High Praise for a Small Church Pastor
Monday, November 20, 2023
“In the family register of heaven, the small and the great are written with the same pen.” – C.H. Spurgeon
A have a close friend who has pastored a church in New Jersey for more than 30 years, probably closer to 40. He is very well-educated, having earned a doctorate in theology, and is one of the best Bible teachers you will ever meet. He is also friendly, outgoing, and always there to lend a helping hand to someone in need.
So why, you might ask, is his congregation so small? My best guess is that it’s because of the church facility itself. There is a small sanctuary that seats about 150 people along with a fellowship hall, a nursery, and two tiny classrooms in the basement. That’s pretty much it.
The property itself is a relatively large corner lot with plenty of beautiful shade trees and a well-maintained parking lot that can accommodate 50 or more cars. Although it doesn’t sit on a major highway, hundreds of cars pass by the church every day.
Sadly, in this day and age, many Christians are looking for a church with all the “bells and whistles.” When they go “church shopping,” they pull out their laundry list of must-haves – such as a gym, a large youth group, and a first-rate worship team – and start checking them off one-by-one. Forget about the church’s doctrinal statement, the caliber of the teaching, or whether God would have you to serve there. Nope, it’s all about consumerism… what fits my lifestyle and how my needs can best be met… as if choosing a church was like buying a house or a new car.
I know my friend gets discouraged from time to time, but he just places the matter in God’s hands and keeps serving as faithfully as he possibly can. Yes, in relative obscurity.
I am convinced about two things. First, his rewards in heaven will be tremendous. Second, people will be amazed when my friend receives more accolades than some mega-church pastors who had it much easier.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’” Matthew 25:23 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
