Too often, our imagination for what counts as success is more formed by capitalism than by the kingdom of God. In The Gift of Small, Allen Stanton offers a corrective, shifting our focus away from the distractions of average Sunday attendance to the making of disciples within context-specific missions. Stanton not only encourages smaller congregations--he celebrates them. Every word of this book is rooted in deep love of small congregations and the members that make them up. This book will help pastors, denominational leaders, and congregants grow in appreciation for the particular ways that they grow in shared spiritual life and share the gospel, both within their congregation and into the communities beyond.
The Gift of Small: Embracing Your Church’s Vocation
Most churches in the US are small-membership congregations. As Allen T. Stanton notes, most church leadership resources focus on membership growth as a central, guiding paradigm for the work of the church. The assumption is that membership growth is a natural outcome of a healthy congregation and successful ministry. However, Stanton argues that this assumption fails to engage theologically with the vocational gifts that small-membership churches offer. This oversight fuels the perception that small congregations are failing in their ministries or lack vitality. Instead, The Gift of Small argues that small-membership congregations are well positioned for the faithful, effective work of the church.
Stanton explores the roles that relationships play in faith formation and organizational leadership in small-membership churches. In doing so, he highlights the profiles of people who belong to these congregations and examines the assets they bring. The result is a renewed understanding of the critical role that small-membership churches often play in their members' vocational discovery and community-leadership development. Stanton grounds his observations in Jesus's teachings that use the imagery of small to represent powerful agents of transformation.
The Gift of Small can help clergy and lay leaders recover from discouragement and disillusionment regarding the often-disregarded work done in small-membership churches. This book will serve as a reinvigorating guide to help such clergy and leaders see their congregations' vital impact with clearer and fresher eyes. This book, in turn, will facilitate a renewed commitment to the work of small-membership churches.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781506481937
- eBook ISBN 9781506481944
- Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
- Pages 158
- Publication Date October 22, 2024
Endorsements
Dr. Kate Rae Davis, executive director, Center for Transforming Engagement at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and executive editor, Christ & Cascadia
Allen Stanton illuminates the many gifts and abilities of small-membership congregations. He identifies leadership practices and key roles for clergy and laity who desire to see the small church exhibit health and vitality. Stanton calls us to see the small church as a community in which transforming discipleship can happen.
Bishop Tom Berlin, Florida Conference, United Methodist Church,and author of The Third Day and Reckless Love
A strong sense of vocation is fundamental to a well-lived life. In this important work, Allen Stanton clearly demonstrates the ways in which personal and congregational vocation are uniquely interwoven in the small church and made manifest in the local community.
Rev. Phillip Blackburn, director, Thriving in Rural Ministry, University of the Ozarks
Allen Stanton offers an impressive, refreshing, and uniquely multidisciplinary account. Drawing widely from theology, economics, sociology, political science, and ethics, Stanton fiercely advocates for small-membership congregations. The Gift of Small is essential reading for those leading and serving in and alongside small-membership congregations.
Laceye C. Warner, Royce and Jane Reynolds Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies, and associate dean for Wesleyan Engagement, Duke University Divinity School