Hope-Filled Thoughts

 

Dear friends,

As someone who helps lead a small church here at South Featherstone Gospel Hall, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our situation. We’re not a big congregation, and sometimes that can feel discouraging. But this week I read a very helpful article by Curt Leonard, who holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry and an MDiv, and who has pastored several small churches himself. He currently serves as pastor of Holiday Park Bible Church in Pittsburgh.

The article is called “I’ve Pastored Small Churches. Here’s the Advice I Needed.” It really spoke to me, so I thought I’d share some of the key points and how they apply to us here at SFGH.

1. Focus on Health, Not Size

Curt’s first piece of advice is to stop worrying so much about numbers and focus instead on the spiritual health of the church. That really struck me. We can’t control how many people come through the doors, but we can focus on whether we are growing in our walk with the Lord and helping one another grow.

For us at South Featherstone, that means keeping our own personal walk with God fresh, preaching and teaching the Word faithfully, and encouraging one another to mature in Christ. Size is God’s business — health is ours.

2. Love and Use What We’ve Got

Small churches often have a real mix of personalities, and we’re no different here. Curt encourages us not to get frustrated by the people God has given us, but to love them and invest in them.

At SFGH, we have faithful, long-standing members alongside newer faces. Instead of wishing for different people, let’s thank God for those He has placed among us and look for ways to encourage and train those who are willing. God doesn’t make mistakes with His church.

3. Enjoy the Blessings of a Small Church

One thing Curt points out is that small churches have real advantages — deeper relationships, more personal care, and less formality. I’ve seen this at South Featherstone. We know each other’s names, we can support one another in practical ways, and there’s a real sense of family.

Let’s not take these blessings for granted. They are gifts from the Lord.

4. Talk Up the Advantages

When new people visit, it’s easy to feel we have to apologise for being small. Curt says the opposite — we should confidently share the strengths of a smaller church.

At SFGH we can highlight things like genuine relationships, opportunities to serve, and the chance to be part of something personal and meaningful. Let’s stop apologising and start celebrating what God has given us here.

5. Let Go of Our Ego

This one hit home. It’s easy to tie our sense of success (or failure) to the size of the church. Curt reminds us that our worth doesn’t come from how many people attend — it comes from faithfulness to the Lord who called us.

As leaders and members at South Featherstone, let’s serve one another with humble hearts and leave the results with God.

6. Keep a Big Vision

Even though we’re small, we’re still part of the Great Commission. Curt encourages small churches to dream big with God — to pray for growth, for new believers, and for impact beyond ourselves.

At SFGH, let’s keep lifting our eyes. God can do great things even through a small, faithful group of people. Remember the mustard seed!

Food for thought!

I found Curt Leonard’s article really encouraging and relevant to where we are as a church family. Small doesn’t mean insignificant in God’s kingdom. He specialises in using the small and the weak to display His power and glory.

Let’s keep trusting Him, loving one another, and serving faithfully here at South Featherstone Gospel Hall.

What do you think? Which of these points speaks most to you at the moment? leave a comment below.

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church