Labels

Show more

Encouragement for Small Church Pastors

Dear Pastors of small churches,

I want to encourage you today from the Bible that speaks to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with leading a small church.

In the book of Zechariah, we see a powerful message of encouragement for those who feel that their work is small and insignificant. In Zechariah 4:10, the Lord says, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."

This is a powerful message for pastors of small churches. It can be easy to feel discouraged by the limitations and challenges that come with leading a small church. But the Lord sees your work, and He rejoices in it. He knows that even the smallest beginnings can lead to great things, and He is with you every step of the way. Remember, "He will never leave you or forsake you" Deuteronomy 31:8.

In fact, the Bible is full of stories of small beginnings that led to great things. David was just a shepherd boy when he defeated Goliath and became king of Israel. The disciples were just a small group of men when they began to spread the message of Jesus to the world. And Jesus Himself was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem, yet His life and ministry changed the course of human history.

As pastors of small churches, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around you. You may not have a large budget, a big staff, or a massive congregation, but you have the power of the Holy Spirit within you, and you have the love and support of the Lord who rejoices in your work.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, the Apostle Paul reminds us that "God's power is made perfect in weakness." When we feel weak and inadequate, that is when we can truly rely on God's strength and grace to carry us through. So if you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by the challenges of leading a small church, remember that the Lord is with you, and He rejoices in the work that you are doing.

Pastors, do not despise these small beginnings. The Lord sees your work, and He rejoices in it. Trust in His strength and grace, and know that even the smallest beginnings can lead to great things. May you be encouraged and strengthened in your work, and may your small church be a light to your community and a blessing to those around you.


Small Church Guys exists to serve you and your congregation, and we are committed to empower small churches to make a difference in their communities. We believe that no church is too small to have an impact, and we're here to help you fulfill your mission. If you are interested in learning more about how we can support you please give us a call or visit our website we hope to hear from you...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 3: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up – Why God Still Builds His Church

You don’t need a seminary degree to see that churches are closing their doors at an alarming rate. In 2025, Carey Nieuwhof’s Church Trends report estimates that church closures in the U.S. outpace new church plants by a ratio of 3-to-1 . In raw numbers, that’s potentially 7,000 churches disappearing every year. Many of these are small churches. Churches like yours. Maybe you’ve seen it firsthand. That neighboring congregation who sold their building. The pastor friend who quietly stepped away. The older church a few blocks down that once thrived but now barely keeps the lights on. And perhaps—if we’re honest—you’ve wondered: How long can we hold on? If these stats make you feel like the odds are against you, you’re not alone. But before despair creeps in, let’s pause and remember: God is not surprised. He is not panicked. And He is not powerless. He still builds His Church. This Is Not the First Time the Church Has Faced Crisis Jesus didn’t promise His followers that church growt...
Read more

Week 4: No Copy-Paste Needed – The Beauty of Being Your Church

 If you've been in ministry for more than a few months, you've probably felt the pressure: Make your church more modern, more exciting, more relevant. Maybe you've asked yourself: Do we need better lighting? Should I change my preaching style? Is our worship too old-school? Are we behind because we don’t have a full creative team or slick social media? Carey Nieuwhof’s 2025 Church Trends report calls this out directly. He points to the growing fatigue with “just-add-water” church models—the kind where every church looks, sounds, and feels exactly the same. A modern worship band. Three Hillsong or Maverick City songs. A cool logo. An upbeat sermon. Coffee. Kids check-in. Go home. There was a time when this formula “worked.” But in today’s spiritual landscape—especially among Gen Z and Millennials—it’s wearing thin. People aren’t looking for a copy of culture. They’re looking for an alternative to it . Enter: The rise of the non-derivative church. What Is a...
Read more

Church Revitalization: 5 Essential Steps to Renewing Your Church - Wk 3

Week 3: Heart Surgery – Transforming Church Culture & Addressing Conflict Church culture is the unseen force that defines how people interact, worship, and serve together. While theology and mission provide the framework, it is culture that determines whether a church thrives in unity or collapses in division. Many churches that struggle with revitalization do not have a vision problem; they have a culture problem . This week, we will examine how to diagnose unhealthy church culture, resolve conflicts biblically, and create a culture of unity and health. Diagnosing the Health of Church Culture Church culture is shaped by attitudes, behaviors, and unwritten rules that govern how people engage with one another. Here are key indicators of a toxic church culture: Persistent Conflict – Ongoing disputes that are never fully resolved. Cliques & Division – Groups within the church that exclude others. Negative Speech & Gossip – Conversations that spread division instead of encou...
Read more