But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)
The other day, someone asked a thought-provoking question: When did we decide that bigger is better?
Of course, advertising in our world constantly urges us to choose the biggest, brightest, fanciest whatever-it-is. But that’s not where this question came from. The deeper question is this: When did we—churchgoers and believers—decide that a bigger church or ministry was better?
Implied in the word better is the belief that bigger means more effective at Kingdom ministry. I agree that a larger church often has more opportunities to influence its community simply because it has a greater footprint. But does that necessarily mean it’s better?
Scripture teaches that both the small and the large have great importance in the Kingdom of God.
- Jesus compared the Kingdom to a mustard seed, which starts tiny but grows into a large tree that provides shelter and blessing (Matthew 13:31–32).
- He also said that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough (Matthew 13:33).
- On the other hand, we see how one person’s choices can affect many others—such as Abraham’s decision to have a child with Hagar (Genesis 16:1–4) or Solomon’s decision to turn away from God’s commands (1 Kings 11:1–11). Small decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
God expects us to grow spiritually throughout our lives. Growth is a sign of health, not just in numbers but in maturity, faith, and love.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:15–16 NIV)
God also invites us to expand our influence and faith:
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. (Isaiah 54:2–3 NIV)
And we see in Jabez’s prayer that expansion, when rooted in God’s blessing and presence, is something he honors:
Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain! (1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV)
I don’t believe God is displeased when we start small. Jesus said we must come to him as children (Matthew 18:3–4). Children are small, dependent, and limited in understanding, yet their faith can be deep and sincere. Jesus never dismisses them because of their size or immaturity. Instead, he welcomes them and helps them grow.
He does the same for us. God meets us where we are, and when we surrender to him in obedience, he helps us grow in faith and fruitfulness (Philippians 1:6).
The same principle applies to local churches. A small church that is centered on Jesus, faithful to his Word, and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit can have a powerful impact on its community. Even a few devoted believers can shine brightly (Matthew 5:14–16).
God’s call for a small congregation may look different from that of a large one, but both are vital parts of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). One is not more important than the other—each fulfills a unique role in the Kingdom.
God,
We praise you for who you are and we thank you for all the marvelous things you have done. You have made known our salvation through Jesus Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the witness of your Church. Thank you for your mercy and faithfulness to your people. Thank you that your heart, your eyes, and your blessings are upon those who are faithful to you – no matter whether they are young or more mature in the faith. Thank you that we can dwell with you, walk with you, and serve you in a variety of places.
Today we pray that every local congregation—whether small or large—will remain centered on Christ, grounded in Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and growing in faith and love as they pursue the calling you have given them. May the eyes of their hearts be attentive to your voice within them. May they honor the good plans and purposes you have for their church as they make disciples of all nations. Grant them focus, resources, encouragement, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to fulfill their mission. We ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land,
That they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a perfect way,
He shall serve me. (Psalm 101:6 NKJV)
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!
For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
The Lord has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Psalm 98:1-3 NKJV)