Overview
Small churches are the norm in America: 90 percent of churches see fewer than 200 people in regular weekly attendance. In this revised and expanded edition, Brandon O'Brien helps readers understand that a smaller church is sometimes more strategic than a larger one.
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. He also illustrates the strengths of small congregations with case studies. Today's congregants want services that are local, personal, and intimate. Small churches provide space to nurture close relationships across age and lifestyle barriers, and they facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople. 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 contains 20 percent new material and incorporates insights from the author's refined thinking on local church ministry after almost two decades in service to pastors worldwide. It will be invaluable for students and will help small-church pastors and leaders play to their strengths. Discussion questions for pastors are included.
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. He also illustrates the strengths of small congregations with case studies. Today's congregants want services that are local, personal, and intimate. Small churches provide space to nurture close relationships across age and lifestyle barriers, and they facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople. 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 contains 20 percent new material and incorporates insights from the author's refined thinking on local church ministry after almost two decades in service to pastors worldwide. It will be invaluable for students and will help small-church pastors and leaders play to their strengths. Discussion questions for pastors are included.
Table of Contents
Defining the Strategically Small Church
1. See for Yourself: Reimagining Ministry Success
2. The Future Is Small: Four Ministries Shrink for the Kingdom's Sake
3. All Church Is Local: The Authentic Church
4. Keeping It Lean: The Nimble Church
5. The Work of the People: The Empowering Church
6. New Focus on the Family: The Intergenerational Church
7. A Sacrifice of Praise: The Worshiping Church
8. Catch the Vision
1. See for Yourself: Reimagining Ministry Success
2. The Future Is Small: Four Ministries Shrink for the Kingdom's Sake
3. All Church Is Local: The Authentic Church
4. Keeping It Lean: The Nimble Church
5. The Work of the People: The Empowering Church
6. New Focus on the Family: The Intergenerational Church
7. A Sacrifice of Praise: The Worshiping Church
8. Catch the Vision
Endorsements
“Emerging from the shadow of the megachurch comes the good news of The Strategically Small Church. With insightful cultural analysis, compelling storytelling, and perceptive theological reflection, O’Brien’s book gives us new eyes for what God can do uniquely in the small church. With every page turned, the small church becomes less a burden to bear and more a compelling way of life. I highly recommend it.”
David Fitch, professor, Northern Seminary; author of Faithful Presence
“This book is a celebration of the strategic, missional potential of small churches, which are often underreported and underappreciated in our bigger-is-better society. O’Brien’s winsome and informed reimagining of church success provides a hopeful path forward in a cultural landscape marked by isolation, church scandal, and the seemingly inescapable allure of celebrity culture. Small churches aren’t mistakes or relics of a bygone age. They are uniquely equipped participants in God’s mission.”
Charles E. Cotherman, executive director, Center for Rural Ministry, Grove City College
“Much of the focus in evangelical circles has centered on the growth of large churches and the current struggle of smaller churches, but O’Brien brings refreshing and empowering perspectives that help smaller churches reframe their questions and see their strengths rather than only their challenges. Keenly aware that small does not define a uniform category of churches, O’Brien deftly identifies common realities that are true strategic advantages for faithful kingdom work. One of the great gifts of the book is that it avoids the common mistake of suggesting specific ways simply to ‘do better.’ Rather, O’Brien provides a helpful framework through which to reenvision fruitful ministry in a smaller-church setting.”
Preben Vang, professor of Christian Scriptures and executive director of the doctor of ministry program, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
“Some books are meant to be read more than once. Add The Strategically Small Church to that list! O’Brien challenges the typical perception of small churches and affirms their unique place in the kingdom of God. Pastors and church leaders, read this book together.”
Doug Habegger, Rural Home Missionary Association
Author
Brandon J. O'Brien
Brandon J. O'Brien (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is director of global thought leadership for Redeemer City to City. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including the bestselling Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (with E. Randolph Richards), and has served as a pastor for two small congregations. O'Brien lives in Chicago, Illinois.