In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer on why smaller churches are making a comeback.
Some statistics regarding church average attendance
- 31% – less than 50
- 37% – 51-99
- 24% – 100-250
- 8% – more than 250
The coming realities:
- More pastors and staff will be co-vocational and bi-vocational.
- Equipping church members to do the work of ministry is as vital as always.
- Ministry and theological training must adapt to this reality.
- Search committees will be looking for a different type of pastor.
- Church budgets will be smaller.
- Denominations must refocus their ministry and support of this new paradigm.
- More churches will need to be adopted or they will die.
Resources related to this podcast:
The New Very Large Church by Thom Rainer
