the Brentwood acres it converted to farmland.

Reaching Gen Alpha

As churches of every size strive to reach Gen Alpha with the gospel, small churches are uniquely positioned to meet this moment.