Once again, strong participation characterized a high-quality seminar, featuring ministry in small and rural churches. It was reported that 90 percent of all Wesleyan churches in North America are under 150 in attendance. Most of these will never grow past 200, and although growth is important, other indicators of church health besides growth were discussed. This and other questions generated lively engagement around the tables in the packed seminar room.
Small and rural churches often provide creative and innovative ministries, reaching people with the love of Christ, and are invaluable in the body of Christ and The Wesleyan Church. Sixty percent of small churches are in small communities, not urban areas, and their ministries represent a significant contribution to their neighborhoods.
The networking roundtable enabled pastors to connect, share ideas and resources, and celebrate stories of transformation. Each person received a copy of The Grasshopper Myth by Karl Vaters, a liberating book for the small church pastor that refuses to think small.
