One of the best resources we have for small churches is our manual: Transforming Communities, Leading Congregational Change. This material was developed in conjunction with McMaster Divinity college. It is in the process of being re-written. For now, here is the current copy.

Books: Available at READ On Books, 416 620 2934

If It Could Happen Here: Turning the Small Membership Church Around, Jeff Patton, Abingdon Press

In this informative book, Jeff Patton describes six levers for transforming a small-membership church: prayer, discerning a clear vision, indigenous worship, growth groups, membership that means something, and lay pastoring. Filled with solid insights on how the principles Patton has developed can be applied in difference contexts, this book will offer hope to all leaders of small-membership congregations who know that there is more to life in Jesus and want to experience it.

Inside the Small Church, Anthony G. Pappas, The Alban Institute

This is an indispensable resource for small-church leaders to learn to stimulate ‘leading, loving, largening, and leaving’ in their congregations.

Hope for the Small Church: Revitalizing the Small Church Through Leadership Development, Abe Funk, Essence Publishing

Abe Funk has been a District Minister, a church planter, and the Executive Director of the Baptist General Conference of Canada. He has a passion to help small churches be health and effective.

One Size Doesn't Fit All: Bringing out the Best in Any Size Church, Gary L. McIntosh, Fleming Revell

Summarizes the differences in style and structure among different sizes of congregations, typical obstacles to growth at each size, and the most promising growth strategies for each situation.

Small Congregation, Big Potential: Ministry in the Small Membership Church, Lyle E. Schaller, Abingdon Press.

Small churches have the potential to be exceptional communities of faith. Shifting the focus from what small churches can't be, Lyle Schaller offers a vision and suggestions for how small churches can live into their potential. (ebook download)

Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church, Ronald K. Crandall, Ron Crandall, Herb Miller (Editor)

 Crandall analyzes survey results of 97 churches from 10 (US) denominations, both mainline and evangelical, of under 200 members and/or 100 at worship who experienced a recent, significant turnaround, defined as: a new sense of hope and empowerment, a new vision for mission, a new readiness to reach out to the community, a new effectiveness in evangelism, and new growth in membership/church school/worship attendance.

Most of these churches experienced spiritual renewal more as gradual curve than a turning point. It was mainly through looking back that they realized what was happening. Crandall is not advocating small churches becoming medium or large churches, although this could be a long-term effect of a turnaround. His survey focuses on churches that are still classified as small even after the turnaround. Crandall identifies five major obstacles to renewal in small churches: 

1. Low congregational self-esteem and apathy
2. Lack of vision for the future
3. Lack of concern and love for outsiders
4. Finances and stewardship of resources
5. Issues of power and interpersonal conflict

Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church, Lyle Schaller
(ebook download)

Examines four major areas of concern affecting small churches: self-esteem, youth ministries, the financial base, and church growth. Looks at church staffing and discusses the key role of the Sunday school.

Small Membership Church, Lyle Schaller (ebook download)

For nearly four centuries, the small congregation has been the dominant institutional expression of Protestant Christanity. Meanwhile the societal context for the small Protestant church has changed from supportive to neutral to, in many places, a hostile environment. The small church thrived in a society once dominated by small institutions that were friendly and supportive. But today, small churches cope in a world of large institutions that do not make any effort to be supportive of organized religion. For example, consider the retail chain stores that make no effort to stay closed before noon on Sunday mornings. Lyle Schaller demonstrated that the small membership church has a bright and promising future if the leaders will adapt to new roles in the culture. He suggests many alternative scenarios that can lead to better use of resources and more focused energies in ministry.

Articles

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