About three decades ago big-box stores began to spring up across the country driving many of the local mom-and-pop stores out of business. People enjoyed the convenience of one-stop shopping for most of the items they used, and they enjoyed the lower prices these large stores were able to offer. Recently, after being in one of these stores, I told someone that the only people who looked sadder to be shopping there were the people who worked there. No one was smiling. Most people looked frustrated. Many of the shelves were bare because they couldn't get the inexpensive goods from overseas to the store. Many are now abandoning these stores to shop online. But, another thing is also happening.
Across the country you find small locally owned businesses reappearing. They're not trying to compete with the big-box store. They are offering goods and services the big stores do not. They have much smaller buildings and may be located in small strip malls, but they are attracting customers who enjoy doing business with local people who know them and know the community.
Around the same time the big-box stores were spreading across the country, big-box churches were doing the same. It seemed mega-churches were appearing everywhere in the cities that could support them. Untold numbers of smaller churches closed their doors as parishioners flocked to these churches to enjoy the many services they offered and the new styles of worship they provided. Books were written and conferences held to teach all who were interested how their churches could grow like these churches had. However, some of these churches discovered they were not effectively discipling the thousands of people who attended their services. Much of their efforts were spent ensuring that each week's production was bigger than the preceding week. Some of the well-known leaders began to struggle morally and emotionally from the stresses associated with leading such organizations. And, while many who attended enjoyed the benefits offered by these churches, some also felt rather alone and isolated. Even the small groups they attended didn't always help them feel connected to the church.
Nearly every time I lead a conference for small church and bivocational leaders I am asked if I believe the smaller church has a future. I certainly do! While the mega-churches and other large churches will probably always exist, there are many who prefer to worship in a local setting where people know one another and know the community. I believe the neighborhood church is making a comeback, and this is going to lead to greater opportunities for evangelism, discipleship and ministry.
What impact does it have on an unchurched family when their Christian neighbors drive an hour every Sunday morning to attend a church service? Probably none. What impact can it have when this family is ministered to by their neighbor who attends a worship service down the street? How can lives be changed when we invite our neighbor to attend the local church with us and they find themselves surrounded by others from the community? I've never claimed to be a prophet, but I believe God will continue to use the local church in a mighty way to bring people to Him.
Of course, that local church must have a vision for being used in such a way, and it must be willing to invest itself in serving the community in which it's located. But, for those churches willing to do these things, they can look forward to an exciting time of ministry!
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