Overview

A Small Church Pastor in a Big Church World was written from a deep personal conviction in hopes of encouraging anyone within a small church environment, especially those in ministry. It is also intended to provoke thought. The popular focus has been on church growth, at least for the last several decades. This misplaced emphasis has resulted in many ministers feeling as though they are failing in their calling. Of course, all ministers want to see their churches or ministries grow, but I believe the focus is wrong. The Word of God places the emphasis regarding ministry on the reliance on the Spirit of God and not on men's skills or abilities. The average church in America would be considered a small church. That has always been the case. Only approximately 2% of American churches are over 1000 in attendance even after all the emphasis on church growth. There are churches that are growing, but much of that growth is migratory growth and not growth from conversions. Many ministers in America are discouraged feeling they are all alone. This book was written to let them know that they are not alone. God never mandated that every church be a big church or even a growing church. What He requires of ministers is that they are faithful to their calling. Through similes and analogies, the reader will be reminded that God is in control of all things related to His church. They will be encouraged to survey any weakness there may be in their strategy. Once they are sure they are doing the best they could, they should rest in that fact.

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My thoughts about the message your book carries are; the information is definitely interesting with regard to the big churches and the small congregations, and the analogy about the big box is perfect. I love the sheep analogy as well... This is an important book! - Joanne Mazzotta, author of Why Whisper?, Notes to My Children, and Living Out Loud on Facebook

Author Information

I am 58 years old, married to my wife Carol for 29 years, the father of two adult children. Deanna is 28 and Mark, Jr. is 25. My wife and both of my children faithfully attend the church I now pastor. I have been the pastor of First Assembly of God in Meriden, CT going on 16 years in September. Our average attendance has seen ebbs and flows through those years. We have seen people come, and we have seen them go. Our average attendance has been as as low as 80 and as high as 110. Prior to First Assembly of God, I was the pastor of Evangel Assembly of God in Stratford, CT for 5 1/2 years. We saw the same fluctuation of attendance in that ministry. Before becoming the pastor of Evangel Assembly of God, I was Assistant Pastor of Christian Assembly in Stratford, CT, which was a very small church. Most of my peer group pastor churches that would also be considered small churches. I understand both the subject and the audience very well. I am well-traveled having ministered in Germany, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe, and Cuba.

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