Can A Small Church Be Missional?

by Keith W. Hardy Jr.

Does it take a large budget or a church with staff members for the church to be effective in making a difference in its community? Can a small church with limited resources still be mission focused? The answer clearly is that it does not matter the size of the church, its budget, or number of staff, what really matters is the heart of the congregation.

This article is the result of a conversation with Bill Patch, former president of Korean Nazarene University. He asked me prior to his deputation service with us, what the church was doing to reach out in love to our community. I could hardly contain myself at the chance to tell the wonderful things God is doing in and through our church. Here was an opportunity to let someone else know what God has directed us to do, and to pass on the simplicity of becoming missional in our community.

Last summer we took a Work and Witness trip to our community. There were more than 30 people who dedicated a few hours or the whole week to the project. Some were only able to help after or before work and some took the entire week off.

We dedicated one week in service to those who needed help with their homes but were unable to get the needed help through social agencies. We completed nine projects from new construction to yard work. The entire church was involved in the endeavor, including raising the needed money for the repairs. Even the children helped with the yard work. We also went to local businesses to get their help with needed supplies and they were more than willing to help. The intent of the project was to show our community that we love them. We helped each person with no conditions or pressure to attend the church.

The result of this Work and Witness project was far more than I can express. The reputation of the church in the community because of the work done is outstanding. Three of the people we helped have been regular church attenders since that time. Last Sunday night just before our service with the Patches, one of the ladies was wonderfully saved.

This is not the only thing that we are doing to reach out to our community. We have made contact with a nurse in one of the poorer school districts of our county. She expressed a need for basic hygiene products and cleaning supplies for families who could not afford them. We were able to purchase over $300 (USD) of supplies and deliver them to the nurse. We also collected clothing for elementary school children who have accidents while in school. The nurse is able to give them clean pants to wear to lessen embarrassment while in school.

I am convinced that there are so many things that the local church can do to show the love of Christ. It does not matter if you are a small or large church. Our average worship attendance last year was 88 people and we raise a little over $120,000 (USD) for all purposes. We are located in Lowville, a rural community in upstate New York.

I could go on to tell you about our volunteer program at a local Salvation Army soup kitchen or the 16 soldiers that we are sending care packages to in Iraq, or the notes that are sent out each and every week, to the soldiers that are connected to family members in our church. I am convinced that each and every church regardless of size is called to make a difference.

This all started because we made a simple change in the structure of our church. The local Nazarene Missions International (NMI) council took on the responsibility of local missions in addition to world missions. They saw that their responsibility was not only to promote global missions but also to find ways to reach out to our community for Christ.

Keith W. Hardy Jr. is has been pastor of Lowville, New York, Bethel Church of the Nazarene for 10 years. He is a graduate of Nazarene Bible College.

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