Small Churches that Survive Against All Odds

Besides Harristown Christian Church, I know of two instances of thriving small churches that defied all odds.

In Taintor, Iowa, there's a community church that used to be a Methodist congregation. The people had met in the same building for years and years, and one day the bishop (or whoever) decided that the congregation was too small, and they would have to cease to be. The people were furious, and said they would just stop being Methodists, and form a new church. Well, that was well and good, but it turns out that they didn't own the building. The Methodist Church did. One of the congregation had a new two-stall garage that had a concrete floor, so the congregation set it up as their temporary home. After a time, they got a loan and built a new church building. It's a very simple but elegant structure, well-suited to their needs. When I visited it a couple of years ago, it had grown some. Maybe someday it will not be a small church at all, but no one is about to panic about its small size.

On the other hand, the Presbyterian Church in New Sharon, Iowa, is very small. When we visited with my sister, there were just 7 people in attendance, and that counted my husband and me. They have their worship services on Wednesday evening, and their minister is usually a student who serves a Sunday-church also. After the service, they get together for refreshments. The time we were there the refreshments were substantial, and everyone was congenial and friendly. I guess there's been talk from "higher up" about closing the church, but the congregation supports the expenses and so far they have managed to keep on keeping on.

Small churches are everywhere. Some of them become big churches when they get a charismatic minister and strong, growth-centered lay leadership, but some will remain small and may continue on for years and years. I wonder what Jesus would say to our small groups if he came to visit?