Just because your congregation is small doesn't limit your worship style.
"Living in the tension of small numbers and large hopes, gives us energy for the work of transformative worship," Wallace and Heck write. "Worship can be passionate in any setting. Small-membership churches are in the right place for effective, transforming ministry!"
Small congregations have unique gifts and particular strengths that can sustain a variety of worship styles. Yet many leaders shy away from some powerful participatory experiences because "we're too few" or more "informal." Any challenges or doubts you may have about expanding your weekly rituals can be met or at least lessened.
The authors write in detail about best practices and worship tools that can bring out the best in small congregations, including planning for
- the liturgical year
- altar settings
- hospitality
- children's sermons
- ushering
- serving communion
- the choir
There are no "one-size-fits-all" answers. Worship, after all, is not about the leaders or the plan but is about helping people encounter the presence of God among the people of God. Your congregation's worship life and members will be strengthened as you seek answers together and grow in faith and understanding.
