Small

While we generally like to report to each other about the great big groups who've attended or supported this or that activity or event, I'd like to remind us that some of our "small" gatherings can be the best for knitting those important relationships we so value.

I recently discovered a new magazine on Church and Culture called The Next Wave. The lead article this month is called What on Earth is God Up To? The main idea the author of that article is holding up is what he's noticing in dynamic congregations he visits--high energy, Spirit infused, small groups.

It's not just intentionally formed, formal small groups created for a purpose, but a dynamic trend to various kinds of groups springing up, even in the midst of larger congregations.

The example that came to my mind was a Conditions of Membership circle recently gathered in one of our larger congregations. At first participants were disappointed that more people were not there. Then they realized what an amazing and deep conversation they'd had together.

Ask any of the folks who were part of a rather small junior high camp at Erie Beach this summer about the Spirit they experienced there.

I'm off to Little Current this weekend to help that congregation imagine what the church can look like in their community as they cycle into a smaller phase of their existence. I'm hoping we can discern a Spirit that will be there in the midst of their smallness that is just as fine and nurturing as when they had larger numbers.

I'm not suggesting we don't pay attention to growing our congregations. I'm trying to wrap my head around how to do that with the tried-and-true principle that small can be beautiful.