Big Church/Little Church
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Big Church/Little Church
Quite often, large churches provide examples of effective ministry. We see mega-churches that seem to provide everything for everyone. But there are many people who love small churches. When we look at the early Christian churches, they were actually held in the homes of believers. What are the strengths of a small church, and do we find those strengths here at Most Holy Redeemer?
1) The most important strength is that it is personal. Relationships are very valuable in a small church. God created us to be sociable. Is this happening in our small church?
2) The pastor of a small church is usually more personal. He preaches to people he actually knows. Whereas in big churches, the parishioners never spend time with the pastor. Again, it is more relational than large churches.
3) Small parishes are driven more by relationship over program. Why would someone visit and 'stay' and Most Holy Redeemer? Is it because of the building? Is it because of the way the priests celebrate the Mass? Is it because of a special event? Or is it because this is where they feel 'loved'? What is most important?
4) Small churches tend to be more intergenerational. There is not a Mass for the old and one for the new. They are all together as God intended. The old learn from the new and vice versa. It is good to see the elderly because we are reminded of our own mortality. It is good to see the youth because we are given hope. This is a strength.
5) Small churches do life together. We walk side by side with one another whether we are divorced, disabled, alcoholics or whatever. We go at our faith together. We realize how blessed and yet how weak we all are at times.
6) Small churches have a greeting time either before or after the Mass. It is a time to catch up on the lives of one another. They share family news, express gratitude, celebrate joys. They encourage one another. We are not spectators of our religion. We 'are' our religion in action.
7) Small churches see their gatherings as 'family gatherings'. So the preaching is not formal or stiff. Listeners can appreciate a more down home style of delivery from the clergy.
Would you agree that Most Holy Redeemer fits the bill of being a healthy small church?
Fr. Anthony
