The small and struggling church

As a young man I belonged to a parish of several thousand. now I pastor a church were maybe 25 show up on a Sunday. I have been called to serve in a church that's sacramental, evangelical and charismatic. Our flavor of Christianity is difficult for some believers to understand. My heart is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone but it's hard when your flock is timid and very comfortable being a small church.

The small churches in all flavors of Christianity and we battle similar things. Invisibility is one. Without a budget it's difficult even by cheap banners or signs to make the church's presence known. Mega-churches are another problem. And please understand I'm not bashing mega-churches. But just the names that they go by are an indictment against other churches. Names like higher vision and real life church. Without realizing it there accusing other churches of not being real or not having a real modern vision for the church. We've had several families in the past 3 years leave our church to go to mega churches because they have programs and amenities that we don't have.

I was asked several weeks ago by a person who would eventually leave the church ” does God really want this little church to exist?”. I know that God wants our church serve him in our area. I also know that many people have received Christ and returned to the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of our parish. We aren't supposed to fold just because were small! Jesus started with 12 guys.

I take responsibility for the shortcomings of our church. I would appreciate it if you read this would pray for me. I'm not doing everything right comes off my focus on the things I do wrong. It's no secret I'm very frustrated but my greatest fear is that my frustration is paralyzing me and keeping me from being the minister for Christ Jesus that I'm supposed to be.

Many years ago a person that I was directing spiritually said to me “hit me as hard as you can”. Please feel free to tell them just a big baby or to give me and encouragement or direction for prayer.