Small congregations are not big places in miniature. They work differently. They come with different resources, dynamics, and challenges. But they also come with distinctive strengths–ones that are powerfully forming and not generally available in big settings.

Ministry requires more than trying to replicate big-setting successes. It requires unleashing this great variety of small-setting strengths. Like reclaiming lay rather than expert leadership. Or “going local” rather than chasing after a one-size-fits-most program. Or returning to practices of participation rather than performance.