Most churches in North America are small, but it doesn’t always feel that way.
70% of U.S. churches have 100 or fewer weekly attendees, and this trend towards smaller congregations is growing.
At the same time, it can feel like megachurches dominate the North American religious landscape. With stories of megachurches appearing in pop culture and books by megachurch leaders landing on the New York times bestseller list, “normal” church leaders can feel left out.
Small Church Week is about helping the majority of church leaders find practical resources tailored for the needs and opportunities of their congregations.
At Fresh Expressions, we love churches of all size. But we also believe that it is important that we “do not despise small things” (Zech. 4:10).
We believe that churches of all sizes should be actively experimenting with new ways of reaching people who have no faith community. Small churches have unique skills and capacities that can draw people to the love of Jesus.
Small Church Week is a pivotal event for small churches that aims to:
Inspire participants with real stories from other small church leaders, showcasing how they have successfully navigated the unique challenges faced by smaller congregations.
Provide clear, practical processes for overcoming issues common to small churches, using tools and methods grounded in the principles of Fresh Expressions.
Empower attendees to formulate effective plans for 2024, with a focus on growth, community engagement, and spiritual vitality in the context of their specific congregation size and demographic.
REGISTER HERE
MONDAY
Small Church, New Tricks
How to Try New Things Without Blowing Up Your Church
Theo Stanford
In a fast-changing world, small churches often resist new ideas. Drawing on decades of experience in corporate and church leadership, Pastor Theo will share his process for introducing new ideas into small, established churches.
TUESDAY
Small Church, Deep Bench
How a Small Rural Church is Reaching Across Their County
David Blackwell
Rural churches are typically small, but they can still have an outsized impact. With twenty years of experience in Montana’s heartlands, David Blackwell shares simple yet powerful strategies for maximizing the capacity of any church.
WEDNESDAY
Small Church, New Hope
How Small Churches are Getting Out of the Rut of What’s Not Working
Shannon Kiser
There’s a world of unmet needs and exciting opportunities in your community just waiting to be discovered. Shannon Kiser offers tested methods for reenergizing your congregation while fostering new ways to connect with neighbors.
THURSDAY
Small Church, Big Table
How 20 People Started a Dinner Church with 60 People
Mary Jackson
What if your small church could serve groups even bigger than themselves? Mary Jackson shares her experience leading small congregations to serve people hungry for food, friends, and faith.
FRIDAY
Small Church, Powerful Technology
How Small Churches Use AI, Streaming and Other Technologies to Reach New People
Jason Moore
As churches shrink in size, the load on pastors remains heavy. Join Jason Moore as he unveils user-friendly tech solutions, accessible even to non-experts. Learn to harness the power of modern technology for more effective ministry.