When you are a small church, it is easy to tell ourselves a set of untruths. It is easy to think nobody sees us, we are isolated and alone, what we are doing is of no ultimate consequence. These are ultimate lies of the Devil. Here are some things worth remembering when you are a small church plodding along in the ministry Jesus has given you.

You are not unique

It is very easy to look at other bigger, apparently more successful churches and think that is what most people’s ministry looks like. The truth is, small churches are the norm. Most churches are not doing spectacular works (as we judge it) seen all over the world. Most churches are doing their thing in relative obscurity with not many people. Your setup is normal.

Smallness is not a barrier to effectiveness

Small churches are capable of doing great things for Jesus. I have known small churches plant other churches. I have known small churches setup up fantastic ministries that are seeing people saved, I have known small churches disciple people incredibly effectively. I have known small churches send out missionaries and workers. We need to be rid of this lie that you can only be effective if you are big and wealthy, it simply isn’t true. Plough on with the ministry you have been given and see what God does.

Your ministry is valuable

There are lots of things we can learn from the parable of the sheep and goats, but one of those things is that Jesus notices small acts of faithful ministry that nobody appears to see. The list of things in that parable that Jesus says was done to (or not to) him are not very impressive. They are a set of things that are pretty basic. But there is no denying that Jesus saw them all and wants to honour them. You may have a small ministry that can feel like nobody sees what you’re doing; but Jesus definitely sees, he values it and he will honour you for it.

Your presence is more important than your size

This is particularly true if you are ministering on a council estate or an area of deprivation, but I think is probably universally true. You may only have a handful of people able to do a limited amount of work. But I am convinced the Lord will do more through a handful of praying people who are visibly present in their community than he would 100 people all bussing in and bussing out with little connection to the local place or people. You may be small, but your presence is far more important than your size.